The Experiment’s educational philosophy is immersive, experiential, and student-centered.

The Experiment fosters the natural curiosity and sense of adventure of youth and prepares students to explore, value, and understand different perspectives. Most Experiment programs follow a comprehensive, four-part structure: orientation, homestay, thematic focus, and reflection. This structure promotes students’ ability to develop critical skills that help them engage in their communities, advance their studies, accelerate their careers, and thrive in an ever-changing world. Experimenters gain self-confidence, mindfulness, and connections that will help them address the critical global issues facing their generation.

Experiential Learning

Experiential learning is a rich process through which knowledge is cultivated not simply from experiences (learning by doing), but also by reflecting on those experiences and extracting lessons learned (learning by processing). The Experiment’s group leaders are trained to facilitate this reflective learning process throughout the program:

 

1. Experience Trying something new, doing an activity, having a conversation, experiencing a moment in time.

2. Reflect How did I react? What did I feel, think, experience?

3. Analyze What does it mean? Do I need to shift my thinking?

4. Apply How will I use this knowledge or awareness in the future?

THE EXPERIMENT IN INTERNATIONAL LIVING
LEARNING GOALS

  • Explore a new country through hands-on experience

  • Connect and engage meaningfully with another culture.

  • Deepen consciousness toward critical global issues shaping the host country as well as communities back home.

  • Cultivate empathy and harmony across ethnic, religious, and national communities while on the program and back home.

  • Develop leadership, teamwork, cross-cultural competence, language acquisition, and communication and problem-solving skills.

Once learned, Experimenters can apply the learning process across experiences and take a central role in their own learning.

Student-Centered Approach to Learning

Our unique approach to student learning centers on empowering participants to gain the skills, confidence, and agency to make decisions and create opportunities that impact their own lives and the lives of others in a positive way. Participants come away from The Experiment programs not only with an educational experience abroad but with a new way of learning, seeing, and thinking about the world that inspires a desire for lifelong learning and leadership skills.

The Experiment’s Virtual Exchange programs

The Experiment’s Virtual Exchange programs are designed with the same experiential learning model as The Experiment in International Training. The Experiment’s Virtual Exchanges intentionally cultivate challenging learning environments and experiences through digital exchange and cross-cultural connection. In order to enhance the online program experience, The Experiment Digital uses a variety of platforms, apps, and social media. The main platform participants used to access the program content is Canvas, a learning management platform that allows educators to develop customized courses and training programs. The Experiment remains committed to supporting every participant’s safe and successful program experience.