Program Reviews

One does not go to France to become vegan. I, a former meat-lover, certainly didn't intend to do that. After our first couple fabulous days in Paris, full of bonding, museum-visiting, and chocolate-eating, I was fully ready for French cuisine. Then in Pierrelatte, where we completed the homestay portion of the program, we discovered scores of street markets with fruit, cheese, and friendly vendors. We worked on our French, learned how to get along (and sometimes not always get along) with our homestay families, and spent time together, beating the heat by swimming at beautiful lakes and even the Mediterranean. We spent the World Cup finale and Bastille day in Pierrelatte, where we encountered fireworks, street fairs, and much excitement in this rural town. Some of us had more fun with our homestay families, and some of us had a lot more down time (I was one of those students); if you get a family that doesn't love going out, try to get invited to your friends' houses, and you'll have a lot more fun (that's what I did!).
Next, we went to Lyon, which was my favorite part of the program. We learned how to cook and spent plenty of time exploring the city and getting to know one another--and, unfortunately, some crawfish we were made to kill in boiling water. That experience led me to become vegetarian, then vegan; I had plenty of delicious dining options in Paris, with which I fell in love when we returned for two days of free time (and gourmet dining). Overall, a great way of getting to know people from a different background--there were kids from all over the country--and a great way of getting fat. TIP: work out every day.

I was nervous right off the bat; picky eater, fear of heights, not a fluent speaker (actually, not even close), and never been out of the country prior to the trip. From the moment I applied for the program to the minute that I'm writing a review post-trip, the Experiment has been there for me, maintaining contact to ensure my well being and satisfaction with the entire trip. Start to finish, I was comfortable in what I was doing, and found myself reaching out because of that comfort. It's easy, when you're not worried, to try new foods, hike higher than you were willing to before (I have to say, the Pyramid of the Sun was amazing and totally worth the stairs), create friendships (I'm still chatting with the people I went to Mexico with, especially my host family), and just ultimately immerse yourself in the culture. My parents were pretty nervous about me going, too, but the Experiment also made that easier on them with articles and updates before and throughout the trip. I feel confident saying that my Spanish improved by a mile, as I lived with six triathlon athletes during the home stay. There was never a dull moment, and I found myself fully involved in my family's daily life. Mexico wasn't my first choice of program; it actually wasn't on my list at all. But because I applied early, hoping for the scholarship (because I couldn't have gone without it) I was asked about my program flexibility. I believe I said something along the lines of, "I had such a difficult time choosing in the first place--any Spanish-speaking country would be unbelievable." So, I ended up in Mexico, and that July was easily the best July I've ever had. My host family was incredible, and while I am biased to say they were the best ones around, the host families of the other kids were equally amazing. Our activities took us from Mexico City, to Cozumel, to Cancun, to La Paz... In each location, a stunning amount of people were welcoming, were coordinating our activities, and understanding that we were learning the language. My group leaders and fellow group members were some of the best people I've ever met--honest, to the point, and fun. It was such a diverse group, and we got along so well. Cave diving, hiking, swimming with sea turtles where National Geographic photographers work, snorkeling (on program or with my host family), shopping in Cancun, eating in authentic restaurants, riding in boats to see sea lions and kayaking to see dolphins in La Paz... This Experiment Abroad revealed to me that I would love to travel abroad in college, and especially stay with host families, because the immersion is where your language skills and cultural understanding really come together. I've realized that I want a job that'll involve travel, because that's the happiest I've ever been. Now, I'm hosting an exchange student from Chile, who will go to school with me this year. The Experiment truly opened doors for me, and I'd recommend the program to anyone considering traveling abroad during their high school years.

When I was over in Peru for about a month, I always found myself being in shock for being in the place where my roots stem from. Being in the Experiment allowed me to not only gain new friendships among my own group, but new family members among my host family. I appreciated my group because we all came from different backgrounds and we created a group where we were free to embrace our cultural backgrounds. I have alot of favorite memories of my trip, but one of the main ones would have to be when I was homesick and my host family acted so quick to make me feel better. To be specific, I was not able to speak on the phone with my mom for a while because of the time change and right when I heard her voice - the tears started flowing like a river. My host mom and host sister quickly came to the rescue and hugged me. They reassured me everything was going to be okay, my real mom and my host mom even got to speak on the phone. That moment was pivotal for me because it just demonstrated two strong peruvian woman connecting across the world which was unreal to wrap my head around. Overall, shoutout to the Experiment for giving me the opportunity to create and have these unforgettable experiences.

My experience with the Experiment has taught me a lot about myself. I now realize not only do I love traveling and exploring, I need it. Before I would be okay with wasting a weekend stuck inside, but now I’m pushing myself and those around me to get out more. I’m only now fully appreciative of the city that I live in and am dedicated to exploring as much of it as I can. I’ve also learned more about my leadership style and expanded my problem-solving skills through my experiences.

We did many activities that put us out of our comfort zone. Whether it was hiking, camping out in the cold, or riding a horse for the first time, it was a challenge you had to push through. The group leaders were really helpful. I remember at first, I didn't want to do the bike ride. The last time I rode a bike was in fifth grade so I was a little hesitant. However, the group leaders really encouraged me to at least try it. In the end, I pushed through the doubt and uncertainty and went for it. The home stay was eye opening. We really got to see how people live their everyday lives. My host family was very welcoming and kind. They did their best to make me feel comfortable. My host sister helped me improve on my Spanish while I helped her with her English. As a group we were really close. This is mainly because of the little exercises our group leaders had us do. We would get paired up and have to talk about our challenges, goals, and things we overcame. We also had to say one thing we admired about each other. This way we got to know the people we were spending time with a little better. Overall, I grew a lot from this trip and got to meet many wonderful people.

This trip to France was by far the best thing I have ever done. Highly recommended! Well put together and very fun. Paul Bocuse Institut chefs were so amazing and helpful. We created so many delicious dishes with very high quality ingredients. My host family took me in like there own child. We did so many great activities. I became very immersed in the culture. Language classes were very helpful. Overall absolutely amazing!!

This program provided me with a comfortable and encourage setting of kids from all of the US as well as kids from Spain to help improve my language skills as well as explore the culture. The in country leader was fantastic at explaining historical sites and significance to us both in Spanish and in English, allowing us to have a deeper understanding of our surroundings. The homestay portion was for me, as well as many others, was another great highlight of the trip. Personally, the activities done with the host siblings made everyone feel included and allowed us to make unforgettable friendships. A lot of us still have shared group chats to keep in contact with one another.

On my trip to Spain, I learned a lot about the Spanish culture. I participated in experiences that took me out of my comfort zone and into a learning environment where it was easy to have fun in addition to learning. I ate new foods, met new people, spoke a different language, and visited new places, in addition to educating myself about how cities in Spain worked and how people used them.

The leaders were great at keeping us on track and making sure we always felt safe. We learned a LOT about the Indian healthcare system- how it works, issues within it and ways the issues are being addressed. Met and were able to speak with doctors, nurses, and ASHAS. During out home stay in Dharamsala, we spent the week learning about the Tibetan crisis, through museums, meetings with organization leaders, and meeting individuals who are effected by China's control over Tibet. I had lots of fun and learned things I couldn't have imagined.

This program was honestly the best experience i have ever had and I hope more students are able to hear about it and apply. The leaders in my group were like parents to me as well as friends and I felt 100% safe at all times. Overall for me, my experience was great and my home-stay family was a perfect match! I never got homesick while at my home-stay and to me that was such a shocking thing since I tend to get homesick fast. The fact that my family was able to make me feel so at home meant so much to me.