At Xperitas, we know the answer is a resounding yes. And now, research backs us up. A recent study published in the Journal of Education and Learning confirms what we’ve seen for decades: a thoughtfully designed, short-term immersion can spark a transformation that continues to grow long after the journey ends.
Beyond the Tourist Trail
Becoming a Global Citizen
This study followed alumni years after their three-week immersion program. The findings were remarkable: participants didn’t just return home with memories — they returned with a new way of seeing the world. They described themselves as developing a “global citizenship identity,” one that guided their travel choices, values, and even their sense of purpose.
These alumni sought out meaningful travel over all-inclusive packages, choosing experiences that connected them to local communities. They became more intentional about supporting local economies, respecting cultural traditions, and considering the environmental impact of their choices.
If you’ve ever wondered how student exchanges can spark such change, inspiring talks like How Can Student Exchanges Heal the World? by Timea Heim (TEDxYouth@WISS) and The Importance of Exchange Student Programs by Alexandra Dursonova (TEDxClearLakeHighSchool) echo exactly what we see in our alumni every year.
Lasting Change That Extends Beyond the Classroom
At Xperitas, we don’t just arrange trips — we create opportunities for authentic cultural immersion and personal transformation. Our language immersion programs are designed to reflect the “critical study abroad” model highlighted in the research.
This means:
Living with local host families
Experiencing the daily rhythms of another culture
Reflecting on what those moments mean and how they shape our worldview
Students don’t just observe another way of life — they participate in it. From cooking local meals to engaging in school activities, they form relationships that turn cultural understanding into genuine connection.
A Lasting Impact That Shapes Lives
This wasn’t a fleeting phase. Years later, participants were still more confident discussing global issues, more open to perspectives different from their own, and more deeply engaged in the world around them. Research consistently shows that students who participate in study abroad programs often perform better academically, develop stronger adaptability, enhance problem-solving abilities, and deepen cultural understanding — all skills highly valued by employers.
Stories like Emma Baumgartner’s Studying Abroad and the Global Perspective (TEDxNewarkAcademy) mirror what our travelers experience: the ability to step into another culture, return changed, and carry that change forward.
A Partnership That Changes Lives
At Xperitas, we don’t just arrange travel — we create opportunities for transformation. Our language immersion programs are built on authentic connection, mirroring the “critical study abroad” approach highlighted in the study. This means living with local families, experiencing the daily rhythms of another culture, and having the space to reflect on the deeper meaning of those moments.
We help students recognize their own cultural lens, build respect for differences, and develop the skills to navigate our interconnected world. We believe these experiences are seeds — planted during their travels, nurtured over time, and blossoming into a lifelong commitment to cultural understanding and global responsibility.
When you partner with Xperitas, you’re not just offering a trip. You’re helping students step into the world as curious, compassionate, and culturally fluent global citizens. And that’s a change that lasts a lifetime.