HOW TO APPLY

Please observe the following deadlines for program applications: 

• Programs fill fast early in the new year, so apply now! (Enrollment requests after February 15th are not guaranteed.)
• The competitive application to The Leadership Institute programs in Costa Rica and Spain is due on January 15. 

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.

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)

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. 

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.

Applicants will need to submit the following materials:

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

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.