The Bridge Year Program offers a nine-month community service experience in a foreign country prior to beginning your freshman year at Princeton.

The volunteer placement. As a Princeton Bridge Year student, you’ll be placed in a volunteer assignment that serves a local community and enriches your understanding of the world. You might teach in an elementary school or serve patients in a health clinic. You might work in economic development or organize environmental initiatives. Whatever work you do, you’ll gain a deep understanding of your host country’s culture and make significant contributions to your host community.

The living experience. You’ll live with a family in the community you’re serving, giving you an opportunity to practice your language skills, get to know people, and become a part of local society.

Language training. If you’re traveling to a country that speaks a language other than your own, you’ll receive intensive language training once you arrive on-site. By the time you begin your Bridge Year work, you will be able to communicate effectively with others in your community.

Peer support. A small group of students will be placed in each Bridge Year location, giving you access to the support and comfort of your peers throughout your year abroad.

Destinations. You’ll spend your Bridge Year in a country other than your own. In 2009-10, Princeton is offering Bridge Year placements at sites in Ghana, India, Peru, and Serbia through the following partner organizations:  

Accra and Kumasi, Ghana - World Learning

Varanasi, India - Where There Be Dragons

Urubamba, Peru - ProWorld Service Corps

Novi Sad and Niš, Serbia - World Learning