Masters International Volunteer Program
Grad School or Peace Corps... Why Not Do Both?
Formerly, the University of Michigan School of Social Work (SSW) in conjunction with Peace Corps offered the Master's International (MI) program until the program was retired in 2016. Despite Peace Corps' retirement of the MI program, the SSW is continuing to offer students interested in international service the option to incorporate Peace Corps service into their On Campus MSW program. On Campus MSW applicants must apply to the U-M School of Social Work first and upon acceptance can apply to the Peace Corps. Masters International Volunteer Program students are not guaranteed acceptance into Peace Corps.
MSW students pursuing the Masters International Volunteer Program must select the Global Social Work Practice pathway as either their primary or secondary pathway. Please note, students interested in pursuing clinical licensure after graduation in the U.S.A. are strongly encouraged to select the 1) Interpersonal Practice in Integrated Health, Mental Health, and Substance Abuse pathway, 2)Welfare of Children & Families pathway, or 3) Social Work Practice with Older Adults and Families from a Lifespan Perspective pathway as their primary pathway and the Global Social Work Practice pathway as their secondary pathway.
Masters International Volunteer Program students serve in countries all around the world and may choose to serve in any of the Peace Corps sectors that best fit their interests. Peace Corps Volunteer Openings are updated quarterly.
The Masters International Volunteer Program will further enhance learning and skills by giving students an option to complete 27 months of significant international experience while completing their MSW degree.
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Requirements
- On Campus MSW applicants must apply to the U-M School of Social Work first and upon acceptance can apply to the Peace Corps
- Peace Corps applications may be submitted between May 1st and September 1st of the fall term when students begin course work. On the Peace Corps application, please indicate a program that has a departure date between early May and late June.
- Applicants must be accepted to both programs
- Student must enroll in either the on-campus 12-month (Advanced standing, MasterTrack MSW, SW Essentials MSW, UM-Dearborn Human Services & Social Work, or UM Sociology & Social Work) or 20-month Masters International Volunteer Program curriculum*
- Applicants must complete the Global Social Work pathway as either their primary or secondary pathway
- Students will be required to attend mandatory cohort meetings both prior to leaving for Peace Corps service and once they return from abroad
- In order to join the Peace Corps, you must be over age 18 and a U.S. citizen
Funding
- $6,000 total award* for 45 credit hour program students
- $12,000 total award ($6,000 per semester)* for 60 credit hour program students
*Financial aid awards for Masters International Volunteer Program students will be disbursed in the term(s) after successful completion of Peace Corps service.
A School of Social Work financial aid application for merit-based aid must be submitted for eligible participants to receive the Masters International Volunteer Program financial award. If you submitted the financial aid application as a part of your MSW online application do not submit a duplicate copy.
Applicants to the Masters International Volunteer Program are eligible for a variety of competitive and need-based grants, scholarships and loans available to all MSW applicants. For more information on financial support from the School of Social Work, refer to Current Grants and Scholarships.
Curriculum
Students in the Masters International Volunteer Program will first complete one year of coursework on campus. Afterward, they will serve overseas in the Peace Corps for 27 months. Students will then return to campus to complete their last year or semester of coursework.
Students will receive 6 elective credits total for their participation in the Masters International Volunteer Program. These credits will be awarded for the following courses:
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SW527 (6-credits)- an independent study course awarded for the 27 months of Peace Corps service. Requirements include:
- Successfully completing Peace Corps service
- Providing monthly updates either by emails or blog posts
- Sharing the Peace Corps experience with the SSW community upon returning to campus
Students will be required to attend mandatory meetings both prior to leaving for their Peace Corps experience and once they return from abroad.
Students are not required to complete any academic assignments during their 27 months of Peace Corps service.
The Masters International Volunteer Program course planning worksheets indicate typical course schedules by term.
Note: Students interested in pursuing clinical licensure after graduation are strongly encouraged to select the Interpersonal Practice in Integrated Health, Mental Health, and Substance Abuse pathway as their primary pathway and the Global Social Work Practice pathway as their secondary pathway. All students pursuing the Masters International Volunteer Program must select the Global Social Work Practice pathway as either their primary or secondary pathway.
Loan Deferment
During their Peace Corps service student may be able to take advantage of some benefits in regards to student loan deferment. If students have private loans, they will need to talk to their lender about deferment. During Peace Corps service, students can decide to use up to 75 percent of the readjustment allowance earned per month as a Volunteer toward repaying loans.
Many federal loans qualify for some type of benefit: deferment, partial cancellation, income-driven prepayment or forgiveness. Please refer to Peace Corps Student Loan Instructions website for more information.
Application Process
On Campus MSW applicants must apply to the U-M School of Social Work first and upon acceptance can apply to the Peace Corps. Peace Corps applications can only be started after May 1 prior to students first semester at the School of Social Work.
- Peace Corps Application
- Frequently Asked Questions about Peace Corps service and the application process
- Current Peace Corps Volunteer openings around the world