How a Supportive Gap Year Abroad Can Help Anxious Young Adults Thrive

Taking a gap year abroad might sound terrifying if you live with anxiety, but the right kind of experience can transform fear into strength.

​At The Bridge Costa Rica, we understand that anxious young adults don’t need to be “pushed off the cliff” into independence. They need a bridge - a supportive structure that guides them, challenges them safely, and helps them build trust in themselves.

Here’s how we do it:

• Safe Cultural Immersion: Exposure to new cultures helps challenge mental “schemas” (the brain’s assumptions) and foster mental flexibility.
  
• Intentional Challenge: Like exercising a muscle, facing manageable challenges helps reduce anxiety over time.
  
• Experiential Learning: Students develop integrative complexity, or the ability to take in multiple perspectives and solve problems efficiently.
  
• Flow Experiences: By finding their “zone,” students gain a clearer sense of purpose and self.

Many of our students say they’re scared before arriving. But by the end of their program, they’re confident, curious, and capable of handling life’s uncertainties.

If you’re scared to take a leap, don’t worry. We’ll help you build the wings as you fly.

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