CCE > CO-CURRICULAR
SERVICE > POST-GRAD
Post-Graduate
Service
Have you thought of what you want to do for a career after graduation?
Ever considered full-time volunteer service as an option? We usually
associate volunteer work with not getting paid, but there are many other
benefits that can be associated with volunteering. Volunteer service
can offer you opportunities including:
• a chance to serve others
• travel opportunities
• the chance to meet new and diverse people
• valuable career preparation
• the chance to experience something new
• a possible foot in the door for a “real” job
• opportunities for any major
Benefits
Full-time volunteer service opportunities may not pay much or anything,
but they do offer valuable benefits including…
Housing/Living
Allowance
In most cases, agencies will provide volunteers with either free housing
and/or meal plans or will provide a living allowance to cover this cost.
Allowances tend to be minimal, but usually are enough to get by. Typically,
you won’t have to pay to be a full-time volunteer. In some cases,
you may receive both housing arrangements and a living allowance!
Insurance
Almost all full-time volunteer service agencies provide some sort of
health insurance. In some cases they may even offer low cost life insurance.
You are considered an employee to these agencies and typically will
receive insurance benefits.
Loan
Deferment
In most cases, full-time volunteer service qualifies you to defer your
student loans. Public service and volunteering allows you a limit of
three years to defer your student loans while in service. This can be
a big help if you do not have a large stipend to live off of.
Education
Loan Repayment
AmeriCorps and Peace Corps both offer educational incentives to volunteer.
AmeriCorps has many different service opportunities that offer an Educational
Award that can be used to pay off existing or future student loans.
Peace Corps service can help reduce a student’s Perkins loan by
15% for each year of service.
Educational
Credit
Some volunteer opportunities will provide college credit for your service.
Check the programs you are interested in for this opportunity.
Training
and Professional Development
Many programs offer thorough training programs that can include conflict
resolution, problem-solving, leadership skills, and other management
related training. Programs might also offer specific training related
to the service that you will be providing such as construction skills,
CPR, first aid, etc. These skills are all things that can prepare you
for future careers.
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- Peace
Corps |
