Program Reviews

Simply traveling to Costa Rica meant that I was going to be having a great time. The Experiment, however, didn't settle for great. The program was carefully planned as month long journey of learning, both by exploring the world, and by exploring yourself. The group didn't just go and see the sights of Costa Rica, we got immersed in the culture of the country and were offered real insight onto why things function the way that they do. We saw the ripples that globalization causes in big cities and in rural pueblos. We were questioned by group leaders in a way that made us analyze similarities, differences, and important distinctions between everywhere we went. We had to think about how our values corresponded or clashed with the values we witnessed in the host country. I came onto the program expecting to learn an immense amount about Costa Rica and about the Spanish language, and left the program happy I had gained so much more. For two weeks on program, there was a homestay portion with a Costa Rican family. While the concept of living with another family feels intimidating initially, I found the homestay to be the most rewarding part of the journey. My family taught me so much more than anything I could have learned without genuine immersion. They brought me happiness and struggles and understanding and I'm glad that I chose to be a part of the Experiment's 2018 Costa Rica trip. I wouldn't have been able to meet them without it. This review is my way of thanking the Experiment for not settling for great. The group was incredible. The leaders were incredible. The nature was incredible. Most of all, my host family was incredible.

I had the most amazing experience in Morocco. If you’re questioning if you should go, I would recommend it to the highest degree! Morocco has the most beautiful culture, language and people. Every corner I turned I felt as if I was learning something even more exciting or seeing something more beautiful. The experiment does a good job of providing an orientation into the country, which helps you to see many of the underlying social issues and aspect of the culture you are immersing yourself in. The homestay was by far my best part. If you are worried about staying with a new family- don’t be! The families are all so excited to have you and the connection you will have with them overcomes any possible cultural or language boundaries that may present themselves.

5 weeks in Tanzania. For some people that would have seemed like such a long time, yet for me. I was ready to spend the next 5 years there. From the safaris, to the beaches, the homestay, the Maasai, the mural, the songs, and the streets, to the love and community that I was revived with, I never expected it to be this amazing. I had read the itinerary a thousand times and yet everyday was a new adventure. Because no matter how much I read about it, actually experiencing it was 100x better.
The people that I traveled with and the people that I met while staying there became like family. They accepted me and treated me as their own.
I learned so much! I lived so much! And I am ready to go back, because that turned into my new home.

I had a wonderful experience in the Experiment's trip in Italy. I was able to learn so much about Italian culture and their language, especially during my homestay. One of my greatest memories from this trip was actually the first night of my homestay. My homestay sister and her cousin brought me to a festival in the center of a town called Cetraro. It was such a beautiful night. The streets were decorated with purple, blue, and white lights from above and crowded with vendors selling snacks and trinkets. In the center of the festival, people were swaying to the music a band was playing and children gaped at amateur acrobats performing tricks from a dangling hoop. I think one of the best parts of the trips was the homestay even though I was so nervous about it from the beginning. One of the best ways to overcome this feeling is to be yourself, keep an open mind, and put some effort into speaking with your homestay family in a different language no matter how embarrassed you might feel. Just don't forget to have fun and do your laundry!

My experience in the Netherlands has to be like none other. It was my first time out of the country and is one of the best times I have ever had in my life. I was able to find my own identity while being surrounded by other straight and LGBTQ community members all working together to create more of a progressive society. I am absolutely in love with the Dutch Culture and obsessed with their fries (delicious). My highlight would have to be my time with my host mother, Vaje, who has to be the most sweetest person I have ever met. We still keep in contact and wish everybody is able to have the experience I was fortunate enough to have. PS. I have made long life programs.

The Experiment placed me in a program that I abouseltly loved and adored. The people I spent time with made the experience so much better for me. I made life long friendships and I was able to experience things an average person wouldn’t have in just a plain trip to japan. We learned how to be independent, travel alone, explore and test our language skills.

Our host families were amazing, and I created an incredible bond with mine. Our leaders took the most care of us, and made sure we were on our right tracks. I learned how to style with animation and how to become an greater artist and person.

I would definitely recommend The Experiment to everyone I know!

The Experiment is a program that many people at my school who are interested in this sort of program choose. During the entire application process, I had some one to help me who could respond quickly to emails and questions. They make the program very accessible. There wasn't any sort of language prerequisite to the program, but even people who were particularly interested in China enjoyed the program. The leaders were very flexible and offered any help we needed as well as listening to any input we had during the trip. If we as a group decided we could change something to make the trip go smoother or make people enjoy things more, they were receptive and did what they could. I did so many amazing activities like hiking mountains, riding horse, and bargaining in the markets of Shanghai. We had a leader who was from China and knew the areas well. He helped guide us through difficult situations and gave advice in how to handle things like overpriced scams. Going to China and being offered to practice my Chinese speaking and listening comprehension with native speakers had improved my Chinese Immensely. We were also given many chances to take charge and choose where we wanted to visit in cities as well as some guided tours. This has helped me gain confidence in navigating public transportation and time management. EIL has made this awesome trip available to so many through scholarships and I made so many memories thank to that.

I had the most incredible time on this trip, it's hard to put into words. I loved my group, my leaders, my homestay, and last but certainly not least, I loved the country and their incredible cultures. We did so many fun activities such as learning to cook Paella or biking through a park in Valencia to the City of Arts and Sciences. Every minute of this trip was amazing and if I had the opportunity to do it again, I would.

Going away for four weeks did require some adjustment, but the leaders and the community made everything easier and much more exciting. Each day was filled with a new adventure, apart from community service the group was able to see a lot more of the country. We were able to be part of the culture, especially during the 10 day home-stay. The group went horseback riding, white water rafting, hiking, and biking. Not only did the kids learn about a new culture, but we learned about independence and responsibility. Definitely an unforgettable an amazing experience! I was exposed to so many amazing people, this was a great way to make new friends and even family across the globe.

The Experiment in International Living Leadership India program will always remain as one of the best memories of my life. I can not think of a better way to spend my summer. The program is fully funded, so there was no economic burden placed on my family. The programs theme of Public Health and Community Development is seamlessly woven into everyday life of the program. The format of the program is incredible. The first of the six weeks is spent in DC learning about leadership skills and social justice. Each day was packed with activities, site visits to local organizations, and group bonding exercises. The next four weeks of the program is spent in India, where we traveled across the northern region while really focusing in on the theme. My favorite part of our time in India was the Homestay in the foothills of the Himalayas. During the homestay we learned about the work that a NGO is doing there and had the ability to see what daily life is like for people living in the village. I will never forget the time spent with our wonderful homestay mother learning how to cook , specifically Bread Pakora. I also loved playing UNO with our 12 year old host brother every evening before dinner. The program does a good job of weaving in many different cultural visits in India, without becoming too touristy. The final week was in Vermont working on our post program projects. I am looking forward to continuing my project work throughout the coming year. The staff does an amazing job of guiding you through the process. Overall the program was transformative; it has changed my life. I met the most incredible people and know that I have formed friendships that will last a lifetime. I would 100% do this program again if I could.