Apply online to our summer 2024 programs. Programs fill fast early in the new year, so apply now! (Enrollment requests after February 15, 2024 are not guaranteed.)
The competitive application to The Leadership Institute: Climate Change in Costa Rica program is due on January 15, 2024.
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 passport that is valid through February 2025, 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
Please observe the following deadlines for program applications:
- We accept applications on a rolling basis. Programs fill quickly, so apply online today!
- The competitive application to The Leadership Institute: Climate Change in Costa Rica program is due on January 15, 2024. (The essay, one reference, and if applicable, the need-based scholarship application form must be submitted by this date as well).
APPLICATION CHECKLIST
Applicants will need to submit the following materials:
- Application form (with student and parent/guardian information)
- Short written responses
- Homestay letter & photo
- Letter of reference (from teacher, mentor, advisor, or coach)
- Passport copy
Applicants are also required to participate in a short interview with one of our staff members.
Leadership Institute (Costa Rica) applicants must also respond to the following essays prompt (500-1,000 word essay):
What concerns you about climate change as a critical global issue? How can climate change be addressed? How can you be a part of the solution and what proposed ideas do you have for your post-program community action project?
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 Reference(s), 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:
- Leadership potential shown through community and/or school involvement;
- Commitment to participating in virtual pre-program workshops and sessions and a post-program community action project; reliable internet access during the pre-and post-program components; and
- Demonstrated interest in climate change, climate justice, or conservation and environmental work
PASSPORTS, VISAS & PHYSICALS
If you do not have a passport valid through the end of February 2025, 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
- Audio upload
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.
