Apply online to our programs!

Read our FAQs to learn more about our enrollment process and timeline, as well as our 360-degree approach to risk management.

Questions? Contact us!

See below for information on what you’ll need to complete your application. Once you’re ready to begin your application, create a new user account here.

PROGRAMS ABROAD

The Experiment offers high school summer abroad programs in more than 10 countries and virtual exchange programs. Participants explore the world through hands-on experiences in local communities and through the lens of a specific theme.

If you do not have a valid passport through February after your program concludes, please apply for one immediately. The U.S. Department of State is not currently offering rush passport services, and passport applications could take up to 14 weeks or more to process.

DEADLINES

We’re still enrolling summer and fall 2025 virtual programs. Apply now!

Summer abroad 2026 programs go live late August. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Enrollment requests after February 15 are not guaranteed.

APPLICATION CHECKLIST

Applicants will need to submit the following materials:

  • Application form (with student and parent/guardian information)
  • Short written responses
  • Homestay letter & photo
  • Passport copy

Applicants are also required to participate in a short interview with one of our staff members.

Leadership Institute applicants must also respond to an additional essay prompt (500-1,000 word essay).

Applicants who have already submitted their application and whose admissions status remains Incomplete should contact their admissions counselor directly to review the status of supporting documents and to confirm The Experiment’s receipt of your Homestay Letter, and Passport Copy. Your status will be updated to Complete once all supporting documents are received and reviewed.

PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY

Most programs abroad are open to all students who have completed their 9th, 10th, 11th, or 12th grade year but have not yet entered college or university.

To be accepted, all prospective Experimenters must demonstrate the following admissions criteria through their online application and interview:

  • Motivation to participate in an Experiment program;
  • Ability to work in a group setting (in school or outside of school) with peers and adults from diverse backgrounds;
  • Proven maturity; and
  • Open-mindedness and curiosity about Experiment program country and culture.

Leadership Institute applicants must also have:

  • Demonstrated interest in climate change, climate justice, or conservation and environmental work (for Costa Rica)
  • Demonstrated interest in community engagement and social issues (for Spain)

PASSPORTS, VISAS & PHYSICALS

If you do not have a passport valid through the end of February after your program concludes, apply for one now, especially if your program requires a visa. (Many countries require your passport be valid for at least six months or longer beyond the dates of your program.) If you have not had a medical physical since May 2023, make an appointment as soon as possible. We encourage you to visit the U.S. State Department’s passport website for more information. Because of delays in processing passports, the U.S. State Department warns that passport applications may take up to 14 weeks process, so please apply for or renew your passport as soon as possible. 

A SPECIAL NOTE TO NON-U.S. CITIZENS

You are responsible for making sure that your immigration documents are in order for international travel. These may include a U.S. alien registration card, a valid passport, a visa for the country or countries you would be visiting, and a U.S. reentry permit. Consult the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service office in your area, and the embassy or consulate of the country you will visit as soon as possible. Some documents can take as long as three months to obtain.

VIRTUAL EXCHANGES

Our virtual exchange programs connect high school students around the world using dynamic digital platforms. Students gain new thematic knowledge and interact with their peers through videos, chats, dynamic workshops, interactive lessons, and games.

APPLICATION CHECKLIST

Applicants will need to submit the following materials:

  • Application form (with student and parent/guardian information)
  • Short written responses

For assistance with your application, watch our video tutorials.

PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY

Most virtual exchange programs are open to students between the ages of 14–19 who are currently enrolled in high school and have not yet started college. Students should have regular access to the internet, basic English language competency, and a demonstrated motivation to complete their program. Select your program to view full eligibility requirements.

APPLICATION TIPS

  • Upon creation of your account, an email was sent to you with instructions to set your password. If you did not receive that email, please check your spam/junk folder and add emails from @experiment.org and @worldlearning.org to your safe list so that you don’t miss any important information.
  • If you do not know your password, you can reset it on the application portal. Please email [email protected] if you need more assistance.
  • We encourage you to save your work in a Microsoft Word document, and copy and paste your text into your application in one sitting.
  • In order to complete your enrollment after you receive notification of acceptance, you will need to submit your confirmation materials, including a signed Conditions of Participation form, through the application portal.
  • Parents & Guardians – After your child submits their online application, if your email address was entered, you will receive login credentials to application portal, where you can view your child’s application, update your contact information, download confirmation materials, and enter additional information about your child. To access the parent/guardian site, you or your child must enter a unique email address on your child’s application.