Frank X. Higdon's Page

Peace Corps offers volunteer assignments in more than 76 countries around the world for qualified Americans aged 18 and over. The program is selective, and only the most qualified applicants (education or practical experience) are accepted for service. It is a great professional career opportunity with some tangible benefits like student loan deferral and repayment and a guaranteed savings program while you are a volunteer. After two years, you can come back home with up to 25% of your federal loans forgiven, and $7,500 in personal savings.

Peace Corps is also an excellent way to pursue your plans for graduate school. Masters International and Fellows/USA programs enable Volunteers to use their Peace Corps service and experience to earn credits and financial benefits toward a graduate degree.

Peace Corps’ Masters International program allows graduate students to begin their studies on campus in over 50 universities in 120 graduate degrees, subsequently earn academic credit while serving abroad as a Peace Corps Volunteer, then return to their graduate school to finish studies. This enables graduate school students to serve internationally and gain real-world global experience related to their discipline while earning credit toward their degree.

Another opportunity is pursue graduate school after you get back from Peace Corps. Returned Volunteers who have satisfactorily completed service have lifetime eligibility for the Peace Corps Fellows/USA Program through which they can receive financial benefits at over 50 universities in 140+ different graduate or doctorate degrees.

I hope you’ll explore these opportunities with the Peace Corps. To apply, please visit www.peacecorps.gov and click on APPLY NOW. On the question “What prompted you to visit the Peace Corps website today?” please indicate Frank Higdon (so they know who sent you;)