The University of Florida International Center is excited to introduce Charlie Hochfelder, UF’s Peace Corps Campus Recruiter. Charlie brings a wealth of international experience, passion for service, and a commitment to helping students discover their own path to global engagement. Learn more about Charlie here.
Charlie’s journey began at Cornell University’s ILR School, where he first became interested in global systems and the people within them. A formative experience came through an engaged learning program in Nicaragua, where he worked closely with small business owners. That preparation—grounded in coursework on language, culture, and history—laid the foundation for his Peace Corps service in Uganda, his work in Ghana, and now, his role supporting students and the UF community.
“Living and working in rural Uganda and Ghana taught me that in close-knit communities, everything is connected,” Charlie reflects. “Although my primary roles were in agriculture, I often collaborated on health initiatives, school gardening and nutrition programs, youth development clubs, and even technology classes. These experiences showed me that sustainability requires a holistic approach because no issue exists in isolation.”
Celebrating life in Ghana: joining my host family at a Sunday Thanksgiving Service, where wearing matching cloth symbolizes unity and belonging.
Between his service in Uganda and Ghana, Charlie completed extensive technical and language training and built lasting connections with host families. These immersive experiences strengthened his ability to adapt, listen, and understand complex systems—skills that continue to shape his work today.
Now, as a new graduate student in UF’s Master of Sustainable Development Practice (MDP) program, Charlie can’t wait to gain new tools to bridge theory and practice. “MDP will help me connect what I’ve seen in the field with academic frameworks and innovative research,” he says. “It will allow me to better understand the systems behind the different sectors I worked with abroad.”
Supporting pregnant and breastfeeding mothers in Uganda with iron-rich bean cultivation to strengthen household nutrition and food security.
As Peace Corps Campus Recruiter, Charlie draws on his service to support UF students considering international service. He helps students reflect on their unique skills and passions, guiding them to discover how those qualities can make a meaningful impact through the Peace Corps.
“My best advice is not to be afraid to reach out and start the conversation,” Charlie shares. “I love telling stories from my Peace Corps service because they reflect some of the most meaningful moments of my life. Whether it’s food, language, cultural traditions, dancing, friendships, or stepping outside your comfort zone—there are countless ways to grow through service. I call this ‘feeling your edges,’ and I’ve found life is much more interesting that way.”
Empowering Ugandan youth through the game of soccer to build health, leadership, and essential life skills.
Charlie first learned about the Peace Corps from a high school teacher who had served in Samoa—a spark that eventually led him to Uganda. Now, he hopes to pass that same inspiration on to UF students.
“If you’re even a little curious about Peace Corps service, UF is the perfect place to start,” Charlie says. “Through the UF International Center, you can explore Study Abroad, the International Scholars Program, and the Peace Corps Prep Program. These are steppingstones that prepare you to serve boldly as the next generation of Peace Corps Volunteers.”
Collaborating with a community center to build a demonstration garden, planting healthy vegetables like carrots, kale, and amaranth.