Spain Picasso, Gaudi, and Dali: The Art of Catalonia

Each student has a unique and individual experience on their Experiment program. The following essay is a single glimpse into a program from one student's perspective.

Tariq N

Spain (ESAS)

In retrospect, I truly didn't expect it. I had done quite a bit of traveling before my program in Spain and, before, every time I traveled somewhere new I always enjoyed seeing the sites and just being in a place that was new to me. However, my trip with the Experiment to Spain was not like my previous travels whatsoever.

When researching and applying to participate in the Experiment, I came across terms like "immersion" and "international ambassador," and to be honest, I didn't believe that the Experiment with the exception of the homestay would be very different from tourism. When I heard former Experimenters and group leaders speak they often used phrases such as "life-changing." I knew that the Experiment was a great program, but I doubted it was as incredible as people had said. I am very glad to be able to say that I was mistaken. It may sound cliché or trite, but I have to say that my program in Spain was life-changing. I am a person who loves to travel and the Experiment has changed the way that I will go about traveling in the future. In a way, it set the bar higher in that I won't be able to settle for a simple tourist sightseeing vacation. In addition, it broadened my perspective on the world outside the United States, especially during my homestay.

The homestay, from my observations, is what former Experimenters highlight when speaking about their most memorable experiences. It was somewhat similar to what I had imagined except for the fact that the family did not alter their lives for me, but rather helped me adapt to their lifestyle. My homestay parents and sibling were extremely enthusiastic to hear my opinions. Usually after each meal we would sit at a table and they would ask for my views on anything from literature to politics to sports. They were genuinely interested in my perspective on a range of different topics and would give their view as well. I remember I was once talking to my host father about music and he played some of his favorite flamenco music for me. He also looked through my IPod and surprisingly picked out a song he knew by Cyndi Lauper. For me, the homestay was a very enlightening two weeks. My host family was extremely gracious, helpful, and easy to bond with.

As I said before, most people when talking about the Experiment talk about a certain activity they did, or tell an anecdote from their homestay. However, I've never heard anyone mention what I felt was the most enjoyable and rewarding part of my experience. I am referring to the group that I traveled with during my stay in Spain. Some of the most memorable moments during the Experiment for me were merely sitting with my group in a café or plaza just talking with one another about our lives. Though we only spent one month together, I feel I know many of them better than some of my closest friends. It is as if we knew we only had a month together, and made the most of the time we had. We made an agreement amongst ourselves that we would not mention the idea of separating until the absolute end of the trip. If there is one aspect of the Experiment that I had to emphasize, it would undoubtedly be the group dynamics. I feel like I connected with each one my group members and it was unbelievably difficult to split up at the end of the program. Since returning, I have contacted every single one of them and I have even reunited with several of them who live in my area.

When I was researching the Experiment, I never heard any negative feedback and now I understand why. It is a truly unique experience in all aspects. The homestay is memorable and the group dynamic is the perfect environment to build some strong friendships. After my experience in Spain, I am totally and entirely swayed by the message of the Experiment in International Living and I would recommend it to anyone and everyone who is able to take advantage of this great program.