During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Peace Corps evacuated its volunteers and suspended operations worldwide. But after three long years, the international agency is ready to resume operations and send U.S. volunteers overseas.
Among the first wave of volunteers to be deployed is Stanislaus State alumnus Alec Austin (’21). This will be Austin’s first trip with the Peace Corps, and he is thrilled about the opportunity.
“I’m looking forward to the experience,” Austin said. “The Peace Corps serves as an important resource for humanitarian efforts. I see the Peace Corps as a form of soft diplomacy where we represent the United States and demonstrate our ability to respectfully integrate with other countries. It’s an incredible way to bring back knowledge of their culture and values to the United States.”
Austin will be heading to Uganda, where he’ll spend the next two years and three months.
“I’m eager to witness the day-to-day lives in their communities,” Austin said. “There’s value in observing different cultures and incorporating their perspectives into our own.”
Upon Austin’s arrival in Uganda, he will undergo comprehensive language training that is customized for the region where he will be stationed. For the first three months, he will be stationed on the outskirts of Kampala.
Peace Corps volunteers may choose from six sectors: agriculture, community economic development, education, environment, health and youth in development.
The agency places emphasis on cultural exchange and providing aid to their host communities around the world. For Austin, engaging in cultural exchange is the main motivation behind volunteering for the Peace Corps.
“I would love to come back to the United States after this and share my positive experiences I’ve had with this culture,” Austin said. “I'd want to take the positive elements I’ve learned, share them with the people closest to me and pay it forward and encourage other people to volunteer.”
Austin will volunteer in the education sector, where he may be placed in elementary, secondary or post-secondary schools.
Peace Corps volunteers are involved in teaching a range of subjects, such as mathematics, science and English literacy.
“My focus will be early English literacy,” Austin said. “Given my teaching background and the fact that my mom taught English to young learners as well, it seemed like a perfect fit. It might be a challenge for me since I’m only fluent in one language, but I’m excited for the experience.”
- Alec Austin, Stanislaus State Alumnus
Austin graduated from Stan State in 2021 with a degree in political science. He worked as a long-term substitute teacher at a North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) base teaching international students.
Joining the Peace Corps marks a significant milestone for him — leaving behind his home and family to venture into an unfamiliar country wasn’t an easy decision. He felt the opportunity was too good to pass up.
“One of my biggest concerns was being away from my family,” Austin said. “Fortunately, I discovered that they could visit whenever they want. At the end of the day, the incredible experiences I’ll be gaining outweigh any temporary sacrifices.”
Austin firmly believes that everyone should seize the opportunity to explore the world, whether it’s through joining the Peace Corps or embarking on individual travel adventures.
“The most important piece of advice I can give about traveling is to just do it,” Austin said. “Traveling doesn’t have to break the bank. There are plenty of ways to reduce costs, like finding affordable flights and staying in hostels. I genuinely believe that everyone should experience the wonders of our world at least once in their life.”
