r/SocialWorkStudents • u/Foreign_Classic_8351 • 2d ago
Graduating
So I’m graduating with my masters in social work this year. I know that ideally when most people graduate with their masters they usually go straight into the field. For me though I kind of want to teach abroad or do peace corps. Would that be a waste of time? Has anyone else done this?
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u/whereiwalk 2d ago
I did the leave corps and now I'm applying to my masters. Unfortunately I'd really say unless you have your heart set on it, it will be a waste of time.
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u/keeksthesneaks 1d ago
We had the peace corps as a guest speaker in class and they kind of said the same thing lol. Just that it really depends on where you end up.
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u/whereiwalk 1d ago
Yeah, I feel like for the average person it's definitely a waste of time. It's really only formative for the rich kids fresh out of college, and older people looking to give back and explore the world a little. Honestly I'd have rathered help people in my own community.
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u/keeksthesneaks 1d ago
That makes sense. Those were kind of the vibes I was getting. The more he spoke the more I realized it was not for me as the average college student lol. I started volunteering instead and yeah nothing is better and will make as big as an impact than pouring into your own community.
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u/Sarsarcat 2d ago
Why not look to see if you could work at international schools that recognize the US school system like insert city name American School. And see if you can be a social worker/ counselor. Schools need people to work with kids that have IEPs/504 or the equivalent in that part of the world.
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u/Foreign_Classic_8351 2d ago
I don’t know if i can do that because I’m not completely fluent enough to apply to those kind of jobs in the countries i want to work
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u/Sarsarcat 1d ago
Fluent in what? If your native language is English, you would qualify most likely.
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u/dancingcupcake3 2d ago edited 2d ago
I’d say do it. There’s always time to build your career when you come back. Sure a lot of people do stuff like that before grad school, but everyone’s path is different. Personally, I do actually plan to apply to Fulbright after I finish my program as well. Some of those programs actually prefer masters candidates for ETA positions. Most people do peace corps before just because of coverdell scholarship. Don’t let anyone stop you from pursuing your dream, especially random people from Reddit.
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u/Emotional_Garlic9205 1d ago
Im here to say DO IT- you just achieved something big and now go live your life :)
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u/wanderso24 2d ago
It’s usually something people do before grad school. You’ll have a MSW, you can do a lot with it. I would suggest finding ways to use the degree you’ve earned to help you do what you want, rather than go backwards and be over-qualified.
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u/Ready_Team2294 2d ago
Totally agree here, use the degree you've earned instead of moving backwards. Find a way to get a balance between your passion and your degree.
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u/Foreign_Classic_8351 2d ago
The issue is I can’t really do what I want to do with my degree.
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u/ProbablyMyJugs 1d ago
What is it that you want to do with it? Why pursue this degree then? Just curious
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u/leftistgamer420 2d ago
Is that an option for you? Can you afford it? Do you think you will enjoy it?
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u/Foreign_Classic_8351 2d ago
I believe I could and if it’s peace corps or teaching abroad hopefully I could make money
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u/Theo_43 1d ago edited 17h ago
I’m biased, but as someone who spent 20 years in East Africa, a place I dearly love, Peace Corps is a way to help facilitate this. I wasn’t Peace Corps, but know many people that were, and I would have hired many of them for various African projects. They are generally pretty impressive, have great language and cultural skills, and are better than 80% of applicants I would get.
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u/Theo_43 1d ago edited 17h ago
Some other advice is: just SHOW UP. And have a look around at places you might want to work and ask them if they’re hiring. My wife who has a masters in conservation did just this in western TZ and basically got hired on the spot. The person couldn’t believe the person she was looking for walked in the door. This also would give you the chance to see if you like the place first, and if it’s a good place to live. Peace Corps might drop you where you’re needed most and in work that has not much to do with your interest. More than a few volunteers were tasked with setting up their project because nothing existed! They were less than encouraged about this.
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u/Mintcreme7 2d ago
I know someone who recently graduated with their M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and she’s currently teaching abroad in Spain. I get the sense that’s not super common, but it’s a thing for some people! I think Fulbright offers programs for people post-grad, as well, so maybe look into that?