“OSU’s School of International Studies requires all master’s candidates to complete an internship as part of their degree program,” Michelle said. “They can intern with a variety of businesses or organizations. With the Master’s International program, the Peace Corps service counts as the internship component.”
Master’s international program at Oklahoma State University is gaining popularity as it enters its fourth year
Students earn degree with Peace Corps
By Nour Habib
Features Writer
The master’s international program, offered through the School of International Studies, is gaining popularity as it enters its fourth year.
Two students from Alaska have chosen the program, preferring it over others, including one offered at Georgetown University.
Jim and Robin Eleazer started it in the spring.
“This has been a great learning experience and a lot of fun, as well,” Jim, 53, said.
Originally, he had not intended to apply for the program with his wife, but their visit to campus in 2006 changed his mind.
“We will not use this degree to gain another career,” Robin, 52, said. “We are here because we are excited to learn and experience new adventures in our lives.”
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The program, available at other schools, celebrated its 20th anniversary this year. It gives students the opportunity to incorporate Peace Corps service in their master’s degree programs.
As many as 40 universities offer the master’s international program, but OSU is one of three that offers it in the international studies field.
Robin, whose focus area is “international human relations, society and education,” said she enjoys the interdisciplinary classes that come from all eight colleges at OSU. But she also sees a challenge in this.
“We have to adjust to the different philosophies of a
number of departments and schools on campus,” Robin said.
Jim also said they might face difficulty while writing their theses.
“This is an additional challenge: How to complete the research, how to access the library and work with an adviser while being in a country that may not even have Internet,” he said.
Despite the challenges, they are enjoying their time in Stillwater, which is quite different then Chugiak, Alaska.
“We love it here and will come back after our service in the Peace Corps,” Jim said.
Craig Nabors, 28, was the first to complete the program. He graduated in December.
“One benefit of the MI program over the regular master’s programs is that instead of doing just a typical two-month internship, you get a two-year life changing experience,” Nabors said.
Nabors served his internship in Azerbaijan from 2004 to 2006. His wife, Michelle, 26, also served with him. She is the Peace Corps campus recruiter at OSU.
“OSU’s School of International Studies requires all master’s candidates to complete an internship as part of their degree program,” Michelle said. “They can intern with a variety of businesses or organizations. With the Master’s International program, the Peace Corps service counts as the internship component.”
The Eleazers will serve their Peace Corps requirement in Africa starting in June.
Although they are not sure which country they will go to, they have decided that Jim will work in forestry and Robin will work in a secondary school doing AIDS and Health Education.
“Peace Corps is of major importance to the United States at this time,” Robin said.
During this time of war and negative media coverage in foreign countries, Americans must promote a better understanding of who they really are,” she said.
The OSU Peace Corps office has been open since 2003. It is the only campus-based office in Oklahoma. The Dallas Regional Office serves the rest of the state, Michelle said.
There are 10 Master’s International students serving overseas with Peace Corps and nine more at OSU doing their coursework.
Nabors is the only student to complete the program so far. Another student has finished his Peace Corps service and will return to OSU next month to finish his degree.
“The MI Program is a good fit for anyone with a desire to work overseas or across cultures,” Nabors said. “The Peace Corps element of the program rounds out your education and prepares you in a unique way for working internationally.”
The OSU Peace Corps office hosts monthly informational events for anyone interested in possibly becoming a volunteer. Event dates and times are listed at http://www.peacecorps.okstate.edu.
