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ALEC Abroad

Master’s International Program: A View from the Inside

27Feb

Over the next three weeks, ALEC students Tegan Walker, Orry Pratt and Kevin Fath will share their insights and experiences with Masters International, a program that allows masters students to combine their education with service in the Peace Corps.

The Master’s International program combines Peace Corps service with a master’s degree. A select number of schools in the United States offer the Master’s International program and of those, very few offer degrees in agricultural fields.

At Texas A&M, the Master’s International program has three parts. First, you complete 24 credits on campus.  Next, you complete 27 months of Peace Corps service.  Upon your return, you attend a final semester at Texas A&M to complete your degree and graduate. Your Peace Corps service has all the same requirements of a regular PC volunteer, with an additional component that you conduct research while you are there for your thesis.

I decided to do the Master’s International program because I wanted a program that could offer me more than a master’s degree. I knew I wanted to go directly from my undergraduate to a graduate program. After researching schools with sustainable international agricultural programs, I came across the Master’s International program. I had thought about Peace Corps before, but had never acted on the step of applying. Once I found out I could combine Peace Corps service with a master’s degree and receive research credits during my service, I knew this is what I wanted to do.

As part of the application process, be prepared for fingerprinting!

As part of the application process, be prepared for fingerprinting!

I am currently in my second semester at Texas A&M and waiting to hear from the Peace Corps about my country invite. Might I say, it is very nerve racking. I cannot wait to hear where I will be going!

With that being said, I don’t want to make it seem like everything is rainbows and butterflies when applying to the Peace Corps. The process is long and a lot of information is needed. Here are some tips if you are considering applying for the Master’s International program and the Peace Corps:

  • Apply as early as possible! I know this seems obvious but really, get that application submitted early in your first semester!
  • You will need your Master’s International acceptance letter before you can submit your application. This can take awhile to get, so apply to the Master’s International program as soon as you’ve been accepted by Texas A&M.
  • Be prepared to contact every doctor you’ve seen for any special condition. Even if it was ten years ago and the condition no longer exists, the Peace Corps will want to hear more about it.
  • Ask lots of questions! Talking to several returned Peace Corps volunteers helped me tremendously. Let’s face it; there are a lot of questions that cannot be answered unless it’s by a returned volunteer. With that, keep in mind that every Peace Corps experience is different and the specific questions for your service probably won’t be answered until you arrive on site.

My final piece of advice: it’s perfectly normal to have fears and reservations about joining the Peace Corps. You’re spending 27 months overseas for crying out loud. This won’t be the first time I admit this; I’m pretty frightened of what’s to come of my service. There are so many unknowns, how can I not be? But that’s ok! I was raised to dream big and reach for the stars. “If your dreams don’t scare you, they are not big enough.” -Ellen Johnson Sirleaf

Tegan_WalkerTegan Walker is currently a graduate student at Texas A&M University. She is focusing on international agricultural development related to environmental sustainability. She is also participating in the Master’s International program and will complete 27 months of Peace Corps service as part of her master’s degree. Originally from West Virginia, Tegan was home schooled for most of her schooling and started at a community college at only 16. She soon transferred to Virginia Tech and completed a Master’s of Science in Applied Economic Management in the spring of 2012. After she completes the Master’s International program she hopes to continue working internationally to help developing countries develop their agriculture in a sustainable manner.  Follow Tegan’s Adventures to a Sustainable Future.

Guatemala … Forever Special in Our Hearts!

26Jun

by Jenna Howell

Today, we have had an amazing day and have seen so much! Sadly, we left the beautiful Ring of Fire and headed to see some Mayan ruins. It was very interesting to see the remains of the second Mayan capitol.

Even the bus rides are great, seeing the country side and all the towns we have passed through. One thing I have really enjoyed is how much geography we have covered over the course of our adventure.

We ended today where we started, with some final shopping in Antigua and dinner at the first restaurant at which we ate.

Dale and Carolina from AGTEC and the Colorado (Philanthropiece) group met us for dinner. It was great to see everyone once again and say goodbye. 

As we are winding down here in Guatemala, we seem sad. Here is this amazing country that has opened our eyes to things we never thought existed, and we are just turning around and heading home. I feel like we are leaving all these people behind.

They have taught me so much, and I hope I made a difference with them like they made with me. Going through all my pictures I find myself smiling and tearing up all at once. To me, these pictures come to life. The colors here are vibrant and alive! This is real, these people, this amazing country; it exists and has stolen a part of my heart!

Antigua, The Lake, Chichi … they were gorgeous and amazing to see but these towns (to me) are NOT the real Guatemala. 

We have seen the TRUE Guatemala!

I speak for myself, but I think all of my Guatemala family would agree when I say that this experience has been an emotional roller coaster.  We have all missed home but also have seen and been exposed to things we never thought existed.

We have been touched personally by families and children. We have celebrated, gone through hard times, and encouraged each other through this whole journey. We have rejoiced and cried together. We have all become more than a study abroad group … we have become a family. I am so thankful for all the friendships I am taking home from this experience.

This has been an experience of a lifetime. I would choose this adventure again over any other study abroad. I cannot wait to go back and try to bring our stories and pictures to life. I want our stories to be known, and I cannot wait to recruit to future students. This has changed my life, opened my eyes, and humbled me.  

Counting my Blessings.

Guatemala … forever special in our hearts!

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