#gapyear - reasons why!
How does a supportive gap experience build the mental fitness needed for young adults to thrive? Writing for EAIE: European Association for International Education, our Executive Director, Heather Tracy, EdD, and Director of The Bridge, Danny Recio, Ph.D, outline the ways a supportive gap year can be instrumental in helping young adults to thrive by challenging their openness and adaptability and inviting them to be reflective and develop more robust personal narratives. ?? How does it happen? We know that young adults thrive not when left alone but when guided by skilled educators or peers. In 2016, we coined the term "Supportive Immersion" to name and train our approach to guiding young adults and adolescents through experiential international education at The Bridge Costa Rica and New Summit Academy Costa Rica. Supportive Immersion employs empathetic connection, collaborative empowerment and process-based scaffolding to help develop PROPS skills, meaning students become: 1?? Proactive in finding their purpose 2?? Resilient in times of struggle 3?? Open and collaborative 4?? Creative in problem-solving 5?? Skilled at self-governance What are the outcomes? Check out these reflections from graduates of The Bridge: ?? "Having to deal with uncomfortable situations really gave me a new perspective on how I need to focus on my priorities and how much the short-term discomforts are worth it in the long term.” ??? "Spending time with people from a different culture, living with them and becoming their friend has made me realize that my way is not always the way.” Interested in hearing more thoughts from graduates of The Bridge? Tune in to our Life After The Bridge series ?? https://lnkd.in/eQEH2vWa Want more research and publications from Danny Recio, Ph.D and Heather Tracy, EdD? Check out the link below ?? https://lnkd.in/euHKzFDh #gap #studyabroad #costarica #gapyear #gapsemester #mentalfitness #mentalhealth #youngadults #supportiveimmersion #thebridgecr #internationaleducation #goabroad #gooverseas #gapyearabroad