EXPLO 360° is a multi-course experience that gives students a taste of a variety of subjects with an emphasis on collaboration and hands-on work. Students choose two courses and three electives — and they have their pick from more than 50 options.
| 360° Overview | Residential Program |
Day Program | Courses + Electives | Life at Senior |
At EXPLO, we cook up irresistible experiences that engage a student’s head, hand, and heart. Through hands-on projects designed for maximum engagement, students are encouraged to ask questions, iterate, and reflect. And in our 360° program, no two days are the same — and that variety alone sparks a love of learning that lasts far beyond the summer.
At EXPLO you learn so much and it will always stick with you no matter what. EXPLO is an amazing place to expand your knowledge and experience the amazing opportunities it provides.
”EXPLO Senior Student
At EXPLO you make connections that last a lifetime. Everyone has different personalities, views on life, and ways of thinking. You meet people that come from different backgrounds, cultures, and even different countries. The beauty of it all is that we all might be so different, but we get along, we find a common ground, and we all understand each other in some shape or form.
”EXPLO Senior Student
EXPLO isn't just a place to learn it’s a place that brings people together no matter who they are and where they come from.
”EXPLO Senior Student
Through our Clubs, Leagues, and Activities, students can try something new every day, or make a weeklong commitment. The best part? Participating with friends — and making new ones — while you hone your own strengths and interests.
Students can sign up to spend time in Bronxville "The Ville" during Clubs, Leagues, and Activities and visit the shops and restaurants located there.
Before the day comes to a close, our students can grab a spot on the Lawn for movie night, catch an outdoor magic show, laugh out loud at the stylings of an improv comedy troupe, or take to the stage themselves — the possibilities are endless. Events EXPLO has hosted in summers past include Carnival Night, EXPLO’s Got Talent, EXPLOStock Music Festival, themed dances, Game Show Night, and more!
Weekend trips are a chance to experience different cultural, culinary, and recreational adventures in NYC and beyond. Not everyone has to go on the same trip — there are more than 15 options to choose from each weekend. Students sign up for trips once they’re at the program and can take four trips each session, so there’s a chance for them to do something they know love to do and to try something new! Past trips have included Times Square, Broadway shows like Wicked, The Museum of Modern Art, an MLB game at Yankee Stadium, The Bronx Zoo, and more.
We know that one of the big concerns about traveling so far from home is transportation. Our staff — easily identifiable in their bright orange EXPLO t-shirts — will meet you at the airport, escort you to campus, and help you settle in. On Arrival Day, staff members remain at the airport until we know that the last student has been picked up.
When it’s time to return home at the end of the session, we’ll take you back to the airport — and stay there until we’re sure everyone is safe and in the air.
Students may arrive to campus by train. An EXPLO staff member will walk students to and from the Bronxville train station, departing for campus at 8 AM and returning to the station by 5 PM.
There are dozens of reasons why students from around the world attend American summer programs each summer. Some are preparing to attend an English language-based boarding school or international school. Others are interested in one day attending an American college or university or broadening their future educational and career opportunities. But not all programs are created equal, which begs the question: what should you be looking for when researching academic summer programs for international students?
In a typical summer, about 30% of residential students come from outside of the United States representing about 70 different countries. Living Groups are created to be representative of our overall student body — this way all students have the opportunity to meet friends from all over the United States and the globe.
Three weeks is a sweet spot for most campers to maximize their experience abroad. EXPLO programs run in three-week sessions, and we can accommodate students for up to six weeks.
English is the Working Language of EXPLO. To enroll in the program, you must be able to speak and understand English at an intermediate–fluent level. To ensure that everyone is able to participate in all aspects of the program, international students who do not attend a school with an English language-based curriculum may need to interview with EXPLO so that we may assess their English speaking abilities. Once you’ve submitted an application and deposit, we’ll contact you and your family about scheduling an interview, should we determine that one is necessary.
EXPLO’s setup at Sarah Lawrence offers unmatched campus resources for our explorers. Our Administrators, including the Program Head, live on campus for the duration of the program. This allows for many daily check-ins with faculty and staff, who also have extensive crisis and emergency training. In case of emergency, we not only have a 24/7 Health Center staffed with Registered Nurses, but we also are within close proximity to several top-notch New York hospitals.
Keeping students, staff, and the greater community safe is our top priority at EXPLO. We’re working closely with our medical advisors/practices, our longtime health staff, and our host institutions. We’re regularly monitoring information coming from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization, recommendations from the New York Department of Health, and local regulations. We expect all students, families, and staff to take the EXPLO Health Pledge that acknowledges that individual choice and action will need to be subordinate to the common good of keeping the entire community safe. Visit our COVID-19 Safety page for more information.
Our students’ physical and emotional health is a top priority. Our Health Center is staffed 24/7 with experienced, registered nurses who are there exclusively for EXPLO students. All prescription and over-the-counter medications are distributed through the health center because state law — and common sense — dictates that students should not self-medicate or keep medications in their rooms.
Attending an academic enrichment program helps students prepare for the greater independence of high school and college. That being said, EXPLO does not believe that our students should be supervised as if they are already completely independent; we work hard to ensure each of our student age groups is receiving a developmentally appropriate and safe level of supervision and guidance throughout their days. In order to create an atmosphere that allows learning to be both fun and meaningful, we know that our students (and their loved ones back home) need to feel that our campus is safe — and that our staff is observant and trained to respond to our students’ needs.
Learn about our COVID-19 plans for summer 2023.
We believe you can’t supervise students well if you don’t supervise the staff well — which is exactly why we have an intensive staff training program. In addition, we support staff members via an extensive supervisory structure to give them professional development feedback and hold them accountable. We’re regularly told by former staff members that the professional development and supervision they received at EXPLO was the best of their professional lives. While it may be time-consuming and expensive to hire and train this level of staffing — and while none of this completely guarantees the safety of all students — it puts all of us in the best position to keep our students safe and confident that they can let their minds and hearts soar and explore.
We deliberately keep our staff-to-student ratios low. On our Sarah Lawrence campus, it’s 1:6. This allows us to properly supervise residence halls, trips, and activities. We do this to make sure our students are individually known — and more importantly, that they feel known.
At EXPLO, we strive to make our summer programs accessible for as many curious and motivated young people as we can.
As a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) educational organization, EXPLO is committed to expanding accessibility to serve families from around the world, regardless of their education, income, or occupation.
We understand that our immersive summer enrichment programs are an investment that not all families have the ability to afford. EXPLO’s financial aid program provides grant and scholarship support to families who demonstrate need, thanks in part to supportive partner programs and generous donations to the EXPLO Scholarship Fund.
For more information, visit our Financial Aid Page.
Dec. 20, 2022 | EXPLO Today
Jun. 20, 2022 | Exploration Programs
Feb. 4, 2022 | EXPLO Today