By Stone Chapman, Global Engagement at Texas A&M University
COLLEGE STATION, Texas — Nov. 24, 2025 — Sometimes people stumble upon their calling in unconventional ways. For former student Gretchen Evans ’23, she discovered her passion during a semester abroad in Thailand. When it was over, all she could think about was how to return. She couldn’t shake the feeling of fulfillment found in another country.
Gretchen wanted to continue her international journey to deepen her cultural understanding, build meaningful connections, and shape her future. This led her to look beyond the one semester she spent abroad and into something more long-term. Enter the Peace Corps.
“I knew I wanted to learn more about the world, human experience and what brings people together. I also grew up volunteering,” Evans said. “These experiences, paired with a number of guest seminars and connections within the Aggie Network, caused me to seek out applying for the Peace Corps. By relationship-building around my community, I have been able to coach soccer practices with local community members.”
Evans first discovered Thailand during a semester abroad, offered by our affiliate provider USAC, at Chiang Mai University where she volunteered at an English camp for primary school students. That experience led her to apply for the Peace Corps, requesting an assignment in Thailand. She eventually took on a youth development role, which required flexibility and frequent changes to her routine, often going beyond coaching to meet community needs.
“You can watch as many ‘day in the life of a [Peace Corps Volunteer] videos as you want, but nothing can truly prepare you for volunteer service,” Evans said. “A typical day as a Youth in Development volunteer in Thailand simply does not exist.”
Evans works with her Thai counterparts at the local government administration office once a week. When she isn’t doing that, she is partnering with her designated schools.
Peace Corps + Texas A&M Peace Corps Prep Program
The Peace Corps is a service-based organization with a mission to promote peace and friendship through community-driven projects. A mission that pairs well with Texas A&M University’s Core Values.
“If you are considering the Peace Corps and are ready for a major change in your life, I say just do it,” Evans said. “An Aggie Core Value is selfless service, and I believe serving in the Peace Corps is a wonderful way to live out this value.”
To help students prepare for applying to the Peace Corps or for entering nonprofit or government sectors, the Department of Global Engagement at Texas A&M launched the Peace Corps Prep Program this fall. With early and careful planning, many Aggies can complete the program without taking courses beyond their degree plan.
The Peace Corps Prep Program at Texas A&M is a program designed in collaboration with the Peace Corps to prepare students for international service and leadership through coursework, hands-on experience and community engagement.
Students interested in joining the Peace Corps Prep program can learn more and get involved through the Global Engagement website.
“The unofficial motto of the Peace Corps is that it is the hardest job you’ll ever love, and that sentiment rings true more every day,” Evans said. “Support from others, the great work you’re doing, and the memories you create are well worth the necessary, unlimited supply of resilience. You got this.”
About Global Engagement
The Department of Global Engagement strategically aligns several critical internationally focused units, bringing together Education Abroad, International Student & Scholar Services and Global Partnerships & Initiatives. As a hub of resources and partnerships, Global Engagement fosters the university’s commitment to solving the world’s most pressing problems through a focus on transformational international education and research that serves our local communities and the world at large.