By Katie Wagner, Staff Writer
Princeton University President Shirley M. Tilghman has appointed a working group to explore the creation of a “bridge year” program that would allow about 10 percent of the university’s newly admitted undergraduate classes to spend a year of public service abroad before beginning their freshman year.
The program would enable students to pursue a tuition-free, pre-collegiate enrichment year outside their home country with support from the university.
The proposal was among several international engagement efforts outlined in the “Princeton in the World” initiative announced by President Tilghman and Provost Christopher Eisgruber last October.
”This bridge year initiative lies at the intersection of two high priorities of Princeton,” President Tilghman said in a statement. “One is to increase the international perspective of all students, which this program would do both through the direct experiences of those who participate and the insights they share with other students when they arrive on campus. The second priority is to expand Princeton’s commitment to the service of all nations by encouraging students to spend time abroad engaged in meaningful service activities to which they can devote their full energies.”
The proposal is to create an international opportunity that would be open to any admitted student regardless of his or her financial circumstances. The working group will explore the costs that will need to be covered, including program fees, living expenses and travel, and what levels of financial aid will be necessary to ensure that admission to the program can be provided on a fully need-blind basis.
The proposed program would be open to undergraduates who accept Princeton’s offer of admission and then apply to participate in a public service activity in a foreign country before enrolling. North American students would be expected to spend their year outside North America, and international students from outside North America would agree to spend their bridge year away from their home country.
Students would participate in approved programs with partner organizations that offer international service opportunities. The organizations might include current Princeton partners, such as Princeton in Asia, or other established organizations that could be identified as meeting the goals of the program. Study abroad or other programs with an academic focus would not be included.
