So you’re graduating from college (or high school). Now, what? I looked through my options a few months before graduation and considered a number of things like graduate school, volunteering and work at newspapers. But I didn’t pick any of them and decided to travel instead.
There are a number of ways to see new places after graduation and to earn money doing so. I was lucky enough to have my parents pay for my schooling, but if you took out your own student loans, a job or paid internship may be wiser than spending money hopping around the world.
I’ve included a few options that I considered as well as a few friends of mine did after graduation. Most of these options are for Americans, as that is my area of knowledge, but I’m sure similar options exist for other countries. If you have more, leave them in the comments! I’d love for this post to be a resource for upcoming graduates from all over the world.
AmeriCorps
AmeriCorps is ideal for people who want to see more of their own backyard while also giving back. I first heard about it from a friend who did NCCC between high school and college. The AmeriCorps program has three components: Vista, State and National, and NCCC.
Vista aligns you with a non-profit or community organization in a location more or less of your choice. NCCC works with FEMA at five campuses in the country. State and National follows a similar format to Vista, but with opportunities for grants.
I interviewed a friend who worked in AmeriCorps Vista, so read her take on life in the corps. Each program has different benefits and requirements, so research further before committing.
- Requirements: aged 18+, college degree for some programs
- Length of Commitment: 10 months to 1 year
- Income and Benefits: loan deferment, food stamps, health coverage and stipend
- Places You Go: United States
Peace Corps
Perhaps the most well known postgrad option for travelers, the Peace Corps has a long list of notable alums. Your set of skills and language knowledge is what typically determines where you are placed, but many end up in South America, Eastern Europe, and Sub-Saharan Africa.
It’s a great primer for those looking to get into NGO work or just looking to see the world and make it better. I interviewed an alumna of the Peace Corps about her experiences as well.
- Requirements: college diploma, language knowledge preferred,
- Length of Commitment: 2 years
- Income and Benefits: loan deferment, stipend, medical and dental coverage, and vacation days
- Places You Go: Placement in one of the 60+ countries worldwide
Teach for America
This program started a few years ago as a way to bring educated recent college graduates into at risk schools. You don’t have to have a teaching degree to qualify for Teach for America, but rather an enthusiasm for challenges. Some regions are a higher priority than others, so you’re more likely to be matched in them.
- Requirements: College degree, 2.5 GPA
- Length of Commitment: 2 years
- Income and Benefits: salary, health coverage, retirement account
- Places You Go: United States
Nannying (Au Pair)
I’ve known a number of people who have worked as nannies overseas in Italy, Australia and New Zealand. You can do it just about anywhere in the world. Apply online through an agency, which will pair you with a family overseas.
Be sure to speak with them many times in advance regarding your expectations of pay, hours and living conditions. Au Pair World is just one site that matches you with potential employers. I interviewed another friend about what it was like to nanny in Australia.
- Requirements: CPR certification and English language typically preferred
- Length of Commitment: Varies
- Income and Benefits: Varies, but usually includes room and board as well as pay
- Places You Go: Worldwide
Working Holiday
My option of choice was the working holiday, a visa that exists for 18-35 year olds in Australia, New Zealand and a handful of other countries. I was on the older end of the spectrum when I went at 23, as the working holidaymakers from Europe were mostly 19.
- Requirements: age 18-35, visa requirements
- Length of Commitment: less than one year
- Income: Varies
- Places You Go: Australia, New Zealand, Canada, England
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