<p>I’m graduating in May 2010 and have begun researching my options for what to do after I graduate. I’m majoring in Political Science and might eventually want to attend grad school, but I think I’d like a break from academics and get some real-world experience beforehand.</p>
<p>I know of programs like Teach for America, AmeriCorps, and the Peace Corps, but does anyone have firsthand experience with these or other volunteer programs? </p>
<p>Information about everything from the application process to actual program experience would be welcome.</p>
<p>Are there any other similar programs that I should also look into?</p>
<p>I don’t really have specific questions at this point.</p>
<p>I’m just trying to get some general information about these programs, advice about how/why to choose a specific program, as well as descriptions of individual experiences.</p>
<p>Basically any and all advice is welcome! I know my question is quite broad and that I can get specific information about how to apply, etc. from the programs themselves, but I was hoping that the CC parents might have insight from personal experience about the pros and cons of various programs.</p>
<p>My daughter is right now visiting a friend that has been doing AmeriCorps for the last year. He is is Hawaii. From what I understand he was given a task from AmeriCorp and a time frame of less then a year to complete it. He had to find his own housing with an extremely low paycheck. Good thing he is a low maintenance guy. He did such a good job that he was asked to stay for another year. I am encouraging my son to look into AmeriCorps for after his College graduation next year. </p>
<p>From what I’ve read on this board, both Teach for America and AmeriCorps are much more competitive then they’ve ever been right now.</p>