Paying for Grad School
As a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer (Peru 2006–08), I very much understand the benefits and attraction of enrolling in a graduate degree program following the close of your Peace Corps service. Whether it was working in your community or living in your host country, some aspect(s) of your time volunteering likely gave you deep insight into what you want to do with your life and career. This clarity and the end of your service are two strong motivators to dive headfirst into the next phase of your life, and graduate school is often a great way to jumpstart the transition. ...
Grad School Admissions: References
Personal references are a crucial element of graduate school applications, offering external validation of the skills, character, and dedication developed during your service. While your resume and personal statement provide a narrative of your achievements and aspirations, personal references bring credibility and depth to your application by providing insights from those who have directly observed your work and growth. References from Peace Corps supervisors, colleagues, or community partners can speak to your adaptability, resilience, cross-cultural communication skills, and commitment to service—qualities that are often highly valued in graduate programs. These testimonials help admissions committees understand the real-world impact of your...
Grad School Admissions: Interviews
While your application materials, such as your personal statement and resume, outline your qualifications and experiences, the interview allows you to directly convey the depth of your Peace Corps service and how it has shaped your academic and professional aspirations. This face-to-face or virtual interaction enables you to articulate your commitment to your chosen field, demonstrate your interpersonal skills, and show how your cross-cultural experiences have prepared you for the challenges of graduate study. For RPCVs, the interview is also a chance to highlight the unique perspectives and problem-solving abilities developed during service, making a compelling case for how these...
Grad School Admissions: Entrance Exams
Entrance exams can play a significant role in graduate school applications, serving as a critical measure of academic preparedness and potential. While your Peace Corps experience demonstrates invaluable qualities like adaptability, cultural competence, and a commitment to service, entrance exams such as the GRE, GMAT, or LSAT provide a standardized way for admissions committees to assess your readiness for the rigors of graduate study. Entrance exams are not equally important for all graduate schools or programs. While many traditional graduate programs, particularly in fields like business, law, and the sciences, require entrance exams such as the GRE, GMAT, or LSAT,...
Grad School Admissions: Personal Statement
A personal statement, sometimes called a statement of purpose, is a crucial component of graduate school applications, offering a platform to translate the unique and transformative experiences gained during service into a compelling narrative for admissions committees. Crafting a thoughtful, reflective personal statement can set you apart, making a strong case for your readiness and suitability for your chosen program. WorldView asked university admissions leaders for their hot tips on putting together a personal statement that will make you shine. Hot Tip #1 I feel that statements of purpose have a similar reputation to the cover letter. It can be...
Grad School Programs: Law and Economics
For Returned Peace Corps Volunteers seeking to deepen their impact and advance their careers in fields critical to global development, graduate programs in law and economics, global trade and economics, international law, management, and international business and finance offer specialized education and opportunities. These programs provide an interdisciplinary approach to understanding the legal frameworks and economic principles that shape global trade, economic development, international law, management, and international business and finance. They equip RPCVs with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate complex international environments and contribute effectively to global economic development and policymaking. Volunteers come with a wealth of...
Grad School Programs: Energy and Environment
Peace Corps service often exposes Volunteers to diverse environmental and energy challenges firsthand. Volunteers may have worked on projects ranging from water resource management and renewable energy implementation to sustainable agriculture and climate adaptation strategies. A master's degree builds upon this foundational experience, providing deeper insights into the scientific, policy, and management aspects of environmental issues. Graduate programs in fields such as Environmental Science, Sustainable Development, Renewable Energy, and Environmental Policy offer specialized knowledge tailored to current global challenges. Volunteers can choose concentrations that align with their interests and career goals, whether it's climate change mitigation, biodiversity conservation, or urban...
Grad School Programs: Sustainable Development
Volunteers often work in environments where they must adapt to limited resources, collaborate with diverse communities, and implement grassroots development projects. This hands-on experience is invaluable in the field of sustainable development. Graduate programs in sustainable development provide a structured environment where RPCVs can deepen their understanding of the theoretical frameworks and best practices that underpin their practical experiences. Courses in development theory, project management, and policy analysis, for instance, can help RPCVs contextualize their fieldwork and enhance their ability to design and implement effective development initiatives. One of the key focuses of graduate programs in sustainable development is the...
Grad School Programs: International Affairs
In an era characterized by rapid globalization and shifting political landscapes, the importance of international affairs has never been more pronounced. Issues such as climate change, global health crises, economic disparities, and international security are at the forefront of global discourse, necessitating a new generation of leaders equipped with the knowledge and skills to navigate this complex terrain. Graduate programs in international affairs serve as critical training grounds for aspiring professionals who seek to make meaningful contributions to these pressing global issues. For Peace Corps Volunteers, the transition to a graduate program in international affairs is a natural progression. Volunteers...
Middlebury Institute of International Studies
With a vibrant community of Returned Peace Corps Volunteers (RPCVs) and a rich history of collaboration, Peace Corps values are everywhere at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies. Returned Volunteers are right at home on the Middlebury Institute campus, where their Peace Corps experience is highly valued. MIIS students come from more than 40 countries, and the school boasts an active Peace Corps club and counts many RPCVs among their faculty, staff and alumni. The program also holds a unique place in the Peace Corps canon. It is generally acknowledged that Peter Grothe, the former Director of International Student Programs...