The Applied Linguistics Department offers a MATESOL degree in conjunction with the Peace Corps Master’s International Program. This option allows students who wish to serve in Peace Corps English Language Programs an opportunity to earn eight credits of MATESOL coursework during their Peace Corps service. 

• Prospective students must meet all admission requirements and be accepted by both the Peace Corps and by Saint Michael’s MATESOL Program.
   
• Before entering the Peace Corps, students complete at least two semesters of course work at Saint Michael’s that include all the required courses for the master’s except for the teaching practicum (GSL 688 Practicum II). The coursework includes GSL 684, a one-credit orientation to the Peace Corps.
   
• Students then are eligible to begin their Peace Corps service as teachers of English and teacher-trainers in a variety of locations around the world.
   
• Eight credits can be earned tuition-free during the volunteer’s period of Peace Corps service: 

GSL 694 Reflective Portfolio of Peace Corps Experience (4 credits). Under the supervision of a faculty member, students will compile an in-depth reflective study of a selected aspect of their experience living and working as a Peace Corps volunteer in a developing country. Possible topic areas would include cultural adjustment, language learning, and language teaching.

GSL 695 Offsite Practicum (4 credits). The Applied Linguistics Department  Peace Corps Program advisor will work with students and the Peace Corps regional staff to set up procedures for monitoring, evaluating, and providing feedback on the students’ teaching, lesson planning, and materials development.