The bridge year, a popular option overseas and among children of the 1 percent, should become a widely available, actively encouraged option in America. It would be better for students, and in the long term, for the nation.

Historically, the bridge year was something only the wealthy could afford, but a year off does not need to be an unbearable financial burden. Global Citizen Year, for example, offers amazing world-learning experiences in places like Brazil and Senegal to participants and also offers financial aid.

Read the full story in The Boston Globe