If you’re a high school student unsure whether to jump straight into college—or whether the traditional path is even right for you—you’re not alone. I was in your shoes not too long ago. That’s when I found Global Bridge, and everything changed.

Why I chose Global Bridge

Just like the rest of my high school classmates, I spent a lot of time during my junior and senior year looking at future career options, applying for colleges, and wondering when I would figure out what I was passionate enough about to study for 4 years. I realized I was looking for something different than the traditional four-year college, but I was not convinced about skipping college altogether, and I was ready for an adventure. The Global Bridge program happened to be the perfect choice for me. 

Discovering the Bridge

I took a short-term mission trip with my youth group over spring break my junior year, my first experience in the Dominican Republic with Students International. I loved it. I remember stringing my high school Spanish vocabulary words together and laughing with the new friends I made. I was so curious about this culture and way of life that was completely foreign to me, and I respected how Students International served the community well. I looked up to the Global Bridge students who were there at the time and I knew I wanted to be like them.

Living in Community

Flash forward a year and a half, and I was on my way to Santiago, DR with the six other Global Bridge students. These people would end up being my closest community for the next two years, as we shared a house at the SI base and did everything together––procrastinate on homework, hang out during down time, explore the island on the weekends, and serve in the neighboring poverty-stricken barrios in our beginner-level second language. This community was a huge part of my time in Global Bridge, just like roommates always are in any college experience. There is nothing quite so humbling or challenging as being a part of a close group of flawed people. But there’s also nothing as growing or life-giving, either. 

Because of how much God had worked throughout our time in Santiago, I am grateful we got to stay together and grow in our relationships with Christ and each other for another year. Living in close Christian community taught me as much about grace, patience, and spiritual growth as any class ever could.

Ministry in Santiago
During year 1, I worked at the women’s social work site in Santiago. We worked with and mentored young girls and adult women doing Bible studies, craft and life skills classes, and, my personal favorite, home visits. We would drop in at our women’s houses and we would always be welcomed in and offered a place to sit and a cup of coffee. That’s Dominican hospitality for you! My site leader Amalfi helped me understand that effective ministry isn’t about fixing people—it’s about faithfully showing up, building trust, and sharing life.

Discovering my Calling in Year Two

In our second year of Global Bridge, I had the privilege of working at the Genesis special education school in Jarabacoa alongside the amazing, kind staff of teachers. I helped out in different classrooms, learning from the teachers there and making meaningful connections with the students. Through that experience, I discovered a love for education—and specifically, for working with children from diverse backgrounds––and have since begun pursuing a career in this field. 

Long-term ministry, overseas missions, and just plain life no matter where you are is all about relationships. And I got to learn this firsthand as the community during my years in the DR has made the biggest impact on me. I would not be who I am today without my people in Santiago and Jarabacoa—my housemates, mentors, site leaders—they’re incredible. I would’ve been lost without their wisdom, support, and Christ-like love. 

So, why Global Bridge? 

• Work alongside long-term missionaries who are experienced in their field, gaining field experience in a future career possibility. You may just discover your calling!
• Experience language immersion — Most leave after one or two years of the program with at least an intermediate level of proficiency in Spanish and are then able to use it regularly in their work and in everyday life. Language is a gift, and it has connected me to people I may have never known otherwise. 
• Build strong, Christ-centered relationships. Some of my dearest friendships to this day began in Santiago, DR. 
• Experience a broadened perspective of the world through college classes and extended time in a foreign country. I learned so much (even online!) through Crown College’s program, I began to see the Church as the global, unified body of Christ through getting involved in a multicultural church family.
• Prepare for a life of missions—whether overseas or across the street. 
• Serve in cross-cultural ministry, getting daily, first hand experience in a different culture and learning how to communicate and serve well in it.
• It is not “normal” college and it is not a “normal” gap year. If you are a high school student looking for option C and eager to grow in Christlikeness and passion for missions, what is stopping you?

Life after Global Bridge
Immediately upon returning from the Dominican Republic, I started a job working with English language learners at an elementary school near my hometown. I was able to excel in this role and cultivate relationships with so many students from other cultural and linguistic backgrounds––especially Spanish speakers! I would never have been able to communicate with them in such a meaningful way were it not for Global Bridge. I’m now entering my last year of college, earning my Bachelor’s in Elementary Education with an emphasis in English as a second language. What I gained in language, cultural understanding, and relational ministry has shaped my career, faith, and identity.

So Much More than a Gap Year

I finished the Global Bridge program fluent in Spanish, more confident in my purpose in God’s kingdom, and with a fire in my heart for cross-cultural ministry. Leaving my family and the small town where I had spent the previous eighteen years of life was a leap of faith. But, all the unknowns and all the challenges forced me to turn to God in ways I never had before. And today, I am better for it. If you’re longing for more than just a gap year—and more than just college—Global Bridge could be exactly what you’re looking for. It changed my life, and it could change yours too.

It’s not just a gap year––it’s a launchpad for life.

Lindsay Stoltzfus