Program Reviews

I thought that my homestay experience was so unique and amazing. I had a great time getting to know my family and the community, and it was undoubtedly my favorite part of the entire trip. I not only had fun, but I also grew so much as a person. I had no idea how much I would learn from the members of the township that we stayed in going into this trip. Volunteering at the local school, doing community service, and just getting to know all the teens my age in the neighborhood... Everything was a learning and growing experience. I feel like this trip has completely changed the way I view the world and the way I want to live the rest of my life. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who is up for an adventure and open to new experiences!

Japan was such a beautiful place and the group I was paired up with was even more breathtaking. I’m so glad that we were able to connect the way we did. And the food was amazingly delicious, curry is obviously my new favorite dish. Then the locals and college students who we met along the way were one of the sweetest most kindest people I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting. And don not even get me started on the fashion. It was everything I could have ever dream of. They were so adorable and stylish and I probably spent way more money than I’d like to admit. But all and all I loved all the memories and friendships I made this summer and I am so grateful I was able to do this. It will probably be one of the best things I did in my life. Thank you!

When I first found out about the Experiment in International Living, I was surprised I didn't hear about it from my school or family but from a friend miles way for another program I attended in D.C. last summer.She told me about a trip she took to Morocco through her school, all the lifelong bonds she developed, and the memories she made along the way, and I just knew I had to find out what this program was all about. Originally, I was a little wary to apply because everyone I talked to in my community said they've never heard of EIL before. When I researched, I found a plethora of programs catered towards high school students my age who seemed to be making the most of their time abroad. When I received my acceptance for the Thailand program I was extremely overjoyed. I never left the country before, but when the day for departure arrived, I felt confident for the journey ahead. While in Thailand, I met some of the most amazing people. My host family was phenomenal! The people were so welcoming and warm. The food was exceptional, street markets so lively, the history of Chiang Mai and Bangkok were so rich, and the moments I shared with those around me were unforgettable. If I could do rewind time, I would do it all over again. But I think the greatest gift from this experience was this newfound desire to become a world traveler. There were ups and downs with the group and with the itinerary, but overall, I wouldn't have traded my moment in Thailand for anything.

My first choice to study abroad in was Argentina however I'm so glad that I didn't get it and got Tanzania instead. The group I went with was so diverse, every ethnic background and twelve different states combined. I loved this trip because every time I travel I like to visit rural areas and considering I'm pretty low maintenance and like to go with the flow this trip was perfect. I would say you have to be pretty rugged to endure this trip. There will be times where you feel uncomfortable about something but once you cross that line you will have more fun than you ever did. This trip was a perfect balance of learning about culture and having outdoor fun. Things I will never forget are the skies painted in stars and postcard beaches. Also I feel like the reason my trip was so fun was because of the people I went with, everyone's personality and contribution was amazing, I couldn't have asked for a better group. The fun was meeting new people and sharing stories, I wouldn't have traded this opportunity for anything else.

I went to Argentina the summer of 2019 with The Experiment in International Living. I had a great time during the homestay, community service, and adventures we did individually and as a group. I learned a lot about the culture and language and broadened my view of the world. The homestay especially allowed me to be immersed in the culture and change my perspective. Would definitely recommend this program!
There are some things I would have liked to know before I went, though. Firstly, don't worry if you don't speak Spanish fluently. Everyone was able to find ways to communicate, even if we occasionally resorted to pantomime. Some advice: you will enjoy your homestay more if you go in with an open mind, not expecting it to be like your life at home.

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.