Health and Safety
Experiment programs follow a comprehensive structure designed to maximize the well-being of all participants while they engage in dynamic cross-cultural experiences. The Experiment places the highest priority on health, safety, and security.
We understand and deeply respect that socioeconomic, political, environmental, and medical conditions vary across the 27 countries in which we run programs. We work tirelessly to build and maintain relationships within each host country, and we tailor our health, safety, and security measures to each location and to current circumstances.
Pre-departure and program support includes:
- Pre-departure materials. The Experiment helps participants prepare for their program throughout the pre-departure process; we provide sample itineraries, a student handbook, packing lists, and assistance with travel logistics. Students participating in programs in Africa, Latin America, and Asia and the Pacific receive specific health guidelines. These guidelines include recommendations about immunizations and medications each family should consider before departure.
- Group leaders. Each Experiment group is accompanied by two trained adult group leaders who travels with each group. Group leaders maintain ongoing contact with all participants throughout the program and work collaboratively with our in-country partner offices and The Experiment office in Vermont 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We seek group leaders with leadership experience working with high school students, experience studying and living overseas, and competency in the language of the host country. Leaders must have a bachelor's degree or the equivalent experience. Keeping participants safe and healthy is each group leader’s top priority.
- Orientation. Each program begins with a multi-day orientation. The orientation focuses on increasing cultural knowledge, developing cross-cultural communication skills, and increasing students’ self awareness within the context of the host country. Students are introduced to their host locations through interactive, dynamic, and meaningful activities by trained and trusted professionals before becoming immersed in their homestay communities.
- In-country partners. Each Experiment group is supported by an extensive professional network of in-country resources. These resources can include partner offices, international educators, homestay coordinators, in-country co-leaders, and program guides. Our partner offices help us design each program and support our groups throughout the program period. These in-country professionals have access to communications, healthcare, and transportation infrastructure to make sure that each student receives the highest quality attention and support.
- Twenty-four hour on-call support. Our student affairs staff — based at our Vermont headquarters — maintains a 24-hour on-call safety and emergency response system for any health, safety, or security concerns that might arise throughout the program. The Experiment can be reached toll-free within the US at 800 345-2929 or at 802 257-7751. Meet our Student Affairs team.
- Medical insurance. Each student is covered by a World Learning medical insurance policy that provides accident and sickness coverage and emergency evacuation coverage. Please note that this insurance is intended to act as a secondary policy for participants who are already insured.
