Mexico: Mayan Arts and Culture

Each student has a unique and individual experience on their Experiment program. The following profile offers a single glimpse into a program from one student's perspective.

Profile of a Past Experimenter

Kelsei Wharton
Hometown: Brooklyn, NY
Year: 2006

Why did you choose to participate on an Experiment program?

I chose to do an Experiment program because I had received information through my school. I was interested in broadening my views on the Spanish and Latin cultures around the world through travel. I understood that through experience I would be able to grow as both a person and a student of the Spanish language.

What was your most meaningful experience while on your Experiment program?

I feel that the homestay was by far the most meaningful part of my experience because I was able to be a part of a beautiful family in Mérida. I never understood the amount of love that a family is supposed to express to one another until I flew to Mexico. Each student in our group was matched with a distinct family, but each family exhibited the same qualities that really expressed the beauty of the country. I learned more about the people through the bonds that I made with each member of my homestay family. I became a piece of their family because they accepted me for who I was.

What was the highlight?

The highlight of my trip was when we traveled to Chelem to have our Karaoke contest. Each student had to sing a song that they received on the first day of the home stay. I listened to "Amor Narcotico" a few times and instantly fell in love with it. When the contest arose, I took the first place spot with my performance and, from then on, I was the jukebox of the trip. That contest really brought all of the families together.

How did you feel about The Experiment's immersion-based approach?

I personally loved it because I was able to bridge gaps from the US to Mexico. I was no longer just a tourist because I was immersed in the culture, language, music, and more. The homestay was instrumental because it allowed my abilities to speak Spanish to improve exponentially. Because I was put in a situation in which my effort would directly impact my final feelings toward the trip, I was able to speak Spanish at all times to ensure that I would reap all benefits that the trip could provide.

How did your group contribute to the experience?

The group aspect of the trip was very helpful because they were a backbone that provided the necessary comfort that I needed at some times. During my homestay, being one of two guys in my group, I created a great friendship with the other male in my group. Because our homestay families were related, we were able to hang out with each other to provide the occasional conversation in English. To this day, I still stay in contact with not only him, but the rest of my group members who experienced the same things that I did.

In what way did the experience result in personal growth that is reflected in your current life?

The experiences that I received through EIL helped me grow as a person because I was able to step back and look at myself in a whole new environment. Through the challenge of trusting my language skill I was able to understand that nothing would be able to phase as long as I did all that I could do to be successful. EIL showed me first hand that putting 100% into all that I do would result in great experiences. Also, EIL showed me how to appreciate the differences that we all have across borders and barriers while still being able to take note of how each of us are similar in the pressures and challenges that we face. I applied this new principle to my life when it came to looking at the media, both print and television, and how Mexico was portrayed. With this new approach to understanding people in general, I was able to use my experiences to create my own opinions instead of aimlessly listening to what the media tells us.

If you had one thing to say about why a prospective student should choose EIL, what would it be?

I would probably say that EIL gives you a chance to find who you are as a person through the simple task of living your life in a new setting. In addition to this, I would provide information on how perfectly EIL plans each trip and the activities and cultures based around them.

What advice would you give to a student about to embark on an Experiment summer program?

Keep an open mind, smile, crack a joke, embrace all that's around you, sing, do whatever you want, while keeping in mind that all you have to do is relax for everything will work out.

In today's world, why is it important for young people to consider participating on an Experiment program?

In today's world, it is important for young people to participate on an Experiment program because we, as a people, need more leaders and friends across borders. Through EIL, people's horizons are widened greatly because they are suddenly able to see all that is around them, and the beauty that each person, country, culture, language, or skin tone has to offer. EIL is pivotal in expressing the need for unity in our world, and also how that unity will stop the misunderstandings that we have between one another. To sum it all up, EIL helps you become a more worldly person in a matter of a summer vacation.