From Service to Becoming Scholars: Navigating Grad School

Transitioning from Peace Corps service to graduate school is a powerful next step—and nearly a quarter of all Returned Volunteers take this path at some point, not always right after service. Whether you are narrowing down programs, polishing your application, or figuring out how to fund your degree, you don’t have to navigate it alone.

Jump to the Graduate School Considerations Section of the (R)PCV Transition Guide where you can find all the articles and information or continue scrolling to find a specific section. 

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List of Scholarships & Funding Resources

 

 

1. Considerations Before Applying: Which Program, School, Location?

Choosing the right program is about balancing academic goals, lifestyle, and career outcomes. Explore key factors to consider when narrowing down your options and determining if now is the right time for your next degree.

  • Evaluating Program Structure, Location, & Delivery (US vs. International)

  • Timing Your Degree: Is Now the Right Time?

  • Aligning Programs with Your Long-Term Career Goals

More Considerations

2. Application Strategies and Tips: How to Get Accepted

Turn your Peace Corps service into your strongest application asset. Learn how to translate field experience into compelling essays, secure impactful recommendation letters, and catch the eye of admissions committees.

  • Translating Peace Corps Service for Resumes & Essays

  • Securing Strong Recommendation Letters

  • Admissions Insider: Advice from Program Coordinators

  • Student Perspectives: What Worked for Us

Prepare Your Application

3. Financing Grad School:
Coverdell & Beyond

Funding graduate school is often the biggest hurdle, but your Peace Corps service unlocks unique financial advantages. Explore dedicated fellowships like the Paul D. Coverdell program, application fee waivers, and in-state specific tuition benefits for Maryland and Colorado. Plus, we’ve also created a list of scholarships and fellowships other Volunteers have used to pay for school.

  • Also information on FAFSA

  • External Fellowships & Grants (e.g., Pickering Fellowship)

  • Understanding Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Options for Funding School

4. Internships & Fellowships Before Graduating

Maximize your time in graduate school by building relevant professional experience before you graduate. Access campus leadership roles, summer internships, and specialized field placements.

  • Peace Corps Campus Ambassador Program – part-time position

  • Finding Academic & Field Fellowships During School

  • Student Job Board & Internship Listings

Get Experience while in School

5. Finding Work After Graduation

Transition smoothly from student to working professional. Utilize sector-specific job boards, leverage the RPCV professional network, and learn how alumni navigated their post-grad job searches.

  • Curated Job Boards by Industry Sector

  • Leveraging Non-Competitive Eligibility (NCE) & Federal Hiring

  • Alumni Career Spotlights & Journey Maps

Start looking for Work

6. Recorded Discussions

With Kim Killingsworth (RPCV Honduras & Chile; Director of International Recruit and Relations, Vanderbilt U.) & Jill Stoffers (Senior Director of Partnerships at Middlebury Institute of International Studies)

With Laura Loveland (RPCV Vanuatu; University Program Specialist at Peace Corps)