NIU students that plan to volunteer this summer for the Peace Corps need to begin the application process now, Peace Corps Spokesman Scott Roskelley said.

“The application process can take up to nine months to complete,” he said.

He also pointed out that there has been a steady rise in interest for the Peace Corps by college graduates since the economy has soured. This results in less assignments available to applicants who apply later.

“The country has more people who don’t have jobs,” Roskelley said. “They are looking at us as an alternative.”

More than 7,000 people volunteer for the Peace Corps and over 165,000 volunteers have participated in Peace Corps missions since the organization was founded in 1961.

Volunteering for the Peace Corps involves a lengthy application process.

First, college graduates, or students who will graduate before leaving for their assignment, must fill out an application that is available at the Peace Corps’ Web site, www.peacecorps.gov.

The application is reviewed and an interview is set up between the applicant and a recruiter.

“Usually, this is a face-to-face meeting,” Roskelly said from the Chicago regional office. “But if that is not possible, a phone interview takes place.”

Based on the interview, a decision is made on whether or not to nominate the applicant to join the Peace Corps. Nominations take place in Washington, D.C.

Once a person is nominated, a medical clearance package is processed. The volunteer’s physician and dentist approve his or her health for the 27-month service commitment.

If the medical clearance is given, placement of the volunteer is arranged. Placement is based on requests by the volunteer and the needs of countries for the volunteer’s skills.

Ten former NIU students are in the Peace Corps today, and 349 NIU alumni have volunteered in the past.

At NIU, the Study Abroad program is not involved in the application for the Peace Corps, said Inés DeRomaña, coordinator for the Study Abroad and Exchange Programs.

“However, we do recommend it,” she said.

Students interested in applying for the Peace Corps or obtaining further information can visit the Web site.