February 22, 2018 
Imagine exploring Argentina’s gorgeous mountainsides or the superb grassland vistas around the ancient, pristine Lake Khövsgöl from the back of a Mongolian pony.
The Experiment in International Living offers 32 incredible programs abroad for high school students to explore different host countries through hands-on experiences in local communities. Two of these include a strong focus on rich equestrian experiences—one in Argentina and another in Mongolia.
Over 85 years, The Experiment has taken more than 70,000 students on thoughtfully planned trips to some of the most enchanting places on earth. The programs are designed to offer students an immersive, genuine cultural experience in a safe environment. Groups consist of no more than 15 participants, and are led by two carefully selected and trained adult group leaders.
Running from July 4-31, the Argentina program boasts a wealth of outdoor activities, plus Spanish classes and local community involvement. Starting in Argentina’s iconic capital Buenos Aires, you’ll explore the city’s charming architecture and enjoy a boat trip to the nearby islands in the Tigre Delta to nose around the artisan markets for locally made products.
A valuable component of The Experiment’s programs is a homestay with a carefully selected family, offering insight into local cultures and traditions. In Argentina, the homestay is in Colonial Jujuy for two weeks, during which you’ll also work on a community-focused service project, such as volunteering or painting a school.
The riding in Argentina explores the country’s mesmerizing Salinas Grandes (salt flats), with their jaw-dropping open vistas. While trail riding through the mountains, you’ll learn how to rope cattle, try a traditional asado barbecue prepared by Argentine cowboys known as gauchos, go whitewater rafting, and camp under the stars. Just bring your own helmet!
Laura, a participant in the 2017 Argentina program, said: “Our community service projects such as gardening, painting, and remodeling a run-down police station and the humble school gave me the chance to learn life lessons I will sincerely hold dear to my heart. Over the 25 days, I experienced a lifetime of adventures.”
If it’s Asia that sets your world alight, the Mongolia trip runs from July 5-August 2, starting in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia’s historic capital. As with the Argentina program, it begins with local language lessons and sightseeing.
Riding is one of the many adventures you’ll have on this trip. (Helmets are provided.) You’ll gallop along the magnificent grasslands around the huge Lake Khövsgöl. At the Naadam Festival, the biggest in the country, you will experience traditional horsemanship, wrestling, and archery competitions up close and personal. Living in a ger (a round, felt-lined tent), you’ll learn about the nomadic life, help your host family tend livestock, and cook traditional meals—you’ll also take a camel ride into the Gobi Desert and camp under the magical night sky.
The once-in-a-lifetime trip includes visits to see Buddhist pilgrimage sites, meditation caves, and Mongolian art. The community project portion will take you to Khövsgöl province to teach English to local students or paint a school.
Huvsgul Trip, Community Work
“My absolute favorite part of the trip was the horse trek from community service to the camp where we were staying,” said Sophie, who traveled to Mongolia in 2014. “Other awesome parts were painting a school alongside Mongolian students and taking an overnight train into the Gobi Desert.”
So, if you’re looking for adventure, trust in The Experiment’s years of experience and enjoy one of their specially curated programs. It’s guaranteed to be a summer to remember.
Find out more information on trips available through The Experiment in International Living at www.experiment.org.
The Experiment in International Living has been the leader in international education and experiential learning for high school students for more than 85 years. On their two- to six- week summer abroad programs to 26 countries, students explore the world through hands-on experiences and homestays in local communities through the lens of a specific theme. Each year, hundreds of students come away from The Experiment with invaluable cultural, leadership, language, and college-prep skills that help them thrive in diverse environments.
Today, The Experiment is the flagship program of World Learning Inc. (worldlearning.org). Over the decades, World Learning Inc. has built on The Experiment’s success to become a thriving global organization made up of The Experiment in International Living, School for International Training (SIT), and World Learning, a nonprofit with global development and exchange programs that impact people in more than 150 countries.
