WorldView Magazine: Guide to Graduate School
Indiana University, Bloomington
Indiana University Bloomington takes great pride in its long-standing commitment to international engagement. Set in the rural Midwest, IU’s global connections may be surprising to some who don’t know us. Our degree offerings allow students to pursue their passion and kickstart an international career. The best part? You’ll be able to customize your path—and earn a degree both you and employers will love. At IU, there’s something for everyone—even a few things you never thought possible.
University of Denver – Josef Korbel School of Global and Public Affairs
At the University of Denver’s Josef Korbel School of Global and Public Affairs, we prepare the next generation of global leaders, thinkers, and changemakers to address the world’s most pressing issues. Located in Denver, Colorado, our students benefit from proximity to key international organizations, a vibrant job market, and Colorado’s renowned outdoor lifestyle. Ranked 12th globally for a master’s in international relations, we offer flexible degree and certificate programs that empower students to forge their own paths in creating a more just, secure, and sustainable world.
A Leg Up
The Paul D. Coverdell Program is one of the best RPCV benefits for financing a graduate degree
Paying for Grad School
As a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer (Peru 2006–08), I very much understand the benefits and attraction of enrolling in a graduate degree program following the close of your Peace Corps service. Whether it was working in your community or living in your host country, some aspect(s) of your time volunteering likely gave you deep insight into what you want to do with your life and career. This clarity and the end of your service are two strong motivators to dive headfirst into the next phase of your life, and graduate school is often a great way to jumpstart the transition. ...
Grad School Admissions: References
Personal references are a crucial element of graduate school applications, offering external validation of the skills, character, and dedication developed during your service. While your resume and personal statement provide a narrative of your achievements and aspirations, personal references bring credibility and depth to your application by providing insights from those who have directly observed your work and growth. References from Peace Corps supervisors, colleagues, or community partners can speak to your adaptability, resilience, cross-cultural communication skills, and commitment to service—qualities that are often highly valued in graduate programs. These testimonials help admissions committees understand the real-world impact of your...
Grad School Admissions: Interviews
While your application materials, such as your personal statement and resume, outline your qualifications and experiences, the interview allows you to directly convey the depth of your Peace Corps service and how it has shaped your academic and professional aspirations. This face-to-face or virtual interaction enables you to articulate your commitment to your chosen field, demonstrate your interpersonal skills, and show how your cross-cultural experiences have prepared you for the challenges of graduate study. For RPCVs, the interview is also a chance to highlight the unique perspectives and problem-solving abilities developed during service, making a compelling case for how these...
Grad School Admissions: Entrance Exams
Entrance exams can play a significant role in graduate school applications, serving as a critical measure of academic preparedness and potential. While your Peace Corps experience demonstrates invaluable qualities like adaptability, cultural competence, and a commitment to service, entrance exams such as the GRE, GMAT, or LSAT provide a standardized way for admissions committees to assess your readiness for the rigors of graduate study. Entrance exams are not equally important for all graduate schools or programs. While many traditional graduate programs, particularly in fields like business, law, and the sciences, require entrance exams such as the GRE, GMAT, or LSAT,...
Grad School Admissions: Personal Statement
A personal statement, sometimes called a statement of purpose, is a crucial component of graduate school applications, offering a platform to translate the unique and transformative experiences gained during service into a compelling narrative for admissions committees. Crafting a thoughtful, reflective personal statement can set you apart, making a strong case for your readiness and suitability for your chosen program. WorldView asked university admissions leaders for their hot tips on putting together a personal statement that will make you shine. Hot Tip #1 I feel that statements of purpose have a similar reputation to the cover letter. It can be...
Grad School Programs: Law and Economics
For Returned Peace Corps Volunteers seeking to deepen their impact and advance their careers in fields critical to global development, graduate programs in law and economics, global trade and economics, international law, management, and international business and finance offer specialized education and opportunities. These programs provide an interdisciplinary approach to understanding the legal frameworks and economic principles that shape global trade, economic development, international law, management, and international business and finance. They equip RPCVs with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate complex international environments and contribute effectively to global economic development and policymaking. Volunteers come with a wealth of...
Grad School Programs: Energy and Environment
Peace Corps service often exposes Volunteers to diverse environmental and energy challenges firsthand. Volunteers may have worked on projects ranging from water resource management and renewable energy implementation to sustainable agriculture and climate adaptation strategies. A master's degree builds upon this foundational experience, providing deeper insights into the scientific, policy, and management aspects of environmental issues. Graduate programs in fields such as Environmental Science, Sustainable Development, Renewable Energy, and Environmental Policy offer specialized knowledge tailored to current global challenges. Volunteers can choose concentrations that align with their interests and career goals, whether it's climate change mitigation, biodiversity conservation, or urban...
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