The Experiment in International Living Reviews

For the majority of my life, especially throughout my teenage years, I have been a very closed off person, feeling as though my opinions or feelings towards a subject were not valid enough to be spoken. For this reason, I was worried when first coming to the Experiment Leadership Institute because I knew that this was my time to use my voice and use my words to contribute to this incredible group, rather than just take away from it. The other students participating in the Experiment, as well as, the group leaders, created an environment where every single person’s words, opinions, and emotions were valid and there was no negative judgement in existence. From the very beginning in Washington D.C., I began to feel as though my voice was, in fact, valid and that others wanted to hear what I had to say. This feeling was so foreign to me, and it took much effort to step out of my quiet comfort zone, but because of the group dynamics and experiences we shared, I feel as though I grew tremendously, and my confidence in myself and my opinions soared.
Every single day was a challenge in India, whether that be communicating with my host family, or participating in a group workshop, but each challenge allowed me to grow in more ways than I thought possible, but we had this saying, “All feelings are valid,” that encouraged me to continue being vulnerable and opening myself up to the group. Because of this, I was able to dive into the experience headfirst and take every challenge as it came to me, with a determination to not let my usual quiet manner get in the way of my learning. With the support of every single group member, I was able to soar above what I thought I was capable of doing and feel genuinely comfortable in my skin, and confident of my beliefs. One of the group activities was an opportunity for each of us to tell our story. When I was first told that we were going to do this, my heart sank because I felt as though I would never be able to open up so vulnerably to a group of fourteen other teenagers and four group leaders. However, when it came my time to tell my own story in the small village of Bahraich where we were staying, I was so supported by everyone that the words came freely from my mouth. When I was finished speaking, I looked around the group circle and saw the most accepting and understanding looks in every person’s eyes. I have never felt such whole-hearted acceptance on this incredibly deep level by anyone in my life, even within my own family. This was the turning point in the program where I began to see myself as a leader in all aspects of the word and appreciate my own personal leadership abilities, recognizing that all people have a different manner of leadership. By the time we returned to Vermont, I felt strong. I could hold my head up high and not be afraid of being approached because I knew who I am and that I am capable of taking risks and using my voice for good. On the second to last day of the program, I was able to stand in front of some other Experimenters, group leaders, and four members of the World Learning team, and speak passionately about a problem within my community and the efforts I am going to take to pursue a solution to this problem. I stood in front of this group of remarkable human beings and knew that I was going to be listened to and everything I was saying was valid, because I am a leader and my opinions will be appreciated by these people. When I was finished speaking, I had nearly the same level of support that I had had in Bahraich when I told the group my life story. These experiences are ones that I will always remember and will apply to my life in the near future, as well as the far future.
One of the most famous quotes from Ghandi states, “Live as if you were to die tomorrow; learn as if you were to live forever,” and it holds so much truth to it, more than I ever knew before. After this experience, I am seeing my life and what I am capable of doing in a whole new light. The most positive light possible. I will no longer shrink away from opportunities because I am too afraid to use my voice and express my opinions; rather, I will stand up for what I believe and continue striving to learn, taking on as many challenges as I can. I will question others and listen to their responses, and understand what their perspectives are and why. I will continue to challenge myself and chase my dreams, even if I am told that I cannot do it because I know now that I am capable of doing what I put my mind to if I continue to be determined. The Experiment in International Living has had the most positive impact on myself and how I see myself. I have learned more in the six weeks on program about myself, others, and the world; more than I thought was possible. I will take these lessons I have learned and apply them to all future challenges I face in my life, and will always keep this experience very close to my heart.

Last summer I had the opportunity of going to Germany and I absolutely loved my time with the Experiment in International Living. At first, I was nervous about spending a month with people I had never met before, but even before our group met in person, one of the group members started a chat including everyone in the group. I really enjoyed visiting different countries and learning about German culture and how the different areas of Germany have different cultures. I didn't know much about Europe, and Germany in particular (and definitely not German), but I would have to say that I learned so much during my month abroad. I would definitely have to say that last summer was the best summer that I have had in a long time, and that was largely because of my experience with the Experiment.

Among all the things we did, from hiking in Remuzat to having famous hot chocolate in Paris, one of the best things that I would never change was my group. My group leaders and group members became my family during this 4 week program and I couldn't have asked for anything more. I miss my group members more than I missed my family (sorry Mom & Dad). They really helped me open my eyes to the world and how different everyone can be as we explored the different regions of France. I highly recommend this program as it was the best experience of my life and it made me so much more independent as I now prepare for college.

I chose to go on an Experiment trip to learn about the world, but in the process, learned more about my country and myself than I would have ever imagined. I first became interested in the Experiment because of the immersive learning the program championed, and I wasn't let down. My experience in South Africa as a part of the Leadership Institute studying, "Peace, Politics, and Human Rights," was transformative because of the engagement in community, both within my group, and within the country. I would strongly recommend the Experiment to any prospective student because of the way the program is designed for learning through interpersonal relationships, something I believe is unique to World Learning. The diversity among the experimenters in my group also contributed to this life shaping experience in the way that it allowed difficult conversations, deep discussions, and fantastic relationships to develop in a very natural manner. My summer abroad was one to remember and I would encourage any high schooler considering the Experiment to apply.

This trip was one of the most influential and life changing experiences I have ever had the opportunity to participate in. Our group consisted of approximately 14 like-minded students from around the world. All participants were eager to learn, engage, and bring what they learned back to their communities and offer insight from where they are from. Our group leaders were fantastic and more than qualified to lead. We were taught about various subjects including activism, feminism, sex education, sex work, and women's rights. We were in interactive classes being taught by people who are professionals in their field of study. Although the classes were a large part of the program, we had excursions to surrounding cities. This was easily the best thing I have ever been apart of and strongly encourage anyone even considering this program to go ahead and take the leap. You won't regret it.

My month long trip to Argentina was the most amazing cultural immersion I could have ever wished to experience. With a three week home stay, the cross cultural opportunities were immense. I was able to experience everything from a school day to the family and community traditions. Everyone was friendly and kind, and the program matched up students and home stay families really well. Although I got sick during a small portion of the trip, everyone made sure to help me out and got me the care I needed to get back up and running as quickly as possible. The leaders made sure everyone was comfortable and safe throughout the trip, and the language immersion really helped enhance my minimal Spanish skills. We learned so much about the history of Argentina and got to explore multiple cities within Argentina. Overall, the trip was a wonderful experience that I would recommend to any high school student!

The Cuba and Nicaragua: Arts and Social Change program was hands down one of the best months of my life. Through this program, I got to embrace many cultures very different than my own, improve my Spanish skill drastically, and learn a lot about myself as a person and as a global citizen. It was incredible to meet new people, hear new stories, and gain different perspectives. It was eye opening to see how others lived, and everyone was so kind and welcoming. I would recommend this program to anyone looking to explore, meet new people, and to go outside their comfort zone in order to learn more than they ever could have imagined.

My month in Argentina was hands down the best month of my life. I had such an amazing experience and learned a lot. I met so many new people who are now some of my best friends and family.
I loved the homestay in Salta. My family was very welcoming and excited to have me. They helped me improve my Spanish a lot. My older sister knew some English but she wouldn't use it around me, forcing me to use more Spanish. They'd ask me questions to make me talk more. My younger sister was awesome too - she introduced me to her friends and showed me around the city. She came with our group to do community service and hung out with us at the mall. The hardest part of my trip was saying good bye to my family, especially my younger sister.
After Salta, we stayed in Chicoana and did more community service. That was the most rewarding part for me. I loved working at the school, especially the day the kids were there. I spent over an hour in the garden with three sixth grade girls, talking to them about their life and breaking down large chunks of dirt. They snuck me back into their classroom after and pretended I was a student. They showed me all their books and what they were learning in english. While in Chicoana, my host family surprised me with a visit! They drove the couple hour drive to come see me and my group again and give me some empanadas. It was so nice and unexpected.
From Chicoana, we went to ranch and went horseback riding and camping for three days. That was so much fun and adventurous and slightly out of my comfort zone. We went to the bathroom in the woods and learned how to saddle horses and to gallop. The gauchos told us crazy ghost stories and baked us fresh, delicious bread. It was a memorable couple of days.
I will never forget my amazing month in Argentina. There are so many more things that we did that I want to share because it was all so wonderful. I hope to go back and show my family all of the places we explored and introduce them to my Argentine family. And I plan to stay in touch with the great friends I made too. On the night before we left, our group made a web of string. It represented how we are connected because of this amazing experience. We all went around and talked about what we would take home from this trip. Then we cut the string and we each got to keep a part of our connection. I tied the string around my wrist. It's been over a month since we were in Buenos Aires that last night. I haven't taken it off and I don't plan to :)

My travel abroad to Italy was one of the best experiences of my life. I was able to learn about a new culture and eat amazing food at the same time. I was also privileged enough to spend a whole month with amazing people. I made so many great memories that I will cherish forever. My most favorite memory from Italy was one of the last nights in Asti. It was after dinner and me and three other kids from my group decided to wander around the town. We left the restaurant and just picked a random direction to walk in. As we were walking we saw groups of locals just hanging out and smoking cigarettes, this had become a normal occurrence because that is what most Italians did during the summer. As we were walking we stumbled upon a courtyard that was full of multi colored lights. As we began to walk towards the courtyard a man at a table stopped us and asked if we were American, we told the man we were and he began to explain what the courtyard was for. It turned out that we were walking into an Italian rock concert. We walked into the courtyard where it was being held, and we were probably the youngest people there, besides little toddlers running around. Then when my friends and I were sitting at a table waiting for the band to come on, we saw the other half of our group. It was then I knew this would be an unforgettable night. Once the band started to play we all went up to the stage and started to dance. It was amazing! Everything was in Italian so we didn't understand, but no one cared we were having the best night. It got later and later until we had to go back to our hotel room and get some rest. When we left the singer said "ragazzi dove stai andando?" which means, "guys where are you going?” And of course I fell in love the Italian singer and got emotional when we had to leave. It was a great experience and I'm so happy I got to share it with some of the best people I know. I am so thankful I was able to go on this trip, and have an extraordinary group. Stumbling upon the Italian rock concert and dancing with my friend is a memory I will cherish forever.

When I look back on my month in Italy all I can remember are good times. From the first awkward moment when I met the 14 people I would be spending a month with, to the first dinner in Rome, to waking up at 5:25 am to see the sunrise in Cortona only for it to be blocked by the mountains, to going to an Italian rock concert and understanding nothing but having a blast, and to the last night when I even though I was sobbing I couldn't be happier than to have met the wonderful people that made up my group.
From the very beginning I knew I was partaking in something great; I knew that I was doing something that I would never forget. And from all the good times I had, one of my favorite moments was this one hot night in Asti when we had the night to ourselves. We had just finished dinner but the night was still young and the air was warm and we all desperately wanted to go on an adventure. We decided to walk around the small town and just see where the winding roads would take us. It was well into the night and even though we were a little lost, we knew where we were going because the town was small and it seemed no matter what we would always end up back at the hotel. And that hot night, wondering the streets of Asti with the people who had been strangers not two weeks ago but were now my close friends, I felt so content and happy. Just walking down the quiet empty streets, so different from the ones in New York where I live, I was just so so happy. And even though this seems like a small irrelevant moment compared to all the amazing things we did and saw this trip, it was those small moments with my group where I just got to embrace the culture that I enjoyed the most.
So for anyone who is wondering if they should apply, yes you should! It's scary going away to a new place for a month with people you don't know but the experiences and the friends that come out of the trip are everything!
(I am real sorry that this review sounded a little cliche, but reminiscing on the good times is making me a tad emotional. Forgive my corniness and my grammatical errors.)