Peace Corps alternative?

[SweetRain]

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Hi all,
I've been thinking about joining the peace corps after college and deferring my med school entrance. (Given that I do get accepted anywhere)

I'm a little concerned about the 27-month commitment because I think there might be some complications with the time frame between graduation and starting med school.

Do you know any peace corps alternatives that are about a year long and lets you choose your placement? I know there are many programs but I think it's a little unreasonable to have to pay the program fee. I'm not looking for a paid position like peace corps, but at least where I don't have to spend thousands to work and volunteer.

Any advice would be appreciated!

 

[polyboy112]

it may be too late now, but look for teaching english abroad positions. in several asian and eastern european countries, you can get a position or at least an assistantship that pays moderately well. it's a very positive experience, if you're at all interested.

 

[lstone13]

Hi all,
I've been thinking about joining the peace corps after college and deferring my med school entrance. (Given that I do get accepted anywhere)

I'm a little concerned about the 27-month commitment because I think there might be some complications with the time frame between graduation and starting med school.

Do you know any peace corps alternatives that are about a year long and lets you choose your placement? I know there are many programs but I think it's a little unreasonable to have to pay the program fee. I'm not looking for a paid position like peace corps, but at least where I don't have to spend thousands to work and volunteer.

Any advice would be appreciated!

I'm not sure about programs abroad, but I do know that City Year and Americorps offer 1 year commitments.

 

[Catalystik]

Americorps has opportunities to work in a medical environment, if you're interested in that.

 

[alibai3ah]

Americorps has opportunities to work in a medical environment, if you're interested in that.

+1, Americorp would be your best bet. Teach for America is also 2 years. Americorp allows you to stay here in the states in an underserved/disadvantaged area. Additionally, you can do health related stuff. Should be good.

Unfortunately I can't think of abroad one year programs that are health related (more teaching stuff).

 

[Catalystik]

Staying in the states gives you more flexibility for required travel. One Americorp poster said the site he was at was very understanding about the time he needed off to go to OOS interviews.

 

[Nevadanteater]

I did Americorps for a clinic serving homeless people. It was pretty rad. I'm fairly certain that you don't get to CHOOSE your program, but you apply for the programs you're interested in (I'm assuming that's what you mean, whereas peace corps assigns you somewhere).

I completely recommend it, but only if the program is covering an area that you're actually interested in. Don't do it just for the sake of doing it...

If you have any specific questions you can search my posts or ask me here...