Many of us in the college population are concentrating on their studies on the assumption that we will be moving on to grad school or a job after graduation. Both of these prospects are something to look forward to. Yet it may be worthwhile to consider another possibility: volunteering with the Peace Corps.
This is a possibility that many may not think of when considering the future, but the Peace Corps has many advantages. How many students have wished they could study abroad and experience another culture? Here is an opportunity that offers that cultural experience and then some.
The Peace Corps is a serious commitment for the recent college grad. It requires two years in service to the Corps, spent in developing countries where it may be dangerous. However, it can be an unbelievably fulfilling experience.
The participant is totally immersed in the everyday life in another country. Training before the service starts sees participants learning the language and local customs, as well as safety information and skills related to the job they will be taking.
Speaking of skills, the Peace Corps has several areas where they accept volunteers. These include teaching, youth and community development, health, sanitation, agriculture, farming, forestry, environmental services, business, urban planning and information technology. Each area has its own requirements, from specific degrees to volunteer experience. However, a liberal arts degree is sufficient for several areas, such as youth development, secondary education English teaching, agriculture and water and sanitation extension. It is worth checking out the Peace Corps website to see the descriptions of each area.
Peace Corps volunteers are sent all over the globe, to 67 countries in need. The highest percentage (37%) go to Africa, in countries such as Botswana, South Africa and Tanzania. 23% head to Latin America, the second largest concentration of volunteers. Other areas include Eastern Europe and Central Asia, Asia, The Caribbean, North Africa and the Middle East, and the Pacific Islands.
As noted before, the Peace Corps is a significant commitment of two years. However, phones, mail and computer access may be available. The Corps offers two days of vacation per month. That adds up to 48 days through the two years which can be used for any purpose.
Added to that is the financial benefits. Joining the Peace Corps allows grads to defer their Stafford, Perkins, direct and consolidation loans, as well as some commercial loans. That means that during the time spent in the Peace Corps, no payments must be paid. Not only that, but each year served in the Peace Corps reduces Perkins loans by 15% the first two years and 20% each year if you decide to stay for another two years. Though this is only for Perkins loans, it adds up to a significant amount. The Corps also provides an allowance of $6,000 for readjustment upon return home, and travel to and from the country is paid for at the end and beginning of the term.
After and during a term in the Peace Corps, graduate work can be done with some helpful additions. The Peace Corps has two programs that allow for this. Master’s International combines service with studies. First, the participant completes one or two years of study at the master’s level, then goes into service with the Corps. This program allows the participant to get credit for the Peace Corps service as well. The second program is the Fellows/USA program. This is when the years of service are completed before going back to grad school. There are many partner schools that offer scholarships and other benefits depending on the school attended. The Peace Corps also qualifies participants for one year of eligibility for jobs in the federal government. If you fill the minimum qualifications, you don’t have to go through the competitive process that governmental jobs require.
The Peace Corps represents the road less traveled in some ways. For those who take it, it will certainly give them unparalleled experience. It is worth a look. Just be sure to check it out early in your college career if you want to consider it, because the application process has several steps and takes up to a year to complete.