<p>A working group appointed by Princeton President Shirley M. Tilghman has endorsed the creation of an international "bridge year" program for newly admitted undergraduates and has recommended that the University launch a pilot program with 20 students as early as fall 2009.</p>
<p>"The vision for Princeton's bridge year program is to enable students to gain critical international experiences and perspectives and to bring those insights to campus to share with other students," Tilghman said.</p>
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<p>Glad to see that this idea has materialized into something concrete.</p>
<p>Princeton</a> University - Creation of international 'bridge year' program endorsed
Also check out: New</a> York Times: Princeton Plans for an Early Year Abroad</p>
<p>I agree that this is a great new opportunity for accepted students. Here are some of the salient points:</p>
<p>The program would allow students to pursue a tuition-free, pre-collegiate enrichment year focused on public service outside their home country, with support from the University. </p>
<p>"The vision for Princeton's bridge year program is to enable students to gain critical international experiences and perspectives and to bring those insights to campus to share with other students," Tilghman said. "Not only will this program provide students with a transformational personal experience, it will enhance Princeton's deep commitment to the service of all nations and prepare these students to take fuller advantage of their subsequent four years at the University. </p>
<p>The program would be designed to provide students with a full immersion into their new environment with a strong emphasis on language and cultural training. In the pilot phase of the program, small groups of students would be assigned to a limited number of communities, living with host families. </p>
<p>The bridge year program would be available to all admitted Princeton students regardless of their financial situations. The University would cover most, if not all, program costs. Relatively minor expenses would be paid for by individual families, but Princeton would cover any costs that families cannot afford.</p>
<p>"Students participating in this bold initiative will live in an unfamiliar cultural context abroad that should challenge assumptions, encourage innovative thinking and foster maturity," Bermann said. "It will provide a time of service, an opportunity for students to think about working with and for others, and a break from the academic pressure that marks today's intensely competitive pre-college experience. </p>
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<p>A year spent abroad between high school and college made possible with financial support from Princeton is a wonderful opportunity that I predict will attract many seniors who feel they need a break and a chance to broaden their perspective.</p>
<p>awww i thought your title meant higher admittance rate for int. students...</p>