Princeton has announced the creation of a working group to study the idea of having some freshman take an “international bridge year program“. Basically they are examining the possibility of about 10% of incoming freshman, about 100 students, take a gap year and engage in public service in a country outside their native country. Costs of such a program would be treated as costs of the college with financial aid available for students with need.

I have written about gap year programs on several occasions and am generally a fan of such programs for the right student. I think Princeton’s approach is admirable, particularly their approach that financial aid would apply to needy students. The also make it clear that if a student wishes to take a traditional gap year that option would still be available although without the financial support of Princeton.

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