Living in a mud hut with no electricity or flush toilets, with an African tribe internationally known for their artwork might not appeal to everyone, but to Peace Corps recruiter Dave Walker it was two years of his life.

In fact, Walker liked it so much he “stayed and stayed and stayed” with the Peace Corps for additional years of service.

Most Peace Corps volunteers spend two years in the program, he said. However, after working his first two years in Zaire, Walker decided to spend a few more years in Mauritania in northwest Africa.

Now he is once again with indoor plumbing and is working at Iowa State. Walker’s job is to help other people who are interested in having a similar experience.

Walker estimated 20 to 25 students a year from ISU join Peace Corps, placing the university among the highest volunteer contributors in the nation. There are approximately 7,000 volunteers working around the world in a given year.

“Peace Corps seems to like the students coming out of here,” Walker said.

Qualifications the Peace Corps looks for include: evidence of ability to learn foreign languages, volunteerism and a useful skill, such as CPR certification or agricultural experience. Having either international travel experience or other international contact is a plus, he said.

Walker said he applied to join the Peace Corps during his senior year at St. Olaf College, Minn.

After being accepted he, just like all other Peace Corps volunteers, underwent a three-month training program.

One was French, the language taught in Zaire schools and the other was Kipende, the language spoken by the Bapende tribe he stayed with.

Further into his stay, Walker picked up two more native languages so he could interact effectively with neighboring tribes.

His primary work dealt with water and sanitation, including digging latrines and making water storage cisterns.

Aside from the labor portion of his work, Walker was also involved in social and cultural aspects of the native life.

Students interested in learning more about the Peace Corps are invited to attend a Return Peace Corps Volunteer presentation Sept. 17 at 7 p.m. in 120 Ross Hall. The presentation will include slides and experiences related by former Peace Corps volunteers.

Walker is also available in Room 5 of Hamilton Hall, Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. to provide interested students with literature, stories and applications.