Sidebar #76 - Life After Peace Corps for Volunteers

Unlike most positions, Peace Corps is a little bit unique in that there is a ticking clock - it's not a career for most volunteers. Service is a 27-month stint, meaning that upon finishing service, it is important for volunteers to have an idea for what's next. For a lot of volunteers, grad school is an extremely viable option. In fact, many grad schools offer what's known as a "Coverdell Fellowship" which gives certain financial benefits to students who are Returned Peace Corps Volunteers (RPCVs). Other volunteers pursue the job market. Since I've already completed my graduate degree, I fall into this bucket. Although the job search has been a little bit difficult to navigate from Costa Rica, I'm hoping to announce my next steps soon. Finally, some other volunteers may look into Peace Corps response positions or may use their readjustment allowance to travel before reintegrating to life in the US once again. There isn't one single path that volunteers follow post-service, but thankfully, 27 months gives volunteers plenty of time to figure out what's next. 


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