Learn how to volunteer in different domestic and international post-graduate volunteer programs to make a difference in people’s lives and in the world. Students can use these tools and resources to see if post graduate service is their next step.
Are you a senior wondering what to do next year? An exciting array of post-graduate volunteer programs lay before you...everything from a few months to a couple of years, in settings close to home or on the other side of the globe.
Many of these programs offer placements that will stretch your knowledge, your skills and your awareness, better preparing you for graduate school and your future career. You will have the opportunity to work in a professional environment, learning firsthand about community issues and processes for addressing them, while applying your skills in responsible and challenging capacities. You also will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in service, community, simple living, social justice, and faith and spirituality.
For further resources to aid in discovering your next step, please consult:
Post Graduate Volunteer Fair
Every Fall DePaul hosts a Post Graduate Volunteer Fair. The fair offers graduating seniors a great opportunity to meet with over 30 volunteer organizations with a wide variety of opportunities in the US and abroad. For more information, contact Abigail Rampone.
Note: Most postgraduate service programs offer room, board, monthly stipend and health insurance, and the participants live in community.
Benefits
- Student Loans Deferment: You can do post-college service even if you have student loans to pay back. Be sure to ask programs about deferment possibilities.
- AmeriCorps Education Award: You may apply for the AmeriCorps education award through many programs. This $5,500 grant can be applied to past school loans or future education. Ask each program for specifics.
- Health insurance: Most programs provide some form of health insurance.
- Financial accommodations: Many programs may also provide transportation (to and from, and while there, etc.), living expenses, stipends, retreats and travel opportunities.
- Professional Development: You can do almost any kind of work you choose. You can gain work experience for your future desired career or you can try out a new area with no prior experience necessary. Either way, you will be adding to your resume and building the foundation for your future work.
- Personal development: This service experience, which may include community living, faith practices and advocacy work, offers you the opportunity to further explore your goals, identity and life direction.
- Exploring the United States: With volunteer programs in all 50 states, you have the chance to explore a new place. If you choose to stay in that area after your service commitment, you will have already established a community of support and friends.
- Living abroad: With programs in over 100 countries, you may choose to live abroad for a year or more.