Preparing Students for International Careers
The Institute for International and Experiential Education prepares students for global leadership opportunities in both government and non-profit organizations, through partnerships with the U.S. Department of State and the Peace Corps.
The Diplomat-in-residence Program (DIR)
Diplomats in Residence (DIRs) are career Foreign Service Officers located throughout the U.S. who provide guidance and advice on careers, internships, and fellowships to students and professionals in the communities they serve.
The Diplomat-in-Residence is available to answer questions and share insight with those interested in Foreign and Civil Service careers, internships, and fellowships. The DIR provides a direct link to the U.S. State Department as well as other government agencies with an international focus. The DIR also serves as a resource to faculty and students, makes classroom presentations, serves as speaker at international events, and counsels students who plan to take the Foreign Service Examination.
The U.S. State Department DIR, Andrei M. Cotton, is the Diplomat in Residence for the southern region (GA, SC, AL). Mr. Cotton’s office is located on the campus of Spelman College. Mr. Cotton is available to answer questions and share insight with those interested in Foreign and Civil Service careers, internships and fellowships. The DIR serves as a resource to faculty and students, makes classroom presentations, serves as a speaker at international events, and counsels students who plan to take the Foreign Service Examination.
Peace Corps
The Peace Corps has been a leader in international development and citizen diplomacy for more than 50 years across more than 139 countries. In an increasingly interdependent world, the Peace Corp is devoted to tackling challenges that know no borders—such as climate change, pandemic disease, food security, and gender equality and empowerment. Although times have changed since the Peace Corps' founding in 1961, the agency's mission—to promote world peace and friendship—has not. Today, the Peace Corps is more vital than ever, working in collaboration with partner organizations and using cutting-edge technologies and well-tested best practices to enhance impact.
Our more than 215,000 current and returned Volunteers know that the Peace Corps changes lives—both their own and the lives of people in communities around the world. Serving as a Peace Corps Volunteer is an experience like no other. In addition to learning a new language, they learn about leadership, ingenuity, self-reliance, and relationship building and become global citizens. Peace Corps Volunteers reflect the very best of humanity, innovation and aspiration for a better tomorrow. When they return home, they share their stories and experiences and give back to their own communities, helping to strengthen international ties and increase our global competitiveness.
The Peace Corps has been a leader in international development and citizen diplomacy for more than 50 years across more than 139 countries. In an increasingly interdependent world, we tackle challenges that know no borders—such as climate change, pandemic disease, food security, and gender equality and empowerment. Although times have changed since the Peace Corps' founding in 1961, the agency's mission—to promote world peace and friendship—has not. Today, the Peace Corps is more vital than ever, working in collaboration with partner organizations and using cutting-edge technologies and well-tested best practices to enhance impact.