Andrew Fellows ’19 spent the last two years serving in the Peace Corps in Kosovo. His Quaker upbringing and education — which taught him the importance of service-learning — sparked his passion to serve others and explore the world.

“I would encourage anyone to do these kinds of trips, especially when you’re in your formative years,” shared Andrew. “Whether it’s from the religions department, shift or any kind of service-learning work we do, the learning opportunities at George School prime you for doing Peace Corps kind of work.”

The Peace Corps shares the values of community and global citizenship that directly align with the ways in which George School seeks to empower students to become responsible, compassionate and courageous leaders who will positively impact our collective future.  

Andrew grew up in Newtown Friends Meeting alongside members who were among the first few cohorts of Peace Corps volunteers, including George School trustee Marguerite Chandler. He held the idea in the back of his mind as he continued his education at Newtown Friends School, George School and then Tufts University in Boston. Andrew received his Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and Affairs and Middle Eastern Studies in 2023, and decided to take the leap to apply to the Peace Corps.

He was accepted and offered an opportunity in Kosovo to work with non-governmental organizations and community youth centers, expanding programs for civic education and youth development. 

Andrew led trainings on topics like resume writing and other employment-seeking skills, along with how to get involved in local politics and advocate for community causes, including a project centered around engaging young people in an anti-littering campaign.

When he first arrived, he was unsure what type of impact his work would have. Through self-reflection, resembling silent Quaker worship, he discovered his presence caused the greatest influence in his community. “A lot of what I had to offer was simply my perspective on things. I served as the contrast for these two groups of Balkan people, who had many similarities in food, values and traditions, compared to myself, often the only American in the room.”

“Going to another country forces you to be mindful of how you present yourself,” he continued. “I learned not to shy away from those conversations of interethnic and cultural differences.”

Looking back, his first service trip with George School students to West Virginia helped prepare him for his time in Kosovo. “There were moments in Kosovo that reminded me of that trip; the area resembled the mountainous region coupled with close-knit communities and villages and the work was similar to the community development work I was doing there,” he said.

Now that he’s returned to Newtown, Andrew hopes to continue to share his experience and to inspire others to follow his path as he prepares for graduate school. He plans to study international development and public policy.

“George School students are among the most well-equipped people to join the Peace Corps,” said Andrew. “They are able to face a lot of the challenges that come with the experience, thanks to a Quaker education.”