The MTGI Team passionately believes in the value of a "gap year" experience. From MTGI Directors' own personal experiences abroad, they have developed a commitment to bring gappers structured, exciting, rewarding, and safe learning and service opportunities abroad. Read on to learn more about the passions and pursuits of the Directors of Map the Gap International. 
 
 
After whetting his appetite with a few short term trips (Mexico, Dominican Republic, a handful of countries in Europe), Jim decided to take a “gap year” between college and graduate school in Amsterdam, which is a fantastic cultural crossroads. The immersive interaction with people from all over the world ignited a fascination in him that has shaped much of his life. He got his master’s in teaching English, taught for a few years, and then headed back overseas with Laura and their two kids for another “gap year” – this time in the old city of Jerusalem. Laura and Jim studied Arabic at the University of Bethlehem, while Abby (then 4) went to a Hebrew preschool and Joseph (then 1) hung out with a wonderful old Palestinian woman (which is where he acquired his taste for strong coffee). Jim’s been involved in international higher education and service ever since: 12 years teaching and advising college freshmen, and 9 years as director of English as a Second Language programs. For 8 years he also worked with Latino communities in Southern Connecticut, helping provide greater access to higher education opportunities. It was this interest, among others, that led him to Nicaragua, where he discovered a warm and welcoming culture that is perfect for our MTGI program. 

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Laura lives in Connecticut with her husband and fellow MTGI director, Jim, and their 2 children. Her professional life has been entirely devoted to the education and growth of young adults – both as a high school guidance counselor and as a staff mentor to first-year students at a local university. During college, Laura spent a summer abroad in Israel, where she learned to count in Hebrew and Arabic from the 5-year-old next door – and also learned that time spent abroad in learning and service can change lives. Besides guiding “gappers” Laura enjoys devoting time to her family, her softball team, challenging hikes (usually with fellow globe-trotter and MTGI director Lynne), and a mild addiction to “The Office” and mocha lattes. 

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One of the founders of MTGI, Lynne works full-time in a New York City Middle School. She continues to play an important advisory role with the company. 

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Also one of the founders of MTGI, Paul works full-time with a finance company in New York City. 

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