Language learning isn’t just about vocabulary lists; it’s about respect." High school junior Zoey Kaegbein shares her powerful perspective on why immersion is the key to moving beyond textbooks and into real-world connection. In this first part of her scholarship essay, read about why she believes every traveler should pack curiosity and an open mind.

"A classroom is great, but a city market is real." For scholarship winner Molly, language isn’t just a subject, it’s a way to find a piece of herself in every corner of the globe. Inspired by her freshman Spanish teacher, she’s heading to Costa Rica this summer to trade her desk for a new way of life. Read Molly’s energetic essay on why cultural immersion is the ultimate gateway to understanding ourselves and the world.

"I don’t just want to be able to communicate, I want to connect." After a missed opportunity to connect with a young camper, Graham Melvin realized that language is more than just a school subject- it's a lifeline. Read Graham’s moving essay on why he’s heading to Costa Rica this summer to turn language barriers into bridges of empathy and understanding.

Traveling to a different country for a short immersion trip is an unforgettable experience—one that allows you to see the world, practice a new language, and embrace new cultures. But how do you make the most of a trip that lasts just one to two weeks? Here’s your ultimate guide to getting the most out of your short immersion experience!

Explore the transformative power of cultural immersion through Mary's insightful essay. From her childhood connection with a friend from Afghanistan to navigating her own cultural shifts moving across the country, Mary shares profound insights into the enduring impact of language and cultural exchange.

Samantha's winning essay for the Bob & Edie Green Writing Scholarship offers a glimpse into her linguistic odyssey, highlighting the intersection of language and culture.

Micah S. is a recipient of the Bob & Edie Green Writing Scholarship from Wisconsin, traveling to Spain with Xperitas in the summer.

Sydney is a recipient of the Bob & Edie Green Writing Scholarship from Massachusetts traveling with Xperitas to Spain in 2024. Her journey, marked by personal growth and a commitment to learning Spanish, resonates with the universal quest for understanding, connection, and a deeper appreciation of one's heritage.

See how to promote your Grounds for Change fundraiser using video to share a little bit of German coffee culture with friends and family.

Recently, we profiled Xperitas Board member and retired French Teacher, Jane Ditewig. Jane was and is a much beloved teacher at R.A. Long High School in Longview Washington. This summer Jane heard from Brad Carnine, one of her students from more than 20 years ago. He said we could share his letter with you. We hope every teacher who reads this letter is reminded of what an important job you do and how you all are changing the lives of your students.

In 8th grade middle school, I had to pick a language to study, and being half Mexican, my mom wouldn’t let me take Spanish since I already used it in my everyday home life. So, my only other option was French. At that point, I never thought I’d take it with me after high school, but I was very wrong.  Read Mercedes story.

My name is Erica Besser and I attend Carroll University in Waukesha, WI. I will be a senior this upcoming year and start my first year in the Doctorate of Physical Therapy Program. I went on my trip in January of 2019 and had an amazing time.

Madisen Bell, the Xperitas Alumni Scholarship winner for the 2020 program year is currently a first-year student studying to be a French language teacher at the University of Nebraska Lincoln. She traveled to France with her classmates and her teacher, Madame Tangen, in spring 2019. It was a life changing experience for Madisen who said in her essay, “The France trip provided me with the experience I needed to decide what path to take in my life.”

Hunter is a recipient of the Bob & Edie Green Writing Scholarship. Read Hunter's essay.

Stephanie is a recipient of the Bob & Edie Green Writing Scholarship. Read Stephanie's essay.

Sam is a recipient of the Bob & Edie Green Writing Scholarship. Read Sam's essay.

Bethanne is a recipient of the Bob & Edie Green Writing Scholarship. Read Bethanne's essay.

At Xperitas, we strive to make our transformative language immersion programs available to students who might not otherwise have the means to participate. Now, we are excited to announce a new merit-based scholarship opportunity for our participants: The Bob & Edie Green Writing Scholarship!

That’s a wrap, folks! In 2019 French, German, Spanish and Mandarin Chinese language students traveled abroad with Xperitas to nine different countries to enjoy an intercultural immersion experience!

One of the highlights of our annual Global Leaders Conference is announcing the recipient of our Xperitas Alumni Scholarship. This January, we were pleased to announce that we have selected Daniel Brand, of University Lake School in Hartland, Wisconsin, as the winner of the 2019 Xperitas Alumni Scholarship.

Leo was a seventh-grader at Minnetonka Middle School East when he attended an informational meeting about his school’s upcoming Xperitas language immersion program to Spain. Leo away walked from the meeting inspired and determined to participate the following year. Read his story and how he successfully raised funds for his program abroad.

After reviewing all the feedback and input from our post-travel surveys, we’d like to take this opportunity to share some of the results with the Xperitas community.

All Spring 2018 language immersion program participants have returned home safely from their trips abroad. As we look forward to the summer travel season, we wanted to take a moment to reflect on the past year, which was one of our best ever!

We are pleased to announce the winner of our 2018 Xperitas Alumni Scholarship: Lily Hauptman of Ladue Horton Watkins High School in Saint Louis, Missouri.