Getting a traditional Masters degree can help you further your career, but for many people the idea of going to a regular university for another two years is stifling. If you’re one of those students who wishes getting your Masters degree could be combined with the excitement of study abroad and the fulfilling experience of helping out where its really needed, you should look into the Peace Corps’ Master’s International program. You can earn your credentials while helping and serving people overseas, and expanding your experience to include real-world events and applications.

 

About the Peace Corps

You’ve probably heard about the Peace Corps before. They’re the premier organization for anyone who wants to help out overseas and expand their own work experience in the process. Started in 1960 by then-Senator John F. Kennedy, the Peace Corps works in 139 different countries, working in fields ranging from medicine to technology to environmentalism, and everything in between. This means that no matter what your area of focus or what part of the world you’d like to serve in, chances are you’ll be able to find exactly what you’re looking for through their organization.

Because the Peace Corps is such a well-respected and wide-ranging organization, it’s a great way to gain real-world experience in your field, which is one of the biggest things that prevents college graduates from getting a job right out of school. While you’re earning your Masters degree, you’ll want to get an internship or work-study to help you build experience, and the Peace Corps is just one such opportunity.

 

The Program

For those pursuing a Masters degree, the Peace Corps has something even better than their regular opportunities. Master’s International was founded in 1987, and it’s specifically designed to allow Masters candidates get their degree while working abroad in an area that’s directly related to their degree. It works with the school you’re already attending (click here for a list of the 80 universities across the United States already participating), and allows you to earn a normal Masters degree with the added benefit of work experience. Plus, many participating schools will actually waive your tuition fees or other costs if you’re enrolling in the program, as it’s essentially treated as a work-study. You might even qualify for medical and dental benefits, along with vacation time and benefits, just like you’d get with a regular job. And once you return, you can take advantage of the Peace Corps’ career counseling and job search programs.

 

Where You Can Go

Once you’ve been accepted to the program, be sure to take a look at the student handbook, so you can make the most of your opportunity. Then take a look at all the wonderful places you can go to really make a difference, including:

  • Morocco – If you’re interested in getting your Masters degree in youth development, health, environmental conservation or small business development, this is a great program for you. The Peace Corps’ Morocco program is one of their longest-running, having started in 1963 and continued through the present day.
  • Dominican Republic – If education or technology are your interests, the Peace Corps’ DR program is a good fit for you. Plus, it’s not far from the US, so it’s easier to travel home for visits than if you go somewhere further away.
  • Colombia – If you want to be a teacher, Colombia is a particularly good option, because English teachers are the biggest need here.

 

If the Peace Corps’ Master’s International program sounds like the right fit for you, take a look at their application process and get started today. You’ll be making a difference and getting your education at the same time, and your future job prospects will benefit enormously.