Our experiential learning model is a rich process through which knowledge is cultivated not simply from experiences but also by reflecting on those experiences and extracting lessons learned. The Experiment’s group leaders are trained to facilitate this reflective learning process throughout our programs abroad and virtual exchanges.
Experimenters become skilled at applying this learning model across experiences and taking a central role in their own reflections and growth.
The Experiential Learning Model:
- Experience: Trying something new, doing an activity, having a conversation, experiencing a moment in time.
- Reflect: How did I react? What did I feel, think, experience?
- Analyze: What does it mean? Do I need to shift my thinking?
- Apply: How will I use this knowledge or awareness in the future?
Experimenters become skilled at applying this learning model across experiences and taking a central role in their own reflections and growth.
Experiential Learning – Programs Abroad
The Experiment’s programs abroad follow a comprehensive structure designed to maximize the well-being of all participants as they engage in intercultural experiences. Almost all of The Experiment programs abroad follow the same four-part program structure: orientation, homestay, program focus, and reflection. Students are introduced to their host location by trained and trusted professionals before becoming immersed in their host communities.
Learning Goals:
- Explore a new country through hands-on experience.
- Connect and engage meaningfully with another culture.
- Deepen awareness of critical global issues shaping the host country as well as communities at home.
- Cultivate empathy and harmony across ethnic, religious, and national communities while on the program and back home.
- Develop leadership, teamwork, intercultural competence, language, communication, and problem-solving skills that will set you apart in college and your career.
What distinguishes the Experiment from other groups is the emphasis on learning about the culture and being in the culture, and I feel like they do that through the two different homestays that this program has. I’ve looked at a lot of other high school study abroad programs, and a lot of them feel like a tour group. You go from one place to another. You don’t really get to learn and live in that place. The Experiment gives the students the opportunity to learn about Thailand, to live in Thailand, and to be with Thai families.
– Julia, The Experiment alum, Thailand
Experiential Learning – The Experiment Digital
The Experiment’s Virtual Exchange programs are designed with the same experiential learning model as our programs abroad. Learning with The Experiment Digital is challenging and fun. Participants learn how to facilitate digital discussions, lead online dialogues via video chat, and formulate and implement service projects in their communities. Activities center around bringing students together to navigate scenarios that test their abilities and reflect on lessons learned through collaborative dialogue. Students practice collaborative problem solving, intercultural communication, and digital etiquette—all of which are important in our increasingly globalized world.
To facilitate this, The Experiment Digital uses a variety of platforms, apps, and social media. The main platform is Canvas, a learning management platform that allows educators to develop customized courses and training programs.