In 1932, a small group of young Americans sailed across the Atlantic fueled by the power of an idea. Their mission was to foster peace through understanding, communication, and cooperation. Today, The Experiment carries on that founding vision to change the world one friendship at a time, providing transformational learning experiences for over 1,000 young people each summer.

Each Experiment is a laboratory without borders, where Experimenters live with local families and explore themes from the arts to ecology that serve as windows of learning into another way of life. The Experiment's international summer high school programs feature opportunities in Europe, the Americas, Africa, Oceania, and Asia. For three to five weeks, Experimenters focus on themes such as community service, language study, travel, ecology, the arts, sustainable development and fair trade, cooking, photography, theater, or outdoor adventure as they enjoy daily life with their host families and participate in activities with their group.

Through homestays, adventure travel, experiential learning, and language immersion, students build leadership and communication skills, gain essential international experience, increase their self-confidence, and enhance their global awareness. Whatever the destination or focus, all Experiment summer abroad programs engage students in a profoundly moving educational journey of cultural exploration and discovery.

 

"My Experiment summer was a gift I never expected but fully embraced."

Cameron Cook, Experimenter in Poland

News and Events

"Booleroo Hosts Young Americans"
A group of eleven young Americans and their leader Laura Cruz visited the Booleroo Centre district for a nine day home stay with Booleroo Centre District School students and their families in the school holidays.
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"Teens Turn Culture Shock Into a Plus"
Twelve teens experience the Experiment in International Living in the Navajo Nation.
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"American Students Repair Village School In Inegöl"
Experimenters perform repairs on a Turkish primary school, helping make it ready for the upcoming school year.
read article...

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Meet An Expirementer

Rachel Brookstein
Hometown: Fort Washington, PA
Program: Spain: Language Immersion in Andalucia
Year: 2006

How did you feel about The Experiment's immersion-based approach?
I really enjoyed my homestay because I connected so much with my family. At first I was really nervous to not be able to see my friends and speak Spanish but after about two days I realized how lucky I was. I learned so much Spanish because I really had to in order to survive. I became almost fluent in those two weeks and learned more of the language than any class will ever teach me. While living with my family I really learned so much about the culture of Southern Spain and I think that the only way to learn is to experience.   Oliver Cashin
Hometown: Washington, DC
Programs: Navajo Nation
Year: 2006

What was your most meaningful experience while on your Experiment program?
My most meaningful experience was without a doubt spending time with my host family. My host family was farther out than all the others, so I was very isolated from the EIL group I had come with. But I have never felt less lonely in my life. A little out of place of course, but never unwelcome. My family desperately wanted to show and teach me everything they could about their life and culture. Upon my arrival I was thrown into their way of life… literally. When I arrived their kids threw me into the bull pin to wrestle and eventually ride bulls. It was fantastic.   Rebecca Camargo
Hometown: Methuen, MA
Programs: Mexico: Community Service and Travel
Year: 2006

Why did you choose to participate on an Experiment program?
One of the many reasons why I chose to participate in the Experiment in International Living was because I was looking for an independent, global experience. I was used to traveling with my family, but EIL offered me an experience that would be life-changing and obtained totally on my own.   Claire Cohen
Hometown: New York, NY
Program: Japan
Years: 2005 and 2006

What was the highlight?
The highlight of both summers in Japan was meeting so many new people. My first summer in 2005, in Kanazawa, I had a great, fun group of kids and a really nice group leader. I can remember laughing as hard as I have ever laughed in my life with the kids on this trip. Along with my group members, I became very close with one of my friend's Japanese host sisters. She has actually come to stay at my New York home with her brother last spring and intends to come back to visit again soon. We keep in touch by email every week. I will also never forget the kindness of EIL’s Kanazawa representatives, one of whom who also came to visit me in the city and whom I have kept in contact with by email.

Going on my second trip to Japan in 2006, I was a little skeptical about recreating the amazing summer that I had in 2005 but the second time around, I made even better friends. The bond I had with my group on my trip to Hokkaido was even stronger than the one I had with my first group. We all cried hysterically on our last night together in Japan and most of my group members have come to New York City for a reunion in the past couple of months.
   Libby Cummings
Hometown: Cape Elizabeth, ME
Program: Switzerland
Year: 2006

In what way did the experience result in personal growth that is reflected in your current life?
The experience gave me the confidence to persevere through things that frustrate me. It also gave me the realization that America is not the only important country—or the best country—in the world. Obviously I knew that before, but Switzerland made me understand how many different, yet equally meaningful, languages and cultures exist in the world. When I got back, I really reexamined my way of life at home and decided what needed to be changed about it. I am now eager to learn about and experience other cultures.   Violet Dixon
Hometown: Brattleboro, VT
Program: Australia
Year: 2006

In today's world, why is it important for young people to consider participating on an Experiment program?
We are on the brink of an age where being aware of other cultures and languages is imperative. Giving yourself that advantage, that step up, by traveling abroad at a young age and realizing that the world extends far beyond our borders is a choice you wont regret.   Daly Franco
Hometown: Boston, MA
Program: Italy: A Taste of Italy
Year: 2006

How did you feel about The Experiment's immersion-based approach?
The homestay experiences, I think, are one of the aspects that distinguish EIL from other summer abroad programs. Not only did I have the opportunity to immerse myself into the culture through my family, but also become part of the culture. I mean, it’s easy to go to Italy and just fit in, but by living with my family, I was able to really learn about the smallest details of the country. The homestay served as a learning experience for both parties, for each had the chance to learn about the other.   Ryan Rockmore
Hometown: Delmar, NY
Programs: Spain: Spanish Arts and Culture and Ecuador
Years: 2005 and 2006

How did you feel about The Experiment's immersion-based approach?
The homestays in both programs were amazing. The first couple days were tough, but eventually, I was an integrated member of the family. I still keep in touch with my family from Ecuador and I learned everything from cuisine, to social beliefs, societal impacts, and lives of families all around the world. A homestay provides you with something that no teacher or textbook can show you in a picture or describe in words.   Gregory Rose
Hometown: Staten Island, NY
Programs: Costa Rica
Year: 2006

How did your group contribute to the experience?
I still find it hard to believe the fact that the thirteen members of my group grew to be so close in such a short amount of time. Although traveling to a country where English was not the first language was a little intimidating at first, it was comforting to know that I could share both my joys and my struggles with twelve great friends. Since each member of the group came from the different state, we all brought different backgrounds and past experiences with us as we traveled together throughout Costa Rica. I loved getting to know each of my friends in the group and it was incredible how all of our personalities and talents complemented each other to create the perfect group dynamic. By the end of our four-week trip, we weren't just friends, we were family.  

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