The Global Health Field Placement Program (GHFPP)
GHFPP provides a unique opportunity for you to meet Master of Public Health (MPH) internship requirements while fulfilling your dream of serving in the Peace Corps (and gaining two years of overseas work experience – a minimum requirement when competing for many international positions - in the process).
At the University at Albany School of Public Health, you can work towards an MPH while participating in international public health-related service in the Peace Corps. You will gain global public health experience, attain second language fluency, and receive academic credit for your Peace Corps service.
Financial Incentives
Global Health Field Placement students are able to use their Peace Corps Service in the Health Sector to meet the internship requirements for our school's MPH degree and to waive up to six credit hours (and the associated tuition and fees).
Peace Corps Volunteers also receive a range of other benefits while serving. These benefits include transportation to and from the country, medical care, housing, living expenses, loan deferment/cancellation, annual leave, emergency medical and family leave, career counseling, and a readjustment allowance of approximately $10,000 (pre-tax) awarded upon completion of service. Upon successful completion of their Peace Corps Service, returned volunteers can also be awarded one year of noncompetitive eligibility (NCE) for selection for federal employment. For more information on benefits associated with service, visit Peace Corps Volunteer Benefits.
Application Process
To become a Global Health Field Placement student, you must apply for admission to the MPH program at the UAlbany College of Integrated Health Sciences. You must then submit a separate application directly to the Peace Corps to serve as a Peace Corps Volunteer working in the health sector. Once you are accepted into both our School and the Peace Corps: congratulations, you are a GHFPP student!
The Peace Corps recommends that prospective GHFPP students submit their application no sooner than one year prior to their planned departure date for service abroad. Given that most of our GHFPP students depart for Peace Corps service in the summer after their first year of classes, we recommend that you submit your application to the Peace Corps in the summer prior to starting your graduate studies or upon your arrival on campus in the fall semester. The applications for Peace Corps service are accepted throughout the year. The application process includes medical, legal, and suitability screening.
Interested students and prospective students are encouraged to contact John Justino, Director of the Center for Global Health, via email ([email protected]) to get more information and/or to ask any questions they may have.