By Abby Henson
Elani Dwyer has a clear vision for her future next steps. She plans to work with youth in Africa and says her time with The Experiment in International Living was a large determining factor in shaping this plan.
“The Experiment not only deepened my love and appreciation for African culture and history but also played a significant role in shaping my career path,” says Dwyer, who did The Experiment in Ghana the summer of 2022.
Dwyer’s Experiment group visited a village where they learned how to weave kente cloth; Ghana, 2022.
Since her time with the program, Dwyer has enrolled at Villanova University, chosen to major in public service and administration with a minor in education, and worked back in Africa with an organization that supports children’s health.
“My studies and passions are rooted in the belief that sustainable change starts with people and relationships,” says Dwyer. “I particularly want to focus on community engagement, leadership, and policy development.”
This summer, Dwyer lived in Mwanza, Tanzania, helping the International Cancer Care and Research Excellence Foundation. She supported awareness campaigns about children fighting cancer by connecting with patients and families. Her time there taught her a lot about the challenges and strengths within Tanzania’s healthcare system and also gave her a sense of hope.
“The children’s resilience and optimism left a lasting impression on me,” she says.
While Dwyer notes her time in Tanzania was different from her experience in Ghana with The Experiment, she sees a clear underlying connection between both summers.
“Both experiences taught me the power of cultural exchange, community care, and shared humanity across borders,” she says. “[With The Experiment], I saw firsthand how stepping into a new environment builds empathy, confidence, and global awareness. My time in Tanzania, further immersing myself in African cultures and communities, continued to enrich my perspective and commitment to work with these communities.”
Once she graduates from Villanova in 2028, Dwyer plans to work in policy development and the education system, with the goal of launching her own nonprofit.
“The Experiment not only deepened my love and appreciation for African culture and history but also played a significant role in shaping my career path.”
“My organization will give youth, especially from underrepresented communities, the chance to travel internationally and connect with African heritage. My goal is to create immersive, educational experiences that broaden perspectives and inspire leadership,” she says.
“My time with The Experiment strengthened this vision by showing me how transformative cultural exchange can be, and I want to make that opportunity accessible for as many youth as possible without financial barriers,” says Dwyer, who has also expressed an interest in being an Experiment group leader at some point.
“Being a group leader feels like a natural way to give back by helping other students navigate cultural differences, develop empathy, and grow in confidence while abroad. Having benefited so deeply from my own international experiences, I would like to guide and mentor students through that same transformative journey.”