About this role
Ukrainian universities are dedicated to academic excellence, democratic values, and international collaboration. Their strategic goals include expanding international partnerships, strengthening interdisciplinary research, and modernizing teaching and learning practices. They are focusing on faculty and student mobility, creating joint academic and research initiatives, developing curriculum development based on international best practices, and strengthening institutional capacity in digital education, university governance, and resilience during periods of crisis. The universities are interested in enhancing English-language instruction, specifically with spoken English and intercultural communication. They believe that engaging with Peace Corps’ Virtual Service Pilot Participants (VSPPs) introduces authentic linguistic input and cultural perspectives that support the development of linguistic accuracy, pragmatic awareness, and cultural literacy beyond the traditional classroom. Both educational institutions are requesting VSPPs to work with a group of 15–20 self-reliant, motivated, and change-oriented university and college students. Prior to orientation, VSPPs will be assigned to two universities. Each group will meet with their respective VSPP for one weekly 60-minute session for 26 weeks. Virtual club participants are eager to be immersed in engaging activities that cover topics such as art, social media, youth life, traveling, natural wonders, holidays, traditions, sports, education, and others. The VSPPs will work with local lecturers to create interactive activities for the English clubs which will cover topics of interest to the students. These partnerships are vital to give their students a global perspective and keep education quality high, despite the challenges in Ukraine. Both educational institutions have previously collaborated with the Peace Corps. They all understand that the role of a VSPP is very different than a two-year Volunteer.