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For seventy-one years, The Experiment in International Living has challenged
young people to open their hearts and minds to the world. Each program
in 26 countries around the globe immerses participants in the daily life
of another culture. For three to five weeks, Experimenters focus on themes
such as community service, language study, ecology, travel, or the arts,
as they enjoy life with their host families and participate in activities
with their group. The centerpiece of this cutting-edge exchange program
is the homestay -- based on the belief that the best way to understand
another culture is to live as a member of one of its families.
Supported by their experienced group leaders and in-country guides, students
build communication skills, increase their self-confidence, and enhance
their global awareness. Whatever their destination and focus, all Experiment
programs engage students in a profoundly moving educational journey of
cultural exploration and discovery.
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Our small Thai village was quiet at first, as we took in as much
as we could about this new culture. I could hear prayers over the
loudspeaker, and the whispers of villagers picking sweet lamyay
fruit. We were truly ambassadors -- the first group of Americans
the village had ever seen -- and they welcomed us with shy, excited,
open hearts. We had expected cultural adjustments, but the Thais
also had to adjust to us. We were huge, loud, and goofy, while they
were quietly dignified. Slowly, culture shock transformed into communication
and acceptance. It was easy to reach out, despite the language barrier.
A simple greeting of "sawadee ka" brightened a sleepy fruit-picker's
day. Each afternoon, we played with children at the mosque, sharing
laughter and conversation. On the last day, I saw appreciation in
the face of every villager. They truly accepted us as their children.
Among shouts of goodbye, we drove away from a little village that
wasn't so quiet anymore.
-- Ana Logghe, Espanola, New Mexico
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Cross-Cultural Orientation
Meet your group and leader at a gateway airport and travel to a major
city in your host country. City walks, survival language skills, and cultural
information prepare you to step out from behind the lens of a camera or
the window of a tour bus and learn more than you ever thought possible.
The Homestay
For many, the homestay is the most rewarding aspect of their Experiment.
Live with a welcoming host family for one to three weeks, sharing in daily
life. Your foreign language skills quickly improve as you shop, prepare
meals, or talk into the night.
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