EXPLO Reviews 

My kids both learned independence, resilience, empathy, and flexibility and were able to cultivate curiosity and learn all kinds of things they didn't have exposure to in school. They made friends from all over the world. Beyond grateful for the time they spent at Explo.

Our son attended EXPLO over a number of summers and had the opportunity to explore so many different kinds of activities (and people). The classes were hands-on and fun, with an emphasis on the experience of learning, rather than high-pressure or competition. Outside of classes, the recreational choices were varied and fun - from silly to scientific. He met people from outside of his bubble, surrounded by counselors that seemed to truly care about him. He left with a newfound awareness of who he was and what he was eager to keep exploring.

The variety and high quality of programs are what make Explo great! I wish I could have attended when I was young.

I attended Explo at Wellesley College as a student for many years and loved every minute of it. I took classes that my high school couldn't offer and discovered my passion and spark for learning through them. I met many wonderful friends from around the world; I had a roommate from France, and continue to keep in touch with many people I met there. Attending Explo also gave me a huge leg up when it was time to attend college. I was comfortable with the experience from the start in large part from my experiences as an Explo residential student. I highly recommend the program to any student who is looking for an amazing, life-changing experience!

I attended EXPLO at Yale for three summers. I was a really delightful opportunity. Taking mini-classes on subjects I was truly interested in reminded me of my love for learning. In the U.S. education system, I had started to lose sight of that. I gained incredible knowledge about different countries, political systems, philosophical and sociological theories, and systems of exploitation. I also learned lots of practical skills: how to problem solve, work productively within a group, write a resume and college admissions essay, and navigate life in a big(ger) city (than I had ever lived in up until that point). EXPLO prepared me for college in a way few other practical experiences could have.

More than anything, though, the people were the defining feature of my experience. The people are what made it worth it. I have made friends that I still keep in touch with from EXPLO. Having so many curious, intelligent, successful kids all together was rewarding in a way few opportunities were. I felt seen and understood. I'll always be grateful I got to attend EXPLO.

However, I would be remiss if I didn't mention the big, obvious problem: the finances. Motherpucker it's expensive. Without help from my very generous grandparents (who valued educational experiences for their grandchildren) there is no shot I would've been able to go. None. It is prohibitively expensive, and I'm sure that the pandemic, recent inflation, and corporate greed have only exacerbated the problem. I honestly don't know what the breakdown of expenses is. Feeding and transporting people to activities for 3 weeks is expensive for sure, but for the price they ask for?? Maybe the rent of the facilities they use takes most of it. It certainly didn't go to our chaperones (they totally deserved the money, too!)

The only other complaint I had as a child was that time was super strictly regimented and that the adults could be a tad overbearing. However, for liability and logistical reasons, as an adult I completely understand. They're a consequence of keeping everyone safe and avoiding lawsuits. Those problems never ruined any experience of mine, it was just odd at age 17 to be corralled around sometimes.

If you can put those complaints aside, the experience is nearly perfect. I cannot recommend it to those who can afford it enough. For those who cannot, I empathize. I only got to go because of luck.

P.S. My last experience with EXPLO was in 2018-2019, so ignore the date of experience for my review!

Last year was the first I heard about EXPLO. I don't have the resources to send my boys to such camp and I was honored to know that both boys were given a chance that changed their lives forever in a POSITIVE way. They became so mature and responsible. My older one began acting like he's already in college. It's unbelievable to see the growth after EXPLO in my two boys

Well, we had a wonderful experience last year, and wanted to attend again this year. Unfortunately, we missed a document in our scholarship application and was outright disqualified.

Would have appreciated a little bit of consideration.

It was a worthwhile summer camp that I attended for three consecutive years at different colleges while I was in middle school, about 5 years ago. I met lots of people from all around the world, and some are still my friends today.

If I had to identify the biggest advantage and disadvantage of this summer program:

The biggest advantage is that you get to make connections with people from various backgrounds and locations around the world. It allowed me to gain different perspectives and enriched my narrow worldview at the time.

The biggest disadvantage is that, although the program has some academic significance, there is no credit for higher-level academic courses such as high school or college level. The experience is more social than academic.