The University plans to start a pilot program for an international “bridge year” in the fall of 2009. Twenty students from the Class of 2013 will be invited to postpone their freshman year and pursue a nine-month service project abroad.

A group of faculty, students, and staff appointed by President Tilghman to explore the value and feasibility of a bridge-year program endorsed the idea in July.

“We found that there was a huge interest in such a program,” said comparative literature professor Sandra Bermann, who led the group. “The students whom we spoke to who had taken a gap year credit it with giving them a new maturity, a new outlook on their college experience.”

Princeton’s program will focus on service instead of travel or study, and students will be immersed in the local culture, living with host families and completing intensive language training. Bermann said the service projects will place students in “age-appropriate” work, and the University will partner with existing international service organizations to help ensure a safe and productive year abroad.

The bridge year could grow to include 100 students each year, according to Bermann. The office of Dean of the College Nancy Malkiel will oversee the program. Students who accept Princeton’s offer of admission will be able to apply for the bridge year, and the University will match successful applicants with a project that fits their interests. Financial aid will be provided to make the program need-blind.