Sharing Immersion Experiences
The Global Citizens Blog
Xperitas language and community immersion programs open minds, connect people and transform lives. The Global Citizens Blog features stories from Student Alumni, Teachers, Team Leaders, and staff -- all of the diverse voices that make up our interconnected global experience. Additional content includes recipies, short videos and more!
Have you traveled with us? Share your Xperitas immersion story.
Rick Steves Event | Educators Reflect on Immersion Travel
Rick Steves helps teachers to reflect on the "WHY" in immersion travel
The recent Xperitas special event with Rick Steves "Why We Travel," inspired participant educators to reflect on why they travel with students.
Student perspective on the impact of French language Immersion
How French Changed My Life
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...
The Value of Global Travel and Cultural Literacy
Board Member, Carolyn Vanous, shares her story and perspectives with students!
Carolyn Vanous is a member of the Xperitas Board and currently serves as the Board Treasurer. Carolyn is also the Manager of a team at 3M, a fortune 500 company with corporate operations in 70 countries and sales in 200. We asked Carolyn about...
Reflecting on 50 Years of Immersion Travel
A message from the Executive Director
Austrian-born Jewish philosopher Martin Buber (1887-1965) said, “All journeys have secret destinations of which the traveler is unaware.” As Xperitas begins booking travel for our 2022 50th anniversary year, I reflect on the...
Get to know Xperitas Partners | Rocio Madrigal
Get to know more about this long-standing partner in Latin America
Xperitas has long-standing relationships with its partners. We want you to get to know the amazing people that we work with. Meet Rocio Madrigal, a guide for us in Costa Rica. Rocio has a passion for sharing the culture and history of her country...
Traditional Recipes of the Nahua People of Mexico
as featured on "Sabores de México"
High in the Sierra Norte region of the state of Puebla in Mexico lies the market town of Cuetzalan. Cobble-stoned streets, colorful handicrafts, and the aroma of street tacos abound. This pueblo mágico is known for the cultural influence of Nahua...
Participant Spotlight | Erica Besser
Participant in Xiloxochico, Mexico January 2019
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....
Our Path Forward
Our Path Forward
It has been almost a year since COVID-19 changed everything for virtually everyone on the planet. It really is incredible how the human drive to survive and thrive despite...
Interview with Sylvia Martin, Family Stay Coordinator
Kirchberg, Germany
Tell us a bit about yourself and your background
My name is Sylvia Martin and I am 47 years old. Together with my son and my boyfriend we live in a rather small town and enjoy the quiet atmosphere and the proximity to bigger cities and a...
Virtual Cross-Cultural Connections
Virtual Cross-Cultural Connections
On a July afternoon, a group of high school Juniors from Samueli Academy in California huddled around their laptops to meet Lisa Brunner, a member of the White Earth Ojibwe Nation and a long-term community partner of Xperitas. Lisa has worked in...
Team Leader Spotlight: Siri Dusek
Siri Dusek
Program location & year(s): La Push, Washington, June 2019 and January 2020
Siri recently graduated from St. Catherine University with a master's degree in Occupational Therapy. Throughout college and graduate school,...
Leader-in-Training Spotlight: Chelsea Dresen
Chelsea Dresen
Program location and year: La Push, Washington, January 2020
Chelsea lives in Baraboo, Wisconsin, and is currently a doctoral student at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point in the Educational Sustainability program....
The New Normal
Creating the New "Normal"
It seems an eternity ago since we first heard about COVID-19 back in January. The events of the past six months have been a whirlwind for the world, and Xperitas is no exception. In mid-March, as the U.S. State Department issued its historic...
Chinese Noodle Culture
Chinese Hand-pulled Noodles
This unique and entertaining method of making noodles by hand originated in China. The earliest written record of Chinese noodle culture is dated to the Eastern Han period (25–220 CE). The earliest description of the method to make lamian (pulled...
Spanish Cultural Heritage
Video Blog
Flamenco is a genuine Spanish art, originating in Andalusia around the 18th century. It is comprised of three things: "Cante", the song, "Baile", the dance, and "Toque", the playing of the guitar. Each form lends its own artistic expression and...
