What is The Experiment Digital?
The Experiment Digital is a virtual exchange program designed to connect high school-aged students around the world. Started in 2016, The Experiment Digital currently offers exchanges focused on Leadership in STEM, Climate Change and The Environment, and an English-Spanish Language Exchange. For six-eight weeks, students log on to an interactive platform to learn about topics related to their program theme and interact with their peers through videos, chats, workshops, and games. Students come away from the program with an enhanced understanding and practice of leadership, hands-on experience with issues related to their program theme, and mutual understanding between youth from different countries.
Who implements The Experiment Digital?
The Experiment Digital is implemented by staff at The Experiment. The Experiment is the nation’s most experienced and respected provider of international education and experiential learning for high school students. For over 90 years, our summer study abroad programs have allowed students to explore the world in a personal, meaningful way, and to develop new, enduring friendships through hands-on global experiences and homestays in 25 countries. Each year, hundreds of students come away from The Experiment with invaluable global, leadership, language, and interpersonal skills that help them thrive in different environments and prepare them to succeed in college and careers.
Who funds The Experiment Digital?
The Experiment Digital Leadership in STEM is implemented by World Learning and is supported by the J. Christopher Stevens Virtual Exchange Initiative (JCSVEI). JCSVEI is a U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs program administered by the Aspen Institute.
The Experiment Digital: Climate Change and The Environment and English-Spanish Language Exchange are funded by the Stevens Initiative, which is housed at the Aspen Institute and is supported by the Bezos Family Foundation.
What does a typical week during The Experiment Digital look like?
Here is what a typical week during the program may look like:
- Watch a video to learn how to analyze the root causes of an issue happening in your community. (5 minutes)
- Share your perspective on why homelessness is happening in your city and respond to what your peers have shared. (15 minutes)
- Post a photo of your favorite store in your city (5 minutes)
- Discuss with your “neighborhood” three of the best items to keep on a sinking boat in order to survive. (1 hour)
- Ask a community activist questions about implementing better street cleaning solutions during a live webinar. (1 hour)
When does The Experiment Digital take place?
Programs take place for 6-8 weeks and will require 2–4 hours of time each week. Most of the work is asynchronous; however, there will be an optional 1-hour synchronous call each week.
What benefits does The Experiment Digital offer?
Students who participate in and complete The Experiment Digital Leadership in STEM will receive a Certificate of Completion, gain access to the U.S. Department of State’s International Exchange Alumni network, and be eligible to apply for unique project funding opportunities from the U.S. Department of State. Students who complete any Experiment Digital program will receive a $400 scholarship toward study abroad in Summer 2026 with The Experiment in International Living.
Students who participate in and complete The Experiment Digital Climate Change and the Environment will receive a Certificate of Completion and a $400 scholarship toward study abroad in Summer 2026 with The Experiment in International Living.
How do you select the finalists?
During our application review, we look for participants who: (1) demonstrate a commitment to the program and its goals; (2) are passionate about developing their leadership and global communication skills; (3) have an open-minded attitude and are willing to learn from others; (4) have an interest in the program’s theme; and (5) have not had extensive travel experience.
Who will supervise the program and what safety precautions do you take?
Throughout the entirety of the program, students will be directly supervised by a professional facilitator, who are typically alumni of our program who have experience with virtual exchange and undergo an intensive month-long training on online facilitation. They will be monitoring all interactions on the online platform. If anything of concern arises, they will be following a strict risk management protocol through the proper channels to full-time staff at The Experiment Digital, who are reachable 24/7.
Is it safe for my child to be interacting with others online?
Programs are held on a closed workspace which is a learning management system. Only those with an invitation will be able to access the platform and any information on the platform. The program will then begin with the first module, which teaches the students how to interact productively and safely online. Together, they will form a list of “norms for online communications,” which they will agree to abide by throughout the program. Programs utilize Zoom, a video conferencing platform for small group conversations. During these conversations, students have the option to turn on or turn off the video. They can participate in the program using entirely audio and no video.
