Similar programs to the Peace Corp?

Options other than Peace Corp?

• I'm graduating with my BA this month, and I've been having a hard time finding a job. I am thinking about doing something similar to what the Peace Corp does, but I do not like that the US Govt uses the Peace Corp as a pawn in achieving global hegemony. What are some other international programs that are similar to the Peace Corp, but without the bullsh!t politics and imperialist goals?

• Answer:

  You're really far off in your Peace Corps assessment, but that's pretty common for people who never served. As one of the 200k who did, I can promise you that those who didn't have absolutely no idea of what it entails. There are no organizations like Peace Corps in the sense that they foot your transportation costs and train you, then keep you as safe as possible, obtain your visas, look after you, etc. There are, however, plenty of organizations where you can pay a fee (that goes to administrative and programming costs) and volunteer. There are also, of course, plenty of jobs with international development agencies, many with far more of the "bullsh!t politics" than you can imagine. Some of those jobs are posted on a site called idealist.org. You don't mention your major, but it takes all kinds to make a business run, and in reality, that's what an NGO is. And yeah, most of them have "imperialist goals," too. Most of those places don't take recent grads since they need as much bang for their buck as possible, but there are internships available and the like. The tough part is the "graduating this month." Most places will take longer than that to hire, but you never know. Good luck.