Morocco Time

Time for some input from my audience – I’m trying to decide what to pursue next.
My options are :

1. Graduate School – After speaking to an advisor at Ohio State, he told me that even though my major was in CIS, it wouldn’t really be a problem to pursue a radically different direction in grad school – in fact, many people do just that. He thought that my life/work experience, plus my computer knowledge, would make me a shoe-in for many programs. I have a good GPA (3.6), and an OK GRE (800 verbal, which is perfect, woo! – but 510 on the math, boo). There are even fantastic programs at Harvard and U. Mich. that deal specifically with North Africa!

Drawbacks – I already have a ton of student loans from undergrad, and it would be at least another two year commitment, possibly keeping me away from my husband. In addition, I have so many interests, that I’m not sure what I’d like to focus on.
2. Fulbright – Some people have suggested that I apply “at-large” (not affiliated with a university). There were 10 grants available for Morocco for 2006-2007, and 40 people applied. Pretty good chances, but I’d need to come up with a fabulous proposal, get three great references, and improve my language skills. The application is due October 20th, and I already have an idea for what I’d like to research.

Drawbacks – At-large students have fewer resources to help them write proposals that are likely to be successful – many universities have entire departments devoted to Fulbright assistance. I’m also running a bit short on time as far as getting the references requested and submitted. As far as hearing back from Fulbright itself, I wouldn’t know until January if I even passed the first round, and March before I knew if I had a grant or not.

3. Peace Corps/Master’s Program – I’ve been tossing around the Peace Corps idea for several reasons. First, because it provides fantastic hands-on experience. Second, I could really get a handle on learning the language. PC has a program where you take classes toward a master’s degree, go do your PC service (in the field that you’re studying), and then get your master’s after you come back and finish some kind of capstone experience.

Drawbacks – I can’t request where I want to go, and I’m not really interested in anywhere but North Africa right now. However, I did speak to PC headquarters, and they told me that they try to place people where they feel they’d be happiest and do their best, and the fact that I speak at least two of the languages common to Morocco would be one of the deciding factors for them. My husband is not thrilled with the PC idea – he knows they make very little money, and he thinks it’s “for kids.”

4. Wait, and then Independent Research – I’m here in the States for at least the next year, so I could keep improving my French and darija, and then – just move back to Morocco, and do the research I want to do. I wouldn’t have to worry about supporting myself, my dear sweet husband takes care of that while I’m there.

Drawbacks – With no background in sociology/anthropology/development, I might just end up spinning my wheels.

Thoughts? Warnings? Words of wisdom?