Spring Break
Princeton starts study abroad program for gap-year freshmen
Issue date: 3/6/08
A new study abroad program at Princeton University will allow newly admitted students to spend a year abroad before entering college. Development of the program comes as a response to increased numbers of college students taking a "gap year" after graduating from high school.
The University hopes to begin the program in 2009 and offer it at first to a small number of students. Eventually, however, the school intends to involve at least 10 percent of admitted students each year. Princeton does not plan to charge tuition for those who go abroad, and financial aid will be offered to students who need it. A committee consisting of faculty and staff members and students will determine practical matters of the program such as cost, legal issues and the selection process of students.
Though some companies have begun to work with pre-college students to assist them in finding work or travel prospects abroad, Princeton is the first university to develop a formal program to allow these students such opportunity. Although many Hopkins students take a year off before college, the University has no plans to create a similar program.
The University hopes to begin the program in 2009 and offer it at first to a small number of students. Eventually, however, the school intends to involve at least 10 percent of admitted students each year. Princeton does not plan to charge tuition for those who go abroad, and financial aid will be offered to students who need it. A committee consisting of faculty and staff members and students will determine practical matters of the program such as cost, legal issues and the selection process of students.
Though some companies have begun to work with pre-college students to assist them in finding work or travel prospects abroad, Princeton is the first university to develop a formal program to allow these students such opportunity. Although many Hopkins students take a year off before college, the University has no plans to create a similar program.
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