The Experiment in International Living Reviews

My time in Argentina was an experience I will never forget. This is mostly thanks to The Experiment and everyone involved in making it happen. From the moment I landed in Miami and met my group I had already created a new family. It was absolutely amazing to see how fast everyone became so close so fast. Not only did we become close but we stayed close throughout the entire trip and still keep in touch with each other today.
Alongside the other Experimenters our group leaders were also phenomenal. I truly couldn't have asked for a better pair. The way they carried themselves and the group was beautiful and made this entire trip so much better. They were easy to talk to and always made sure everyone was involved in every activity. Not only were they engaging but they also were highly talented at their jobs. This made myself and everyone in the group feel safe wherever we went-- even if we weren't with the leaders.
I went into this trip expecting to be exposed to more photography subjects and I was. There were so many incredible things and people to capture and I made sure that I did that. I was so overwhelmed that I rarely put my camera down. If you're looking for a relaxed environment to photograph or a challenging one, Argentina is the right one for you. Whether we were in Buenos Aires or with our homestay families in Rafaela, the chances to capture amazing moments were abundant. (Photos from the trip can be viewed here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/153032666@N06/albums/72157683556108262)
I’ll finish with a few words about our homestay. Staying with the Rafaelino families was one of the best parts of this trip. We literally did everything together. We ate, laughed, and shared knowledge with each other and that’s an experience that can't be put into words. Everyone in our group had an incredible time with their families and the same goes the other way around. Overall, this trip was ineffable and one for the ages. I learned a lot about myself and about the world around me and for that I will be forever indebted to The Experiment and those who made all of it possible.

The Experiment provided me with an amazing opportunity to travel to a beautiful country and meet new friends along the way. Their commitment to diversity cultivated an interesting group of individuals whose personalities heightened my experience in ways I did not believe was possible. From dancing with strangers in Colmar to choreographing a spectacle for our host families, there was never a dull moment with my fellow experimenters. In finding the perfect balance between scheduled events and free time, The Experiment allowed us to truly discover French culture for ourselves rather than through lectures or assigned reading. This was truly an experience I will never forget.

Summer 2016 was full of many new and exciting adventures for me. I was fortunate enough to travel abroad to Peru for four weeks with the program Experiment in International Living. I joined a group of 14 other diverse students and two amazing group leaders from all over the US as we explored, observed, and learned the history and culture of several parts of Peru. During this time, we stayed in numerous hotels and hostels along with spending two weeks with a local homestay family in Trujillo. We saw many ancient ruins, museums, performances of traditional dances, played with children, painted a soup kitchen, hiked Machu Picchu and many many more places and things. I could tell the planning of these activities were quite thought out as everything when smoothly throughout the trip despite the ‘Peruvian time’ our tour guides were on. My group leaders were very open and welcomed each member of our group allowing us to feel very comfortable. Within 3 days of being with my group, I felt like I had known them for a month. From students arriving late to the airport to homesickness they handled each situation with ease and grace. Traveling to Peru meant a lot to me as I love attending summer programs and traveling, so being able to combine them was really awesome. As one of my group leaders would say "there is beauty in everyone and everything" and I was able to really learn and embrace that statement. I was also able to improve my Spanish as well as my confidence in speaking and asking for help when I did not understand something. Overall, I learned a lot about myself and developed an eagerness for new adventures. I learned to go with the flow, work with a new team, and just have fun. Coming back to the US, I have embraced the little things and have been utilizing everything I learned. I have a new perspective and sense of openness. I loved my trip to Peru and would definitely do it again in a heartbeat. I highly recommend Peru and any other Experiment programs!

Before Nicaragua and Cuba, I knew I was never really immersed in culture. Although I live in New York, which is considered a well-known "melting pot", I knew I was missing something. During the summer of 2015, I discovered the missing ingredients when I was abroad in Cuba and Nicaragua. Although the program had the intended lesson of 'Art and Social Change', it was so much more than that; I was living in culture, history, art, and in a new environment with new friends and family, that is my host families. I was speaking the language and learning the history that made the people who they are today. Truly, the program opened my eyes because although it is acknowledged that there is a whole world beyond where the individual lives, thinking about it is drastically different than living in it. With this program, I was given a new set of lenses, as I came back, not only with lasting memories but with a new look at things from different cultural perspectives.

I'm not the most open person. I keep to myself. I'm not really a people person. I'm the quiet kid in the back of the classroom that has his head stuffed in books about animals around the world. But being a part of The Experiment opened my eyes in a way I thought I'd never be able to. I made new friends and met the most inspiring people in a place I never thought possible. I honestly chose this program because I wanted to see exotic African wild life. I did have that experience but the best part of The Experiment was getting unbelievably close to my group. Being able to open up and not just be some tourist but actually be welcomed into the homes and be part of the local community. They accepted us and included each and every one of us. We formed bonds that will be part of us for the rest of our lives. I'm so glad I didn't let my fear of the unknown hold me back. Because I in fact did have a lot fun and an experience that I wouldn't trade for anything.

This program was a deeply moving and formative experience for me. When I chose to participate in this particular trip, I had only a vague idea of what I might be in for. My only real grasp of the nature of the trip came from the key words in its title: Nicaragua and Cuba: Arts and Social Change. From the day that I arrived, I realized that I was in for an experience that would completely change and form parts of my identity. Though my understanding of art and its role in social change grew substantially, I was most moved by my exposure to the Spanish language and Latin American culture. Time spent bonding with host families, meeting and talking to local people in Spanish, and visiting culturally significant sites made me develop a much more deep understanding of both Nicaraguan and Cuban identity. I left Nicaragua and Cuba with an understanding of the power of art as a catalyst for change and a deep hunger to travel in Latin America in the future.

Traveling to Nicaragua and Cuba was such an eye opening experience for me. I learned so many things about Latin American culture, the people I interacted with every day and myself. I knew before going on this trip that I would have to be forced out of my comfort zone. Here I was about to enter two countries I haven't visited before, speaking/learning a language I was not fluent in, and living with 3 different families. I had no choice but to embrace the unknown and step into a new world on my own. I began to learn more and more every day on this trip that discomfort brings growth. Our comfort zone is such a beautiful place to be, but nothing ever grows from there. As I began to accept that my discomfort was a good thing, I was no longer afraid to try the new adventurous activities we had on our schedule. I enjoyed confronting challenges and reflecting on them with my peers. Nicaragua and Cuba has molded me into an individual that is more open minded and more aware. I wouldn't trade my month experience in these two countries for the world.

This past summer I went on a five week trip to Tanzania with eleven other students I had never met before and it was an invaluable experience. This trip was focused on language and cultural discovery so we would have daily Swahili lessons and were always learning about the new areas we traveled to. As a group we really clicked right away, none of us knew each other before but when you are with new people in a new place it is very easy to relate and connect. Our two group leaders also really helped with bonding and debriefing after days filled with excitement, we would talk about questions we might have about this new place, or funny stories that happened from the day. Our group was filled of many different personalities but we were able to connect and relate. One of my favorite parts of the trip was the home stay, we got to stay in a small coastal village with a family, we ate meals together and would spend whole days without seeing the other group members. At first this was scary, having to be with a family that didn’t know English very well and I didn’t know their language very well wither but it ended up being the best and most memorable experience. We saw elephants, beautiful mountains, artwork, performances, this trip was just filled with so many learning experiences and amazing things. The Experiment really focuses on being students and not tourists and I really enjoyed that aspect, we weren’t standing on the sidelines observing, we were relating, getting involved, and asking questions about the real culture.

If you are looking for a culturally immersive, unique, challenging and FUN program, you should strongly consider EIL's Brazilian program. I am a small town girl from Vermont who had never even been on a plane before, and had no idea what to expect in studying abroad. I traveled to Brazil with fifteen other students from across the country along with our two incredible group leaders, and we all quickly connected and built a support system that lasted throughout the program. Everyone had something unique to bring to the table; from living with a welcoming and loving host family, to learning Portuguese, to hiking jungles, boating in caves, picking strawberries and planting trees, EIL's Brazil program is an experience that you do not want to miss out on. I am a 2014 alumni who is still in contact with my host family as well as my fellow Experimenters - the bonds you make on this program will last you a lifetime. You will fall in love with Brazil, as well as the Experiment - this program changed my life and defined who I am today. I give EIL my highest recommendation!

I did EILs Viet Nam study abroad program and absolutely loved it. I was nervous about leaving home for an entire month for the first time but it was definitely worth it. I ate delicious food, saw beautiful places, bonded with both of my homestay families, and made great friends within my group as well. It's really an experience to remember. It can be nerve wracking and it definitely takes some adjusting but once you get in the swing of things it's an adventure the whole way through. Dont get me wrong. it's hot. and culture shock is real. But, when you come back home you'll have amazing stories to tell and you may even find yourself missing it.