This summer, 197 students traveled to nine countries on five different continents with The Experiment in International Living. They studied a range of topics: climate change, peacebuilding, and languages to contemporary and traditional arts, anime, and manga. They visited national heritage sites and parks, rainforests, mountains, museums, markets, and more.
We asked them about their experiences. They shared about adopting new traditions, forging friendships, facing challenges, and gaining awareness.
Here’s what they had to say, in their own words.
“I had so much fun and learned so much. I saw amazing biodiversity, learned about Ecuadorian culture, and learned more about how big the world is.” Araceli, Ecuador: The Galápagos Islands & The Andes
“The highlights of my group learning experience had to be getting to know a part of the world we had never seen. We saw sides of each other that we didn’t know and also saw sides of ourselves that we had yet to discover. This brought so much healing and discovery into my life. I was looking for connection yet struggled with social anxiety, but I manage to overcome this struggle through The Experiment, and I am forever grateful.” Isabella, Spain: Cultural Discovery
“The Experiment has changed me in many ways. Now, I use less trash, use slippers in the house, and cook more. I also know more Japanese, I am willing to try more diverse foods, and I exercise more. Additionally, I’ve made new friends and feel more confident as a person.” Avery, Japan: Anime & Manga
“[The experience] makes you see the different personalities you don’t see where you live. I live in a small town. You think wherever you live, it is the world. I got to meet people from across the country. The people I met there, genuinely, they became my best friends.” Isabella, Japan: Language and Culture
“A great opportunity to improve my confidence and be comfortable with being uncomfortable.” Stephanie, France: Cultural Discovery
“Ghana was a one-of-a-kind, great experience. I would love it if more people visited more African countries and dove deeper into stereotypes that we have. I feel like I had the best homestay experience!” Jazmin, Ghana: Internship: Contemporary Art & Culture
“The best part of the trip was the friendships I made. There’s a connection I didn’t even know that could happen. Being in a different country with new experiences brings people together.” Paige, Italy: Culinary Training & Culture
“An unforgettable experience that changed my perspective on life.” Alisha, South Korea: Peacebuilding & Contemporary Culture
“I think The Experiment has given me a certain drive that I didn’t have before. Even while I was in Costa Rica, I knew that all the struggles I faced were going to be worth something. I learned how to adapt to uncomfortable situations and put myself in the shoes of others. The things I faced that month changed me for the better, I came home with an expanded understanding of the world around me and how I wanted to help it.” Mariam, The Leadership Institute: Climate Change in Costa Rica
“I loved my homestay family. They were the best. They were always giving me food. They even made a day to meet their past homestay students who were in Korea at the time. It was one of the best experiences of my entire life, truly.” Sofia, South Korea: Language & Culture
“Curiosity makes the flower bloom. Go in with a lot of curiosity about where you are, and it will change who you are.” Jasper, Ghana: Internship: Contemporary Art & Culture
“I wanted to share how much I enjoyed the tree plantings and learning about the various community projects we participated in. Seeing how the initiatives positively impacted the local communities was inspiring. It felt rewarding to witness the benefits of our efforts. The trip deepened my appreciation for environmental work and has motivated me to continue supporting similar things in the future.” Anonymous, The Leadership Institute: Climate Change in Costa Rica
