Program Reviews

The Experiment in International Living is a wonderful experience that provides time to explore a new environment in a country away from home. I traveled to France and Germany with The Experiment on their France: Regional Cultures program. My group and I had the opportunity to do everything from exploring Paris, to biking through the French countryside in Munster, to hiking in the Black Forest in Germany, to watching and celebrating France's 2018 World Cup win with our host families in Nancy. The time I spent abroad with the Experiment was wonderful, and it was further augmented by the diverse selection of students I had the opportunity to travel through France with. I highly recommend the Experiment in International Living for high school students looking to broaden their cultural horizons and experience something truly life-changing.

This program was by far one of the best experiences I have ever participated in. Everything was great; the staff, the activities, and how it was run. For me, what made the program so great were the activities we participated in and the focus of the program. My program focused on community service around Argentina and exploring the adventurous and outdoor side of Argentina. The community service was great and I loved the manual labor part of it that we did at a local police station. We were also able to work at an Elderly Persons' Home which felt very rewarding since we could really see how happy we were making the residents. As for the outdoor side of the program, everything was very fun and well run. From the whitewater rafting to the horseback riding to the bike riding. The activities were what made this program different from any others. Another great aspect of this program was the homestay. All of the families were set up and dealt with very well and everyone had a great experience. The overall program was great all around and I would definitely recommend to others.

During my month with The Experiment, I learned first hand how to travel effectively. Having minimal international travel experience before the Mongolia trip, I went in with low expectations. Stepping off the plane, I was immediately enveloped by the new culture and fully immersed in learning the language. My group leaders were warm, supportive, and thoughtful throughout our experiences. My fellow experimenters and I became very close & our relationships grew immensely during our month together. We considered ourselves an experiment family and have formed plans to meet up in the near future. The experiences we shared stretched each and every one of us in a way you can't fully understand without having been there. A few of my favorite moments from the trip were when we as a group reflected and questioned what we had learned or experienced. Theres a special comfort knowing that wherever you go in the world, the unity & friendships you share with other people (wether you speak the same language or not) is remembered. The most valuable skill I retained from my travels was finding comfort in the unknowns. As Chris Burkard said “if everything goes perfect you walk away completely unchanged”. This has been true and applicable to all facets of my everyday life in the US. I understand the fears that many teens & parents have about traveling abroad. I can't recommend enough that you push past those fears and choose The Experiment in International Living. The ways in which I grew as an individual, the people I interacted with, and the experience of Mongolia were truly priceless.

I've said this before to so many people and I'll say it again; this trip was life-changing. Although I had to jump through a few hoops to get to the UK, I'm never going to stop traveling. This trip was the domino to set off my fervor for travel even more. Ever since I was little I've always wanted to travel and I finally had the chance to do what I dreamed of. We learned about journalism in a way so unlike any others. We were immersed in it and got to feel what exactly it took to be a journalist. I know now that I don't want to be a journalist but I am so grateful that the Experiment gave me the opportunity to figure out what it is I do or do not want to do. Not only that but I met some amazing people and I learned some amazing things about myself and the world.

This trip allowed me to learn new things about Japanese culture and advance in the field I love to study, Animation. Going to school in Japan was a different experience than in America. I made a lot of friends. I wish I could have stayed longer, so that is something to improve upon. I miss the food. It was super tasty and cheap. I also enjoyed the trains. I wanted to get pushed into a rush hour train and I got that experience. I would gladly do this again and again. I met amazing people and I still keep in contact with them. This trip is well worth the time.

Being given the opportunity to go on this trip to Thailand was the most life changing thing I have ever experienced. The things I learned and the people I met are memories I will hold onto forever. My leaders were also amazing and did everything they could to have the best time possible. From visiting the grand Palace to going to the meditation retreat to zip lining and visiting an elephant reserve I gained so much knowledge about Thailand and everything it has to offer. I would recommend this trip to anyone. The memories and photos I have are something I will share with people forever.

Going into this trip, I was beyond nervous. The moment I stepped off the plane and onto the runway I remember thinking “Oh god! What did I get myself into?!” I was extremely afraid yet exhilarated. The feeling went on until we reached our orientation, set in Rabat. As the days began to pass, I became more comfortable and familiar with Morocco. The smells of spices that wafted through the narrow alleys, the distant call to prayer that could be heard from all parts of Rabat and the history of the city all began to turn into daily routines like hearing the familiar tune that my clock sings at every hour struck. Then just like getting off that plane, I was thrown back into the unknown when we departed from our orientation and set foot on our incredible journeys to come. We quickly shot off from location to location taking in the majesty of the nation in bite-size packages as we travelled from place to place. During that short month, I learned and experienced so much! From the history of cities like Marrakesh and Fes, to how to make tajine just like they made it in the host village we stayed in, to how to properly mount a camel and to just enjoy every breathtaking moment as it comes. Not only were the places wonderful, but the people were incredible in each of their own ways! Whether I was walking the streets of Asilah, eating at a restaurant, sitting in a land rover in the Sahara or just talking with my group members, I learned so many things from people full of wisdom on my trip. Overall, my experience in the rich nation of Morocco was one that I will truly never forget. I met so many people and learned so many things that have truly shaped and changed my perspective about cultures, relationships and life in general.

This summer, I got to live the summer of my dreams thanks to The Experiment in International Living. I travelled to India with 14 of the most incredible people I have ever met and two amazing group leaders on the The Experiment Leadership Institute India: Community Development and Public Health. Through long bus rides in India’s harsh traffic, hikes through the foothills of the Himalayas, and many mango feasts, I bonded with my peers and made sweet, unforgettable memories. The trip was laced with many hospital/clinic visits and the chance to talk to locals and professionals about health care in India. Along with all the experiential learning, we also explored some of India’s famous sites such as the Taj Mahal, the Amber Fort, the Red Fort, and the famous Jaipur Foot. My in-country hosts filled my trip with lots of laughter and love. India is a country I look forward to returning to. I highly recommend India and all other Experiment programs!

This program, Japanimation: Anime & Manga was an unforgettable experience in which one can explore the culture and language of Japan, while also exploring and reflecting on yourself.
I had felt extremely safe during the trip and my leaders were exceedingly helpful, whether pointing your group towards a point of interest or giving insight into adapting into the culture. There were several oppertunities and activities which encourage one to work outside their comfort zone that had created a sense of a wonderful and inviting community. This program had also aided in the development of my own leadership skills as well as providing encouragement to work outside my comfort zone more offen. There were also a variety of other things to do other than animation and manga such as admiring Japan's natural beauty, plentiful cafés, and Arcades. This program had become an unforgettable experience to me as I look forward to going abroad with The Experiment again.

This trip was one of the best study abroad programs I have ever done. There were so many great things about it's hard to even put into words. I think for me the most valuable thing was the incredible friends I made. I still talk to them now daily months after the trip was over. Going through an experience like that was so incredible and amazing and doing it together made it so much better. I really miss all my friends from France and I plan to reunite with them soon. I also loved living with a host family with someone who was my age. We became really good friends and I still talk to her daily too. I felt like I was able to live like a real french teenager, we went and hung out with her friends, watched movies, did karaoke, and gossiped about boys. She made me feel right at home like a second sister and made sure I knew that any time I went to France I was welcome back.
In terms of the things we did I just can't even explain how wonderful the cooking experience was. It was hard work but we were able to make wonderful and beautiful creations. And we got to taste the best food I've ever tasted in my life. It's not everyday you get to eat food cooked by a world famous chef at a michelin star restaurant. Because the chef/teacher cooked everything we cooked and let is taste his I got to eat dishes that would normally cost $300 multiple times a day everyday for a week. It was heaven for a food addict like me.
My favorite memory is the last night when we all went to the eiffel tower. I've seen pictures of the eiffel tower before and I was convinced I would not be impressed by a tall hunk of metal. I was wrong. When you see the tower lit up for the first time, it knocks the breath out of you. It's so magical and whimsical, it's hard to explain unless you go. It was such a happy memory I was in the best place, with the best people, and we were all so happy.