The homestay has been the cornerstone of The Experiment for more than 85 years. Living with a host family facilitates deeply meaningful cultural immersion and allows students to better understand and experience the host country. It is through the homestay that Experimenters transition from visitors of the host country to fully immersed participants.
Homestay Placements
Our in-country partners work to match participants with the best possible families, many of whom have worked with us for decades. The Experiment staff and our international partners facilitate an extensive recruitment and vetting process that includes home visits and, where permissible, background checks. The interests of both the student and the local host families are considered when identifying homestay placements. Host families attend orientation and pre-arrival sessions prior to meeting their homestay Experimenter.
Experimenters are placed with families in the same region or town, which allows for group get-togethers, meetings, and cultural activities, and for participants to be able to reach their group leaders at all times. The homestay experience lasts between one and three weeks, depending on the program.
Other Accommodations
When not living with a homestay family, participants stay in appropriate accommodations with their group and group leaders, including hotels, dormitories, temples, guest houses, hostels, and campgrounds. See individual program pages in this catalog or on the website for program-specific details.
