Program Reviews

Traveling to Tanzania was by far the most pivotal and unforgettable experience of my life! The journey began at the airport when we first met our group members and group leaders. We were all strangers at first, but in a matter of days, we grew inseparable! Tanzania itself is such a welcoming and nurturing country. I enjoyed every single moment of my trip! From the hotel stays, to the restaurant visits, to the Swahili classes, to the homestays, to the bucket showers, to camping, to the safaris -- everything! The good times were incredibly enjoyable but the challenging moments made my stay furthermore meaningful and unforgettable. If there’s one thing I learned while being in Tanzania, it’s to embrace the moments — every moment! The good moments, the bad, the awkward, the angry, the passionate, the silent, the sad, the uncomfortable — all of them. Truly living in those moments without trying to anxiously change it makes the experience worthwhile. It’s okay to revisit feelings of homesickness or uncomfortableness just as long as you’re only visiting it and not creating a permanent living space in it (if you know what I mean). All in all, I really enjoyed my stay in Tanzania. Tanzania will DEFINITELY be seeing me again in the near future!

One month away from home with totally random people may seem daunting at first, but being able to explore a completely different world with some of the most diverse people I’ve met have truly been amazing.
Our first stop was Frankfurt, where we started to learn the German language and explore some parts of the city for a few days. It was a great start to getting adjusted to Germany and the people around you. Next we went to our homestay in Bavaria, each person having their own homestay family (and each of us lived in different towns/neighborhoods). During the homestay, we attended our host sibling’s school, visited Deggendorf and Munich with them (along with the other Experimenters and their respective host families), and had a group BBQ to send it off. Specifically for me, I was about to try things I would never do during my free time, such as cooking apple-cinnamon pancakes, sewing wallets, painting, and hiking at the Egg! At first, it felt scary trying to communicate with a family that spoke minimal English, but I felt that in the end, it helped me learn a lot of German, and there were great dinner conversations about "how to say this in German", or "how to say this in English." German culture is so different from American culture on many levels, and I am so glad I can say I lived like a Bavarian for a while!
Then we visited Luxembourg, Luxembourg for a few days (one of the most beautiful cities I've ever visited), and made a short stop to Schengen to learn about the Schengen Area and its vitality to the EU. Then we visited Brussels, Belgium (my favorite part of the trip), where we truly started to immerse ourselves in the workshops and fun activities such as the European Parlament, where we got to role-play as members of the Parliament and debate on important issues. During our stay in Brussels, we also were given a lot of free time to explore the city and hang out with our friends. We then made a short stop to Cologne (back to Germany!) and visited the famous Cologne Cathedral. During Cologne was my favorite memory of the trip, where I and some of the Experimenters bought pizza, and talked while watching the sunset along the Rhine River—a memory I will never forget!
Our last destination was Berlin, where the thematic focus of the EU and international relations was really emphasized. I fell in love with Berlin the minute I stepped out of the train; its beautiful graffiti (in which we also participated in a fun graffiti workshop and got to make our own artworks via spraypaint), greenery, and delicious food sold me. We attended many meaningful workshops such as a city tour of Berlin through the lens of a Syrian refugee. This specific workshop really opened my eyes on the struggle and pain refugees carry with them every single day. I and the other Experimenters were now able to understand that it is not just the ordeal of escaping, but the hardship of trying to assimilate into a totally unknown country. This specific workshop moved me in unspeakable ways, and now I am passionate about learning more about the migration crisis and what I can do to help refugees. To me, this workshop was the most rewarding part of the trip, because I truly felt like I got something out of visiting Germany for a month, and I could actually apply what I've learned to actively help others in need.
I think what truly made the trip unique and special were also the other kids I was with. At first, I was intimidated and scared to become friends with total strangers who I had nothing in common with, but as I got to spend time with them, I realized that we are all the same, and it became a lot easier to be myself and just have fun. I still keep in contact with my friends on the trip because we all have made such a strong bond with each other. The counselors were also amazing—I didn't feel like they were bossing us around at all, they just felt like a part of our group as friends, too.
If I had the time and opportunity, I would definitely go on another Experiment trip again because I was able to learn so many lessons that could not be attained in the classroom. Being able to travel to another country, not knowing the language, the culture, and the people's way of life, and coming out of that country in a month's time feeling so experienced and different, is such an indescribable emotion that I think everyone should go through once. This is the first summer abroad program that I have ever done, and I loved it! I truly feel like I have changed as a person, and that I know so much more about the world around me. Anyone who is interested in IR, the German culture, or just wants to visit a place they've never been to should definitely consider this program! Thank you so much Experiment!

My experience was unique because it isn't what a standard summer vacation to Thailand would be like. You are connected with a group of strangers for a week that they'll eventually become your second family. One will be emotionally attached to your homestays and the land of Thailand itself. There is no other program that would be as amazing and interactive as this. Not only will you be experiencing the beauty of Thailand you will also experience the beauty of being with the locals and their culture. Their level of respect was so amazing that their practices were important life lessons and it taught me how to live more in the present rather than the past or the future. Coincidentally I also had my birthday during the trip. The group leaders did such a wonderful thing and gave me a birthday party at a karaoke bar. Although this wasn't in the itinerary their effort to take some time for me to celebrate showed that we were all bonding already. My birthday was in the first week of our trip. So it was reassuring that we were already bonding quite beautifully. Eventually, we have become inseparable and our hearts have just been connected to Thailand.

As part of the Experiment in International Living (EIL), my service and cultural immersion trip to Tanzania has offered me some of the greatest experiences of my life. Merely going to Tanzania was such a landmark event as I had never traveled outside of the United States before. Ever since then we landed in the airport in Dar Es Salaam, I have never felt so welcomed in a community back. Everyone in Tanzania is just as excited to meet new visitors as we are with them, so I have been accustomed to the Jambo’s (Hello) and Mambo’s (What’s up?) that greet me and my group of peers as we have traveled throughout the city of Dar Es Salaam.

As we have gone to restaurants, to museums, and even a cave, our group of 20 has soon started to become a close-knit family. This statement could not be any more correct when my group gave me my first swimming lesson in the Indian Ocean. As my group leader Carly and my friend Luke lead me into the water with a life jacket, the rest of my group soon joined us, cheering for me and circling me to make sure I felt safe. I was and still, am amazed at how supportive this group is to the rest of each other.

I also loved the opportunity to assist the communities we immersed ourselves in, such as during the homestay portion of our trip in Stahabu Village. As we helped teach the youth of Stahabu the ABC’s and how to count up to ten, we also assisted in the construction of a larger school for the children so that they could have an equal chance to succeed in their academic careers as many children do in the United States.

In addition to community service, directly connecting with my host family was a great joy and a blessing. I always loved going back to my homestay for dinner and speak with my host parents and sibling. As we would sit down and eat food such as rice and beans, ugali, and fish, I would share with them my past experiences and the United States.

Visiting Tanzania has been a life-changing experience that I wouldn’t change for anything. I was a part of incredible experiences that you could never do in the US, such as going on day-long safaris and seeing lions, zebras, and elephants! Thank you EIL (Experiment in International Living) for this incredible opportunity!

When going on the Argentina travel abroad group with The Experiment program I had so much fun, and I grew as a person. My favorite part of the trip was when the group spent time together at night. Such as going out after dinner in Salta city and Buenos Aires, and being able to shop and spend time with each other. I also enjoyed playing cards with the group. When traveling alone for the first time and meeting these strangers and being able to bond with them created unbreakable friendships that will last a life time. Overall, my trip was amazing. I did not know what to expect, but by far the trip exceeded any expectations that I had. The program layout was setup was very well arranged, and all of our activities were on good time and everything always worked out. I had a great time, and I strongly recommend studying or traveling abroad.

I never believed Italy, the tiny little boot by the Mediterranean, could teach me so much in a matter of days. This was my first experience--traveling alone--without my family or friends, but with strangers from all over the U.S. On top of that, I experienced and was entirely immersed in a culture, that was seemingly not like my own, but that I connected to by the end of the program.
I adored my homestay family, I even text them on a regular basis now that I am home! Although, I did miss home. I won't deny it. I knew I was in another foreign country, one I hope that others get to visit, and not only to check off a tourist-like list. The culture is so vibrant and nearly everything in Italy is gorgeous. However, Italy wasn't about its aesthetic, but rather what it allowed me to learn. For the first time in my life, I was taught, that even with a language barrier, people are all interconnected.

Italy, at the moment, is facing a lot of immigration issues and corrupt policies, just like back home. In Houston, there are constant protests and rallies held in support of immigrants, the Black Lives Matter movement, Women's Rights Movement, and many more. In Italy, protests were consistently held in Rome, and I appreciated it. Italy was not just another place for a vacation, but rather to engage with. My host family and strangers--that I now call friends--taught me this, and I couldn't be more thankful for it.
If anyone is reading this, I hope that when you travel, you also get to enjoy the unique culture and not simply spend endless hours in gift shops.

I had an amazing time on the study abroad trip in the UK with the Experiment in International Living organization. I have gained skills such as, learning how to navigate a subway, or "the tube" as they call it in London. I have also learned how to spend money wisely when shopping, as well as making sure I had enough room to pack all the souvenirs I brought back. I also learned quite a lot about journalism such as how to set up a camera, how to do street interviews, how to work the individual mics, etc. I also learned a lot about Britain, as well as current events such as Br-exit, the cutbacks in the National Health Service, and so forth. I also learned the language difference and cultural difference between each city. Such as the Scousers of Liverpool and the Londoners of London. On top of that we did lots of site- seeing, things like the London Eye, the London Bridge, Buckingham Palace, and Westminster. Another thing that made my experience so amazing was my group. There were 15 of us all together plus 3 leaders. The group was so caring and kind of each other, we always looked out for one another, and we still keep in touch till this day. Memories of us singing and dancing in the rainy streets of London still permeate my brain. It was the best summer of my life.

My experience was amazing in every way shape and form. The whole thing was so well organized and my leaders could not have been more amazing people. I met the very best people, improved my Spanish and had THE most amazing time. I only wish I could do it over again. I learned so much about myself and about Argentinian culture. I made friends with people who didn't even speak my language. I still speak to them all and saying goodbye to them all was one of the hardest things I've ever done. I will never forget my experience in Argentina with The Experiment. The support in their office is excellent as well. I was helped through my application the entire time and if I ever had a question, it was answered. I could not have had a better experience.

In Japan I had lots of fun. From the streets of Tokyo to the woods of Nanae in Hokkaido, our group traveled everywhere. The anime classes we attended were great, as it was a type of learning that always introduced an exciting aspect to it. We did voice lessons, worked with professional animation technology and tools, and we learned from experienced instructors. The people I met were amazing, and I'm sure to keep in touch with them.

Junior year started and I wasn’t ready to think about the summer to follow. I had just become an upperclassmen thinking I’m just that much closer to becoming a senior. While having that in the back of my mind my junior seminar teacher told us about the opportunity to study abroad with the Experiment of International Living, EIL. I went home and talked to my mom about it and she thought it was a great opportunity for me to pursue. Later that month there was a mandatory meeting, so we could get started with the application process. While filling out the forms, I began to worry about many aspects of our trip. This trip took me completely out of my comfort zone. I had never left the country before or even away from my parents for a long amount of time. Additionally, I was afraid that I might not fit in with the other students in our travel group. Meeting new people and not being as social as others I knew it would be a challenge. However, it is apparent to me that this trip showed and made me appreciate the person I am inside and out.
After getting accepted into the program, I was given the invitation to go to Spain. Now for the best part of the travel prep, shopping. I bought my suitcase, passport, and even a case for my passport ,so I wouldn’t lose it! While packing my clothes and making sure I had everything needed for my trip, I noticed I didn’t. I didn’t have my full heart into it. Yes, I was excited about leaving the country and yes I was excited about this being a new experience for me, but I really set my hopes up for the United Kingdom program studying journalism. With this being a bump in the road for me I had to push myself to keep an open mind and to appreciate the opportunity I have been awarded that not many other high school students are able to get.
As my departure time from John F. Kennedy Airport arrived, I started to notice that this trip was going to either make or break me. I initiated casual conversations with the people in my group and got to know just the surface of everybody. When we boarded the plane I was shocked that we all weren’t sitting next to each other. That’s when I thought to myself “not only am I alone on this flight overseas, but I am not close to anybody that I “quote un-quote know”. Honestly, this scared me. At this point I knew it was time to grow up. Beginning with improving my skill of being responsible. I had to keep track of my plane ticket, make sure I had all my things together and not become astray from my group.
Once we landed we began to do projects and come together as one; it was as if we had known each other for years. In Madrid we really got to see ourselves produce something that could possibly be used in everyday life. We designed many things for a park that was really ran down. We started off by brainstorming together to see what the area needed. Most of the conversation was self-lead, but taken in consideration we are all teenagers somebody needed to step up and mediate when things got a little rough. I took it upon myself to make sure our conversations went smoothly, which overall helped my leadership skills. We engaged with the community by going around asking them exactly what they would like to see in the park. Thereafter we gathered all the information, went back to the drawing board, and started to produce the actual objects. In the center where the 3D printer was we sat in front of computers with a partner and started to design. Most of the time in the partnerships each person wanted to do something different so to cause less confusion I decided to make a list of everything that needed to be made and everybody as a couplet choose one. This seemed to work out very more successfully than how we were doing it in the first place. We also designed many bike racks for the vast amount of riders in the community, thinking it would be a good idea to give them what they need. The racks were cut out of wood from a laser cutter that our instructor taught us how to use. During this process I learned that it’s okay to not only be a leader by my actions, but also by the things I may communicate. The city of Madrid was the place that I noticed this trip was going to make me a better person overall.
To end this wonderful experience I learned that I can do things on my own and not rely on anybody. While learning how to be independent I also improved my leadership skills by helping out the group when need be and help lead group discussions. Honestly, I feel like this two to three page limit is not enough for me to explain how much I grew on this trip. Just know that this experience was truly an experiment and I got the result I hoped for.