Program Reviews

This is a year that I will never forget. I met a lot of people I consider family or very good friends on this trip that I did not know going into this program and became very good friends with. Also, the experience itself was amazing. From the eye popping murals, architecture, and in general immersion in the country I got I felt as though I was a regular citizen in the country, everyone I met was so nice and relateable that I am glad I got the opportunity to go. I like my homestay family it was really humbling to say the least that what my parents have taught me really helped me in this program and made my bonds with my host family even stronger and with the people in my group even better. For any of you deciding on where to go do this program and don't be afraid to put yourself out there and try new things because sometimes being adventurous can be very gratifying and not everyone has this opportunity so don't squander it.

The Experiment trip wasn't just any regular trip, it was experience that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. They were very organized and ensured that we were fully prepared prior to leaving. I traveled with sixteen amazing people from all over the United States and one from Costa Rica, making this expedition fun and enjoyable. In Morocco, we were introduced to an entirely different society at work. We learned about the Moroccan culture which included the clothing, food and customs. I was also able to learn Arabic, barter with vendors, and rode camels. The Experiment leaders made sure we were safe and comfortable. As part of the experience I stayed with a very hospitable family in a moroccan village. There we also taught children english, weaved, and learn to cook the native foods. We did fun group activities such as dancing and painting the local school. Overall, this Adventure has contributed immensely to my personal growth and I would recommend this program to every student seeking the same.

My experience living in japan was amazing. My animation got along with each other pretty well. The food over there was delicious! The architecture were outstanding. The program was great because of my leaders in my group. They made sure we were safe. They made each day of our trip fun! One thing to prepare for this trip is being out your comfort zone. At one point you will taking bath in a public bath. Also, you will be walking a lot. I got to learn more about the language and culture. The animation classes were super exciting. Looking at your drawing skills improving gives you a great excitement. My homestay family was amazing. I got to participate in the shrine festival and walked around the forest with the family. Overall this trip is 100 percent worth it and safe.

Overall this was such an amazing experience I'll always cherish with me. I've gotten to make new friendships with people I never knew before the trip. The homestay experience was integral to the cultural immersion, and it was an experience I'll never forget. At times there were random itinerary changes, which was sometimes frustrating. Regardless, this was truly a trip I'd do over again if i had the chance to.

The Brazil program was everything I expected, and so much more. You cannot go wrong by choosing to participate in this program. Immediarely, when we arrived to Brazil, we were greeted by wonderful staff members, and from there on out we were all treared with the upmoar care. There is one day in particular that will always stand out to me as one of my favorite days while on the program. While in our sustainability section of our unit, we embarked on a 12 mile hike through a mountain and on a beach. This experience tested my physical and mental strength in a way I thought I couldn't. It helped me learn that I could go past my limits and challenge myself even more. Later that night, as we made our way back to our meeting spot for our boat to pick us up, we had to wait a couple extra hours because the tide was not cooperating with us. As it was getting dark you'd expect a sense of worry to start, but our leaders and local leaders were well prepared in any situation. Eventually we made it on our boat and enjoyed a wonderful ride on a boat while looking at millions of stars on that clear night. It was truly memorable.

Mongolia with the Experiment was absolutely fantastic. The group environment fostered, the activities arranged and the casual adaptation they are able to organize is beyond fantastic. I never felt alone and I was was engaged. The added bonus of connecting so deeply with my group members through their activities and share out moments really made, even a person like me who is usually very shy in connecting with others, available and open. I would highly recommend to anyone seeking adventure and a learning experience that will both rejuvenate who you are and make you a better person.

Traveling to Ireland was a life changing experience. It's one thing reading and learning about Irish culture, but going through the experience yourself is truly amazing. The part of the program in which you learn most yourself is the homestay. During the homestay you get to spend a few days with your host family and get a sense of the daily life of an Irish family. You learn more about their customs and culture through their amazing food and getting to know them on a personal level. Another highlight of the program in Ireland is the leadership conference. While you attend the conference in Maynooth University, you get to meet Irish kids that come from all over the country. You make new friends, while developing and putting to practice your leadership skills. The workshops are fun and change the way you view yourself. Overall, you are constantly being pushed out of your comfort zone, so if you want to get the most out of the experience you should ALWAYS step out of your comfort zone. In all, this was a great summer for me and I am glad I was able to be part of this program. If I could go back I would without any doubts!

I really loved my time in Mongolia. I was a little apprehensive at first, but once I got to the country and started experience the culture with my group, I discovered how much fun and beautiful the country could be. My group was amazing - I met people I know I will stay close to for a very long time. The group leaders kept us healthy and safe, but weren't afraid to get dirty and have fun with us, so I think they had the perfect balance. The trip itself was more than I could've imagined, no matter how cheesy that sounds. It will really push your boundaries, but in a way that you to. I did things on this trip I never thought I was capable of, until I was there and I had done it, while still having fun. I felt like that was really special. My favorite part of the trip was our time in Khuvsgul. Playing card games and making buuz with local students and taking morning hikes is something I would do again, anytime. I would recommend this trip to anyone looking for a different experience and a real adventure!

My trip with the Experiment honestly was amazing. I was so glad that I got the opportunity to go to France and discover a whole other part of the world. This trip allowed me to as a person and being independent and doing things myself. Traveling with people you don't really know maybe scary at first but after the first few days you will feel comfortable and feel like you have known them for a while. On this trip you do have a homestay and once you hear that you are going to be staying at a stranger's house but it is not bad. The Experiment will not put you in a dangerous environment and if you feel uncomfortable you can always talk to your leaders about it. Personally my homestay experience was amazing because I felt very comfortable with them after the first two days. I felt like I was home when I was with them and we would have our own jokes and my host sister and I still talk. Not only was the Homestay the fun part but the whole trip like spending time in Germany and hiking in the Black Forest and going to see the Mona Lisa in France. This was truly an experience that I will never forget.

I was not sure what to expect when traveling to Morocco because it was my first time out of the country, but the Experiment in International Living was a very great experience for a first time abroad traveler. The program easily combines cultural experience and learning with exposure and lessons about the culture from the international partners. Having the first few days be dedicated to these lessons really helped me begin to understand certain aspects of the culture that I had previously no knowledge of. We learned about things such as the government, Moroccan costume, and religion. I used this gained knowledge when we traveled to other cities and even more so in the home stay, but there was still so much I learned. Our time spent in the cities could have sometimes been better planned. There was a difference between the amount of time spent and opportunity to experience the culture in each city. In each city, I wish we would have had an equal amount of opportunity; however, each city visit was thoughtfully planned out and had their own experiences to gain. Many things that we did, such as a tour of the city of Fes, felt more authentic than if I were to travel to Morocco by myself. EIL does a great job of immersing their students into the culture by having the in country leaders and keeping the students busy. In addition, the home stay was the most important part of the program for me, as was it the most immersive. It was there that I truly felt myself develop/grow and fall in love with the country. The families I came across were absolutely amazing and always willing to help their host children any way possible. I truly felt like I became a part of their family.