Xperitas Experience Archive

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.

Due to safety concerns in the aftermath of hurricanes Irma and Maria, we made the decision to cancel our Puerto Rican programs planned for 2018. The students from the canceled groups were disappointed, but many were determined to help. Read how they took action.

Cara Meyer was the recipient of our 2017 Alumni Scholarship. Cara traveled to France and Germany with Xperitas in 2016. Recently, we caught up with Cara, who reflected fondly upon what her Xperitas program, and the scholarship, has meant for her future.

All 2017 language immersion program participants have returned home safely from their trips abroad. As we look forward to 2018 and begin planning next year’s programs, we wanted to take a moment to reflect on the past year, which was one of our best ever!

Our 2017 spring travelers have returned! As your child prepares to depart, read reviews of what these travelers had to say about their family stay experience abroad and the lifelong connections they made.