A letter from a reader: Support for a ‘gap year'

November 12, 2007:

I was delighted to read that the "gap year" exists in the United States – and at Princeton (On the Campus, Sept. 26).

Until reading this piece, I thought only the English had evolved to such a degree of civilization. Why? Because here in Paraty, Brazil, we've seen and spoken at length with so many young British who are traveling around South America for months at a time that we concluded that all this was part of the strong pound and thriving British economy. Generally, though, these travelers are older – between jobs/careers or university and graduate school. 

Anyway, they're wonderful people, and all report the time off enriching beyond their dreams. Hope this practice grows.

RICHARD BARCLAY ROBERTS '58
Paraty, RJ, Brazil

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