Serving in the Peace Corps
October 19, 2026 Written by Chiu-Yin Mak | Photos courtesy of Courtesy of Ella Houghton
Alumna brings her commitment to public service to youth development assignment in Costa Rica
For UD alumna Ella Houghton who graduated in May with an honors international relations degree and a minor in public policy, an early experience living abroad helped shape her interest in other cultures and global affairs.
When she was in second grade, Houghton moved with her family from New Hampshire to Chongqing, China, where she spent a year and a half experiencing life in a different cultural setting. At UD, she further explored her interest in international affairs through coursework, public service and opportunities to learn beyond the classroom. Today, she is putting that education into practice as a Peace Corps volunteer in Costa Rica.
As a student. Houghton pursued a concentration in diplomacy & global order and a regional specialization in Africa through the Department of Political Science and International Relations. Two courses, Diplomacy with Robert Denemark, and United Nations with Matthew Weinert, department chair, were particularly influential.
Houghton credits Denemark with challenging her to think critically about America’s role in the world and how nations navigate diplomacy. Weinert’s enthusiasm for international relations deepened her understanding of the United Nations, including its various bodies, thematic areas and the complexities of how the organization functions.
"Both of these professors and classes were vital to my studies at UD and reinforced my passion for IR," Houghton said.
Her interest in public policy also led her to opportunities at the Joseph R. Biden, Jr. School of Public Policy and Administration. Through the Washington, D.C. Fellows program, Houghton gained firsthand experience on Capitol Hill. Her internships included positions with Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Chris Coons, as well as two summer internships in her home state of New Hampshire. These experiences gave her insight into policymaking at the federal level and helped her understand how public service can translate into action.
Beyond her academic studies and internships, Houghton made the most of UD’s opportunities to engage with different communities and perspectives. Through the Community Engagement Scholars program, she explored how individuals and communities can contribute to meaningful change. Her study abroad experiences, including a winter session in Budapest and a semester in Barcelona, broadened her global perspective and gave her opportunities to experience life in different cultural settings.
Together, these experiences helped Houghton connect international affairs with public service and community engagement. They also strengthened her commitment to pursuing a career in international development and engagement.
Houghton encourages current students to be persistent, organized and intentional about building professional connections, particularly when pursuing competitive internships. She recommends using resources such as Handshake, LinkedIn and professional organization websites, and keeping a spreadsheet to track applications, deadlines, cover letters, and application links.
She also advises students to focus their resumes and cover letters on the impact of their work rather than simply listing responsibilities. Faculty members can be valuable resources throughout the process, whether students need feedback on application materials or recommendations.
Houghton said, "I wasn't afraid to reach out to professors for help; many of them are happy to read over cover letters, resumes, or write recommendations for you."
Above all, Houghton emphasizes the importance of building relationships before you need them. She recalls Philip Barnes, associate professor at the Biden School, often saying, "connections are like a bank account; you can't make withdrawals before you put in multiple deposits."
Now, Houghton is beginning the next chapter of her public service journey as a Peace Corps volunteer in Costa Rica. This September, she was sworn in as a volunteer and delivered a speech in Spanish during the ceremony. She then traveled four hours to her new community to begin her two-year assignment in youth development.
Houghton has been assigned to a high school in a small community in the southern part of San José Province. She will help cultivate participation in sports, develop students’ life skills, strengthen opportunities for youth community development, and help prepare students for their futures.
As Houghton settles into her new community, she hopes to continue working in international development and engagement. She is grateful for the opportunity to learn, grow and serve alongside the people she has met in Costa Rica, while recognizing that the next two years will bring challenges and experiences that push her beyond her comfort zone.
