Your pathway to meaningful experiences abroad.
Pathways Abroad helps AmeriCorps alumni turn their Education Award into meaningful experiences around the world by connecting them with eligible programs and providing guidance from planning through enrollment.
Bridge the gap between national service and global citizenship.
By partnering with trusted international providers, we make it simple for AmeriCorps alumni to continue serving, learning, and exploring long after their service term ends.
Service beyond borders
The values built through national service don’t stop when you go abroad. Alumni can bring that same commitment to communities and experiences around the world.
Build meaningful connections
Community engagement abroad creates opportunities to connect across cultures, contribute locally, and develop new perspectives.
Learn by doing
Living and working in a new environment builds communication, problem-solving, and adaptability through everyday experience.
Guidance you can count on
We help you understand award timing, eligible expenses, and program options so you can make informed decisions about what comes next.
A world where every AmeriCorps alum has a plan for their Ed Award
We envision a future where Segal Education Awards are not left on the table. Every alum deserves a clear, affordable, and exciting way to use their award. For many, that path leads abroad.
Your award can take you further
Pathways Abroad was founded by a former AmeriCorps program leader with a passion for helping people experience the world. After seeing how difficult it could be for alumni to make the most of their Education Award, they created Pathways Abroad to make using it for meaningful experiences abroad clearer and more accessible.
Why we exist
From an earned benefit to a world of opportunity
Five insights that explain why we do this work and how we open doors for alumni who want to go abroad.
- THE START
Service earned the award
AmeriCorps alumni work hard for their Education Award and deserve meaningful ways to use it.
- THE PROBLEM
Too many awards go unused
For alumni without student loans or plans to return to school, the options can feel limited.
- THE OPPORTUNITY
The award can take you abroad
Eligible international experiences are possible, but finding and navigating them hasn’t always been easy.
- OUR ROLE
We make the path clearer
Pathways Abroad points alumni to programs that work and explains, step by step, how to put the award toward one.
- THE POSSIBILITIES
Go somewhere meaningful
Alumni can find an experience that fits their goals, budget, and sense of adventure.
Founded for Alumni
by a former AmeriCorps Program Manager for Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity
When planning Life After AmeriCorps sessions, I always looked for creative ways for alumni to use their Education Award. At least a third of my cohort each year didn't have student loans, weren't returning to school, and had no dependents to transfer the award to. Their options were limited and the award often went unused. I also saw alumni who wanted to continue serving abroad, but the costs were too high or the commitment too long. For almost a decade, I worked to make it simpler for all AmeriCorps alumni to use their award in a meaningful way, like going abroad. They earned it, and they deserve it. I hope this helps.
A world of options, built for AmeriCorps alumni
We help alumni find experiences that fit their goals, budget, and time frame.
No cost to alumni
We never charge alumni or program staff for guidance. Our support, info sessions, and planning resources are completely free.
Peer-led guidance
Our sessions are facilitated by paid Alumni Ambassadors or former program staff, who have been in your shoes.
Providers we know
We partner with trusted international volunteer and internship organizations so you can choose with confidence.
Why we think it’s worth it to go abroad
Going abroad puts you in new places, with new people, and new ways of doing things. It builds on skills you develop through service, like adaptability, curiosity, and problem solving, while challenging you to see the world from a different perspective.
Why global learning mattersCultural humility
Learn from people whose experiences and perspectives may be different from your own.
Problem solving
Navigate unfamiliar situations and find a way forward when you don’t have all the answers.
Curiosity and initiative
Ask questions, try new things, and become more comfortable with the unfamiliar.
Global perspective
See how local communities and challenges connect to a much bigger picture.
Common questions about Pathways Abroad
Expand any question to read the full answer. The text stays visible to search engines even when collapsed.
- What is Pathways Abroad?
- Pathways Abroad LLC is an advising service that helps AmeriCorps alumni use the Segal Education Award for international volunteer programs and internships, and helps AmeriCorps program staff explain that option to their members. It is free for alumni and staff.
- Who founded Pathways Abroad?
- Pathways Abroad was founded by Kristal Sawatzke, a former Habitat for Humanity AmeriCorps program manager who saw members finish service without a plan for their Education Award.
- Is Pathways Abroad affiliated with AmeriCorps?
- No. Pathways Abroad is an independent company and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or an agent of AmeriCorps. Award funds are always disbursed through your accredited institution.
- Does Pathways Abroad charge alumni or program staff?
- No. Advising, planning guides, group advising sessions, and the program staff toolkit are all free. Pathways Abroad is compensated by its vetted international provider partners.
You don't need to navigate this alone.
Talk with someone who’s been there. In our info sessions, our Alumni Ambassadors answer questions, share what they learned, and help you navigate everything from using your award to preparing to go abroad.