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It’s normal to feel afraid of taking a gap year abroad. What if you feel homesick? What if it’s too much? What if you don’t fit in?
That’s why The Bridge Costa Rica was designed for students like you - those who crave growth but need support, not pressure.
That’s why The Bridge Costa Rica was designed for students like you - those who crave growth but need support, not pressure.
Here’s what makes The Bridge different from independent travel or traditional gap programs:
Fear isn’t a sign to stay home. It’s a sign you care, and with the right support, it becomes fuel for transformation.
- Built-In Community: You’ll live with peers and mentors who walk with you through the journey.
- Scaffolded Independence: We don’t throw you in the deep end. You’ll gain skills step-by-step - budgeting, transportation, social navigation, etc.
- Safe Cultural Exposure: Costa Rica offers a rich, welcoming culture that’s different but not overwhelming.
- Emotional Support: Group and one-on-one coaching is available to help you process your experience and move through fear.
Fear isn’t a sign to stay home. It’s a sign you care, and with the right support, it becomes fuel for transformation.
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Embark on a Virtual Journey
Thanks to the wonderful help of our students we were able to finish our newest House Tour Video! You will get a glimpse into our wonderful green surroundings, students day to day-to-day living and hang out spaces, as well as a surprise visit from a few furry friends :) Take a look!
Atenas, Costa Rica
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In this special newsletter, we bring you a mix of testimonial videos that highlight the transformative experiences of our alumni. These brave young adults have overcome challenges and achieved remarkable progress, and we couldn't be prouder of their accomplishments.
Highlights:
- “You surround yourself with amazing people who are searching for the light. Inevitable is going to rub off on you!”
- “There’s always going to be ups and downs. You can appreciate and learn from the downs.”
- “You can make The Bridge what you want it to be. It’s a sandbox for your betterment.”
- “I appreciated staff just being themselves and helping me.” “I think Costa Rica provides a priceless detox for your process.”
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"They have given me immense hope that my children can have a more comfortable and bigger space to live in." "I am so grateful."
These are a few encouraging quotes from our latest Aventura project! We are working in collaboration with an organization called SIFAIS.
Our main project is improving the living conditions for a single mom and her two kids! We are working on restoring and doing a lot of home improvements to their house, in addition to collaborating in their community center.
Student Takeaways
"I learned gratitude and work ethic. I remember the same people on the bus waking up early every day. They were going to work, dealing with the traffic, and so were we."
"I was impressed with how the locals find happiness despite their difficult conditions. I learned how to find happiness and joy in the little things. "
"I was impressed with how the locals find happiness despite their difficult conditions. I learned how to find happiness and joy in the little things. "
"It stood out to me listening to Griselda saying that what we did for her is just work for us, but for the community, it was an inspiration and letting people know that we care of them; that they are not forgotten."
"My learning was being more confident about myself and the work I can do; seeing what I'm capable of."
"My learning was being more confident about myself and the work I can do; seeing what I'm capable of."
Aventuras are an opportunity for our students to dive into different people’s lifestyles as well as to see themselves as contributors by developing various projects throughout their program stay.
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Would you like to learn more about course reviews like this one? Read on...
Dr. Danny Recio, PhD
- "This course has renewed my interest in going to college"
- "This was my favorite class in my 4 years in college"
- "Every young adult should take this class"
- "I wasn’t expecting it to hit so deep with me, I felt very connected with everybody."
- The idea of community and culture made me think about what the importance of it is in my life and what I want for myself in the future."
Watch this short video showing students reflect on the class and their memorable field trip experience:
The 9 Dimensions of Healthy Living framework stems from the robust research by the Gates Foundation on the "Dimensions of Young Adult Success".
After using this framework to guide and structure the personal growth and program experiences of our students for several years we thought, wouldn't this framework make for a really interesting and valuable college course?... So, we partnered up with Veritas University to offer a course called Sustainable Lifestyles, focused on young adult wellbeing and centered around the 9 Dimensions of Healthy Living.
In addition to providing students with lots of information on how to navigate their wellbeing, it has tons of experiential elements that make it really engaging.
After using this framework to guide and structure the personal growth and program experiences of our students for several years we thought, wouldn't this framework make for a really interesting and valuable college course?... So, we partnered up with Veritas University to offer a course called Sustainable Lifestyles, focused on young adult wellbeing and centered around the 9 Dimensions of Healthy Living.
In addition to providing students with lots of information on how to navigate their wellbeing, it has tons of experiential elements that make it really engaging.
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Dr. Danny Recio & Dr. Heather Tracy
Mental health is a hot topic at all levels of education, and higher ed is no exception.
Check out Dr. Danny Recio & Dr. Heather Tracy’s article published in the well respected EAIE FORUM magazine last summer of 2023. Finding the path to mental fitness: From languishing to flourishing is a worthy read!
Check out Dr. Danny Recio & Dr. Heather Tracy’s article published in the well respected EAIE FORUM magazine last summer of 2023. Finding the path to mental fitness: From languishing to flourishing is a worthy read!
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If your goal is more than just seeing the world - if you need time to heal, grow, and find direction - then choosing the right gap year program is crucial.
Here are five questions to ask:
If you’re asking, “I need more than just travel…what’s out there?” you’re already on the right path. The Bridge is here to help you cross into the next stage of your life with purpose and confidence.
Here are five questions to ask:
- Will I be supported emotionally? If you’ve struggled with anxiety, depression, or burnout, emotional support should be part of the program, not an afterthought.
- Will I be challenged in a healthy way? Growth happens outside your comfort zone, but only when that discomfort is safe and supported.
- Will I learn real-life skills? Look for programs like The Bridge that teach practical skills like cooking, budgeting, time management, leadership.
- Will I have mentors and structure? A good program offers 24/7 support, guided reflection, and clear expectations.
- Will this help me move forward? Programs like The Bridge offer college credit, resume-building experiences, and a clear path to next steps.
If you’re asking, “I need more than just travel…what’s out there?” you’re already on the right path. The Bridge is here to help you cross into the next stage of your life with purpose and confidence.
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What if you were guaranteed immense clarity and direction just from taking a simple year off of school to travel abroad? What if it could propel you way farther than jumping straight into college? Would you do it without hesitation?
Danny Recio, Director and Founder of The Bridge Gap Program, took a gap year in South Africa after high school. It was during his time there where he had a “coming of age” experience and found his calling in working with people. All because of his time abroad, Danny went on to start gap year programs - a therapeutic option called The Bridge (a therapeutic community for young men) and a more traditional coed gap program (Si! Gap Program) in Costa Rica, guiding them along their own coming of age experiences.
Danny Recio, Director and Founder of The Bridge Gap Program, took a gap year in South Africa after high school. It was during his time there where he had a “coming of age” experience and found his calling in working with people. All because of his time abroad, Danny went on to start gap year programs - a therapeutic option called The Bridge (a therapeutic community for young men) and a more traditional coed gap program (Si! Gap Program) in Costa Rica, guiding them along their own coming of age experiences.
In this episode of Success is Subjective, Danny joins Joanna Lilley to share his journey as he traveled as a young adult, exploring different cultures and how his gap year experience has stuck with him, even a decade later. Listen in for Danny’s insight on the impact the right gap year program can have on a young adult, possibly changing the entire trajectory of their life.
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-118-making-the-most-of-your-young-adulthood/id1499891712?i=1000550592741
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-118-making-the-most-of-your-young-adulthood/id1499891712?i=1000550592741
What You Will Learn
- What it was like growing up and going to school in Costa Rica
- Danny’s gap year in South Africa
- How impactful and helpful taking a gap year can be
- When Danny became interested in psychology
- Danny’s experience in college in Costa Rica vs the U.S.
- Danny’s insight on what can be really helpful for young adults as they navigate their identity and the world around them
- How The Bridge Gap Program came about
- Danny’s advice on goal setting
- Connect with Danny Recio at his Bridge email or his NSA email
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Here’s a really cool example of finding something within you and offering it to the world:
This student came to us really thirsty to find meaning and purpose but was really struggling to find it. He describes the process of finding something within him that he could offer the world around him in the following way:
This student came to us really thirsty to find meaning and purpose but was really struggling to find it. He describes the process of finding something within him that he could offer the world around him in the following way:
Student: "I met these health professionals who visit people with disabilities in their homes. We visited a couple of these homes and I noticed their houses were not very accommodating to their disability. It occurred to me that I could do something about that. So I was helped connect with someone who knows a lot about construction, don Kike, who worked with me on simple projects like building railings and ramps in these people’s homes. Just getting into those houses…people chip in, neighbors come over…it’s small projects. I don’t know if they mean a lot to other people, but they definitely mean a lot to me.”
This student also washed cars to raise funds for the materials he used, and managed to fund them almost entirely on his own, which I believe added a sense of ownership and empowerment to the experience.
"I personally found this project profoundly meaningful and moving, but I also happen to know that it was tremendously touching to the families." He and I visited some of the families after the project. One of them in particular, the mother with the son in the wheelchair in the picture. She was so grateful, moved to tears to see our student, asking repeatedly when she’d see him again. You know, I think she was thankful for the ramp he built, but I got the sense that she was more grateful that he had shown care for her and her son, she was grateful that he had played Legos with her son and valued him as a person.
I don’t think this young man is going to go on to work in construction or washing cars; that’s not necessarily what he found within him. I think he found that taking initiative to help the world around him motivates him and gives him energy. I imagine that will become a central part of his identity.
"I personally found this project profoundly meaningful and moving, but I also happen to know that it was tremendously touching to the families." He and I visited some of the families after the project. One of them in particular, the mother with the son in the wheelchair in the picture. She was so grateful, moved to tears to see our student, asking repeatedly when she’d see him again. You know, I think she was thankful for the ramp he built, but I got the sense that she was more grateful that he had shown care for her and her son, she was grateful that he had played Legos with her son and valued him as a person.
I don’t think this young man is going to go on to work in construction or washing cars; that’s not necessarily what he found within him. I think he found that taking initiative to help the world around him motivates him and gives him energy. I imagine that will become a central part of his identity.