The Experiment Approach

Throughout our long history, The Experiment in International Living has been expanding the vision and uplifting the spirit of young people eager to explore another culture in a thoughtful, in-depth manner.

Experiment programs introduce students to important local and global issues through community service, language training, the arts, regional exploration, or ecology. In-country educators, language trainers, artists, ecologists, musicians, and chefs guide the learning process, help participants acquire in-depth knowledge, and develop a deeper understanding of the host culture.

Community Service

Learn about important concepts of community development, tolerance through multiculturalism, social service, sustainable development, and fair trade as you work on a project designed by local institutions and the people they serve.

Sample projects:
Work with coffee farmers in Mexico on a project that introduces you to sustainable development and fair trade efforts.  Teach English to children in a rural Thai village.

Opportunities:
Argentina, Belize, Botswana, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Germany, Ghana, Korea, Mexico, Mongolia, Navajo Nation, New Zealand, Poland, South Africa, Spain, Thailand, and Turkey.

Language Training

Achieve a whole new level of speaking and understanding with intensive language training. You study in small groups, participating in language exercises and out-ofclass learning activities. Your improved conversational abilities enable you to connect more fully with your host family and the surrounding culture.

Sample activities:
In Granada, Spain, use theater, music, and community based exploration activities to deepen your Spanish conversation skills.

Opportunities:
France, Italy, Japan, and Spain.

 

The Arts

Artistic heritage and tradition lend rich texture to your understanding of another culture. Explore the fine arts, theater, film, photography, music, dance, anime, or culinary arts and use your creativity and talent as a palette for a remarkable summer.

Sample activities:
Work with a French artist to paint the Provençal landscapes that inspired Matisse, Cezanne, and Van Gogh. In Italy, visit organic buffalo farms, discuss agricultural biodiversity with Slow Food movement experts, and take a week-long cooking course to experience the nexus between food and culture.

Opportunities:
Argentina, Brazil, France, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Morocco, South Africa, Spain, and UK.