Briefly speaking: Peace Corps offers another path

Not all students have a clear-cut direction for their future. Those searching for a better perspective on who they are and what they want to do in life may find that a stint in the Peace Corps can offer a life-changing experience.

"I don't want to sound corny, but this was the most important experience of my life," says Scott Dietrich, a Peace Corps recruiter with the Internship and Career Center.

Dietrich served in Paraguay as an agricultural volunteer from 2002 to 2004, after graduating from UC San Diego with a bachelor's degree in philosophy. For Dietrich, the two years gave him direction, but also changed it. He switched his academic focus and is now a graduate student in international agriculture development at UC Davis.

Application and service

Peace Corps volunteers serve for 27 months — three months of training and two years of service. Individuals must be U.S. citizens and at least 18 years old to apply. The application process starts online and averages six to nine months.

The Peace Corps values flexibility and a sense of humor in its volunteers. "Living situations are quite different, and there is a language barrier," Dietrich says. "Even with some knowledge of the language in the country you are placed, transferring ideas is more difficult than asking where the bathroom is located."

Service projects focus on education; health and HIV/AIDS; business development; the environment; youth; and agriculture. Roughly 35 percent of volunteers work in some aspect of education, including teaching English as a second language.

A proud tradition at UC Davis

UC Davis ranks 15th among schools of its size in the number of alumni who have served in the Peace Corps. Since 1961, more than 1,200 alums have served; 46 alums from UC Davis are currently serving.

While volunteers can state a preference for the country where they'd like to work, if accepted, they are invited to go to a specific country that matches their qualifications.

"The more flexible a person is the better," Dietrich says.

Volunteer compensation

A living allowance is paid during service. The amount depends on the country and the setting, but it is generally set at the level of the people with whom you are living and working, he says. A readjustment allowance of $6,075 is provided after a volunteer finishes the full two years.

"The experience can provide a better perspective on yourself and your place in the world," Dietrich says. "While it's hard to boil down the experience, living in a place where you see life from other perspectives changes everything from then on."

Information meetings are typically held every three weeks. Students can also visit the office in 230 South Hall on Thursdays between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m., or by appointment.