Who is Eligible to Apply?
Students must be current sophomores in good academic standing at UNC to apply. Successful applicants will demonstrate maturity, flexibility, a strong desire to explore new cultures, and a commitment to public service. Previous travel experience is not required.
How Do I Apply?
Applications for the 2027-2028 Bridge Year Fellowship are open! Please submit your application using the Qualtrics form linked below. It may be best to draft your answers in a separate document. The application questions may be found on this page.
Global Bridge Year Fellowship 2027-28
Short Answer Questions:
What is your definition of service and what informs it? (750 Characters Limit)
Describe a time when you identified a need in your community and took initiative to address it. (1,500 Characters Limit)
Long Answer Question:
Letter From Your Future Self: Imagine yourself after your bridge year. You are looking back on how you engaged with the world, with others and with yourself. Write a letter from this future self to yourself right now. Direct your message to the “you” now. Where did you go? Who did you meet? What did you learn? How did you grow? How did you encounter challenges and difference? What are you most proud of? (3,000 Character Limit)
Résumé
Applicants will be asked to upload a one page résumé as a PDF.
Recommendation Letter
Applicants will be asked to upload a recommendation letter. This can be from a peer member, professor, supervisor, or mentor. The recommender should give insight into your values, how you show up in communities, and potential for growth over the Bridge Year.
Application Timeline
Dates subject to change.
- September 23, 2026: Application opens. Access the application here or via the Linktree on the Global Gap Year Fellowship Instagram.
- September 30, 2026: Info Session at the Campus Y Rm 207 and on Zoom from 5:00 -6:00 PM.
- October 8, 2026: Bridge Year Application Drop-in Office Hours In Campus Y Rm 207 and on Zoom from 4:00 – 5:00 PM.
- October 25, 2026: Deadline to submit your online application 11:59 PM.
- November 2026: Finalists are notified and participate in an interview round.
- November-December 2026: Bridge Year Fellows are chosen.
- July 12th-19th, 2027: Bridge year fellows attend Summer Institute at UNC with the Global Gap Year cohort to learn about global engagement and plan their year before embarking on their adventure abroad!
- 2027-2028 Bridge year! At least 6 months of service abroad.
- August 2027: Return to UNC for your junior year and attend a Re-entry retreat with the Global Gap Year cohort.
If you have any questions or concerns about the timeline, please email unccampusyglobal@gmail.com.
Visit us on Instagram @uncglobalgap.