iXperience
Why choose iXperience?
Founded by two Yale University alums in 2013, iXperience is a summer abroad program designed to develop the skills and knowledge you need to prepare for a rapidly changing career landscape. With campuses in beautiful cities worldwide (Cape Town, Lisbon & Remote), iX students take immersive classes in high-demand skills. Then, they drive real-world impact at an internship with a local company. All this, while exploring the history, culture, and nature of a breathtaking city, with new friends they’ll keep for life. Attracting the top students from the best universities worldwide, we are not just teaching students skills. We are creating a movement—a network of like-minded, motivated individuals who are all serious about bettering themselves, their future careers, and the world. Today, this network is over 4500+ strong, with 85% of our alumni going on to work at Fortune 500 & top-tier firms, including Facebook, Google, Microsoft, Bain, Accenture, BCG, Apple, Morgan Stanley, and more. With iXperience's growth and recognition, our team has grown the same. Starting with only three team members in 2013, we are now a global and dynamic group. Throughout, our focus has stayed on creating authentic connections within our community.
Founded by two Yale University alums in 2013, iXperience is a summer abroad program designed to develop the skills and knowledge you need to prepare for a rapidly changing career landscape. With campuses in beautiful cities worldwide (Cape Town, Lisbon & Remote), iX students take immersive classes in high-demand skills. Then, they drive real-world impact at an internship with a local company. All this, while exploring the history, culture, and nature of a breathtaking city, with new friends they’ll keep for life. Attracting the top students from the best universities worldwide, we are not just teaching students skills. We are creating a movement—a network of like-minded, motivated individuals who are all serious about bettering themselves, their future careers, and the world. Today, this network is over 4500+ strong, with 85% of our alumni going on to work at Fortune 500 & top-tier firms, including Facebook, Google, Microsoft, Bain, Accenture, BCG, Apple, Morgan Stanley, and more. With iXperience's growth and recognition, our team has grown the same. Starting with only three team members in 2013, we are now a global and dynamic group. Throughout, our focus has stayed on creating authentic connections within our community.
iXperience Reviews
Hear what past participants have to say about the programs
Overall Rating
Total Reviews
Time of my life!
July 30, 2026by: Taylor Benson - United StatesI had a fantastic experience with the iXperience program working in tech/startups. Coming in as a rising sophomore trying to figure out if business was the right path for me, iXperience gave me exactly the real world exposure I needed. I spent a month in Cape Town working hands on with a growing IoT startup, where I got to do everything from market research and competitor analysis to investor outreach and building out an actual data room, work I never would have gotten this early in college. Outside of the internship, the program made it easy to actually experience the city and country: hiking Table Mountain, surfing along the coast, skydiving over the peninsula, and even picking up padel with other program participants. I left with a genuine skill set, a much clearer sense of what I'm capable of, and a story I'm proud to tell in interviews. Highly recommend for anyone looking to get real business experience and an unforgettable adventure abroad.



Cape Town Pre-Med- Best 3 Weeks Ever
July 28, 2026by: Nina Menozzi - United StatesAttending iXperience’s Pre-Med program in Cape Town was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. It helped me develop skills, gain clinical hours and healthcare experience, learn more about myself, and become a better global citizen. Going into the program, I heard a lot of good things about iXperience’s Management Consulting and Data Science programs. However, even with the Pre-Med program being new, it was incredibly developed and organized. Safety was never a concern and members of the iX team were always available to call at any hour of the night and eager to help. The accommodations were extremely nice with views of the beach and food/grocery stores were literally across the street. The program offered many fun excursions like visiting cape point, swimming with penguins, hikes, surfing, 4-wheeling, etc. and if there was anything you wanted to do that wasn’t on the itinerary, the iXperience team was quick to help organize it for you and share recommendations. I would recommend iXperience’s Pre-Med program to any students interested in healthcare of any kind because we saw so many different sides of the system and career paths. It helped me gain exposure into what working in healthcare actually looks like. It also helps students get ahead in terms of experience and clinical hours. Throughout our time we were able to compile around 70 clinical hours through shadowing world renowned Neurosurgeons, studying in world class biolabs, triaging in emergency rooms, and even scrubbing into surgeries. As a med student in the United States, the opportunities to gain hands-on experience were unparalleled in Cape Town. Not only did we get to work extremely closely with some of South Africa's (and the world’s) greatest minds, we got to build personal connections with them. All of the doctors, along with the entire iXperience team, were incredibly invested in our growth as future physicians, but also our development as young adults emerging into the world. The personal connections I built with the physicians, iX team, patients, and members of my cohort are something I will forever be grateful for. I cannot recommend this program enough. I will never forget the first time I scrubbed into a surgery. During my time in Cape Town, I made some of the best memories in my life and I will forever be grateful.



iXperience: Pre-Med Program
July 28, 2026by: Lucas Garvey - United StatesThis past summer, I had the opportunity to spend three weeks in Cape Town, South Africa through iXperience's Pre-Med Global Health program, and it was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. By the end of the three weeks, I left with unforgettable memories, a new appreciation for South Africa, and an even stronger desire to pursue a career in medicine. The highlight of the program was shadowing a neurosurgeon throughout my stay. This wasn't just passive observation—I had the opportunity to spend meaningful time in the operating room, witnessing complex neurosurgical procedures. Additionally, we had the opportunity to meet the surgical staff on a personal level through multiple dinners and casual conversation. The amount of clinical exposure I received in such a short period was incredible and provided experiences that would have been very difficult to find back home in the United States. Outside of the hospital, I had the chance to fully immerse myself in Cape Town. From exploring the city's night life, breathtaking scenery, and experiencing South African culture, every day offered something new. Throughout my time in South Africa, I always felt well-supported by the iXperience staff. Transportation was organized, the team was responsive whenever we needed anything, and they made sure we understood how to safely enjoy everything Cape Town has to offer. This allowed us to focus on making the most of the experience while feeling comfortable and secure. Looking back, this program exceeded every expectation I had. It strengthened my passion for medicine, gave me invaluable clinical exposure, and allowed me to experience a culture completely different from my own. I would highly recommend iXperience to any pre-med student looking for meaningful clinical experience, personal growth, and the opportunity to broaden their perspective on healthcare and the world.
The best 3 weeks, immersing myself into the true Cape Town experience!
July 27, 2026by: Payton Thompson - United StatesIXperience’s Pre-Med Program in Cape Town, South Africa gave me 3 of the best weeks of my life, a time that I will forever look back on and be in awe of the experiences I went through. While I was excited about the weeks to come, I was definitely nervous about traveling to South Africa, finding friends, and getting an experience that would be worthwhile. However, this trip completely exceeded my expectations and is hands down the best trip and resume booster I could have asked for. I logged over 70 real, physician-supervised hours for my med school applications. I followed local mobile clinics, toured medical facilities, shadowed multiple doctors, and even got to observe surgeries led by the talented and well-known Dr. Ian Victor. The contrast we experienced was incredible—we observed high-end preventive care at Expand Health, but also got to dive into the public side of health care in Cape Town by following the Guud Mobile health clinic and visiting the mobile night clinic in Hout Bay, which completely shaped how I think about medicine and health administration. Not only was this trip educational, but it was also incredibly well-run and secure. Safety was a top priority throughout the entire program—the staff was exceptionally supportive, our daily transport was highly structured, and I felt completely safe and at ease the entire time. Beyond clinical experience, the housing was also great, and I made lifelong friends in my cohort exploring Cape Town and going for walks together. I came in wanting to build my resume, but I'm leaving with unforgettable memories, a tight-knit community, and a much deeper perspective on global health—if you are on the fence, absolutely go for it!




Great Experience
September 17, 2025by: Caleb Hildmann - United StatesThis past summer, I had the opportunity to join iXperience in Cape Town, South Africa, where I completed their Investment Banking program. I had a few friends go in prior years so I thought I had an idea of what was going to happen. iXperience exceeded my expectations and was one of the best decisions I have made. iXperience made me feel ready for a career in finance. On top of the professional development, I was able to make some of the greatest memories of my life exploring a new city with some of the coolest people that I met in the program. Since I completed the program it has been a highlight of my resume in interviews, everyone is so interested and curious about working abroad. This was the greatest experience of my life and I’d highly recommend iXperience to anyone looking for a unique program that blends professional development, cultural immersion, and unforgettable experiences abroad.

Amazing Experience
September 10, 2025by: Gavin Cibelli - United StatesAmazing experience. The team was super responsive and guided me and my family through every step of applying and setting up travel accommodations. I had the opportunity to take the Investment Banking Boot Camp, where I learned everything I needed to get started in a professional role. I was fortunate to join a firm called Exit Strategy Partners, where I worked on live multi-million-dollar deals. Having this experience has really helped me get a better picture of what I want to do in the future and propelled my career forward.

A Transformative Experience in Lisbon: Unforgettable Study Abroad with Ageas Internship
December 14, 2023by: Lucy Zhang - GermanyI recently had the incredible opportunity to participate in a study abroad program in Lisbon, Portugal, and I can confidently say it was a life-changing experience. The program not only immersed me in the rich culture and history of Lisbon but also provided a unique professional edge through an internship at Ageas. From the moment I arrived in Lisbon, I was captivated by the city's charm, warm hospitality, and vibrant atmosphere. The study abroad program seamlessly blended academic rigor with cultural exploration, allowing me to gain a deeper understanding of Portugal's history, language, and contemporary issues. The well-structured courses were taught by knowledgeable and engaging professors who facilitated thought-provoking discussions, making learning both enjoyable and intellectually stimulating. One of the highlights of this program was the internship at Ageas, a leading insurance company. The opportunity to work in a global corporate environment provided invaluable insights into the professional world and allowed me to apply the knowledge gained in the classroom to real-world scenarios. The Ageas team was incredibly supportive, fostering a positive and collaborative work environment. The internship experience at Ageas was not just about acquiring skills but also about personal growth. I had the chance to work on meaningful projects, collaborate with talented professionals, and gain exposure to the dynamics of the insurance industry. The hands-on experience complemented my academic studies, enhancing my overall understanding of business practices and global markets. Living in Lisbon was a joy in itself. The city's picturesque landscapes, historic architecture, and diverse culinary scene made every day an adventure. The study abroad program organizers went above and beyond to ensure our integration into Portuguese culture, organizing cultural excursions, language immersion activities, and networking events that allowed us to connect with locals and fellow students. The support provided by the program coordinators was exemplary. From assisting with housing arrangements to offering guidance on navigating the city, they ensured a smooth and enriching experience. The friendships formed with fellow students from around the world added a global perspective to my journey and created lasting bonds. In conclusion, my study abroad experience in Lisbon, coupled with the internship at Ageas, was nothing short of phenomenal. The program not only broadened my academic and professional horizons but also enriched my personal growth. I wholeheartedly recommend this program to anyone seeking a well-rounded and transformative international experience. Lisbon and Ageas have left an indelible mark on my academic and professional journey, and I am immensely grateful for the memories and skills gained during this remarkable adventure.
Best 6 Week Internship Abroad Program!
November 18, 2023by: Mason Ellis - United StatesI joined the iX Management Consulting Abroad program this past summer in Cape Town, South Africa. Since returning to the United States, I realized that it was the best way I could have spent my summer! I loved the diverse cohort of students from various universities and I made so many new friends. Also, the weekly cultural excursions taught me about my surroundings and gave me new areas to explore. The industry expert who taught my course was incredible and she has continued to help me with my recruiting efforts since coming back to the U.S. My internship with a fantastic local startup gave me great work experience to add to my resume and leverage in future job interviews. Overall, I would highly recommend iX’s programs to those who want to pursue a unique, non-traditional internship while prioritizing a fun summer with travel!

Most Fun Summer!
October 31, 2023by: Dennis Dale - El SalvadorI had such a great time in Cape Town with iXperience this summer, every time I look at pictures, I reminisce of my time there and want to go back. Cape Town is a beautiful city with so much things to do; complement that with great career building experiences and it creates the perfect summer experience.
Amazing abroad experience
October 16, 2023by: Courtney Wilks - United StatesiXperience was an amazing part of my summer. I was exposed to an entire new industry by doing the management consulting course. The professor and TAs were continuously enthusiastic about our learning and growth which made the experience even better. The internship was incredible and I was able to work directly with the founder of the company with the rest of my internship team. Aside from learning and the internship, the opportunity to travel to Lisbon was absolutely amazing. It was my first time in Europe and I instantly loved it. The beaches, food, and hikes were out of this world (see photos!!). I met some of my favorite people and still talk to them daily:) I'm beyond happy that I did this program and got exposed to a new career path, as well as an entire new country.



I had the time of my life!
October 15, 2023by: Ella Veysel - United StatesI had an amazing time at iXperience Cape Town this summer. Besides the academic and professional aspects, iXperience also offered many opportunities to explore Cape Town and its culture. I enjoyed surfing, hiking, visiting Cape Point, and trying out different cuisines. The city is beautiful and vibrant, and there is always something to do. I also made some lifelong friends from around the world, who shared my passion and curiosity. We had a blast together and supported each other throughout the program. Cape Town was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience that helped me grow personally and professionally. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to learn new skills, work on meaningful projects, and have an unforgettable adventure.
Best summer spent
September 18, 2023by: Yuvika Bishnoi - IndiaMy six-week journey with iXperience in Cape Town was undoubtedly one of the most exhilarating and transformative experiences of my life. Meeting a diverse group of extraordinary individuals who share similar passions in such a short span of time was a revelation. The connections I formed with other students exceeded my expectations, and go beyond just professional networking. The academic program and internship I engaged in providing me with invaluable knowledge and industry insights. My instructor and teaching assistants were unwaveringly supportive and resourceful throughout the entire six weeks. Thanks to this program, I feel significantly better prepared for the corporate world. One of the most delightful surprises during this journey was the relationships I formed the iXperience staff. They went above and beyond to ensure that we, the students, had the most exceptional experience possible. Their willingness to provide career guidance and assistance with our internships whenever needed was truly commendable. Reflecting on this incredible experience, I can honestly say that I can't imagine a more rewarding way to have spent my summer. I firmly believe that iXperience offers something of value to everyone. Whether it's the professional skills you acquire, the exploration of a new city, the forging of lifelong friendships, or even facing and conquering your fears, like taking that leap of faith by skydiving, I'm confident that this program holds something transformative for all. I wholeheartedly endorse iXperience and sincerely hope that everyone has the opportunity to enjoy it as much as I did.
I wish I could do it all over again!
September 18, 2023by: Sam Benaim - United StatesI recently had the privilege of traveling to Lisbon, Portugal, to attend iXperience's investment finance course. This one-of-a-kind program seamlessly blended learning with adventure, allowing me to gain valuable financial knowledge while also experiencing the best of what Lisbon has to offer. My instructor, Taryn, was an expert in her field and made complex financial concepts like discounted cash flow easy to grasp. Her passion for teaching and her dedication to her students were evident in every class. I feel confident that the skills I learned in Taryn's course will prepare me well for my corporate finance course at UNC this semester. Beyond my academic pursuits, I also had the opportunity to immerse myself in Lisbon's vibrant culture and cuisine. I savored every moment trying out local restaurants and bars, and I bonded with my iX peers as we explored the city's rich history and culture. We visited castles, surfed on beautiful beaches, danced at festivals, and played soccer with locals. My time in Lisbon was truly transformative. It was an experience that I will cherish for a lifetime, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have participated in iXperience's investment finance course. I highly recommend this program to anyone who is interested in learning about investment finance while also experiencing the beauty of Lisbon.



Great opportunity for work and travel for the summer
September 18, 2023by: Ben Sears - United StatesiXperience was an amazing opportunity and a awesome study abroad program for anyone looking to travel and get work experience during the summer. The program directors were amazing and created so many opportunities to explore Europe while I was abroad in Lisbon, Portugal. From paint balling, to sunset cruises, there was always so many great experiences to have, while also gaining valuable work and business skills and become a part of the iX network. Thank You iX!
Best Summer Experience!
September 18, 2023by: Sara Lionberger - United StatesSuch an amazing 6 weeks, highly recommend the program to anyone interested in traveling abroad while also developing multiple hard and soft skills that will really make you stand out to recruiters. So happy I chose to apply! I had the privilege of conducting insightful market and competitor research these past 4 weeks, aiding Dona Rosa’s future European expansion plans alongside my talented team. A huge thank you as well to Thomas Azcue and Tomás Noronha for their guidance and support throughout this experience!


Great experience!
September 03, 2019by: Joëlle R - CanadaI think it was a great learning experience, not just academically speaking, but personally as well. I took the data science course and I learned quite a lot but I suggest you learn a bit of python (or the language you will use) before coming because you will not be able to keep up if you don't. Learning so much content in such a short amount of time is not ideal. There are definitely a lot of things they should improve but I am glad I was exposed to important aspects of machine learning and that I got to apply some of the concepts through the internship. It's a great opportunity if that's what you need.
Thanks for the feedback Joëlle. We're so glad that you grew both personally and professionally.
Unforgettable summer in Cape Town
September 02, 2019by: Matthew Ryan - United StatesThis past summer I participated in iXperience's inaugural Immerse program in Cape Town, South Africa. The first four weeks of this program entailed a UVa Global Studies portion incorporating an art, archaeology or astronomy, conservation, and history element. During the next six weeks, I took the Management Consulting course. Collectively the liberal arts program and pre-professional program make iXperience a study abroad program like no other. The former instills an appreciation for South Africa, its inhabitants, and the country’s vibrant culture. All the while, the latter provides you with an opportunity to build a foundation in an area of your choice with industry experts (in my case a former project manager at McKinsey’s Johannesburg Office). In the management consulting program, the clients are primarily South African startups with the governing logic being the smaller the firm the more likely that you, the students, get delegated meaningful work and that your final recommendations will be implemented. In my case, we consulted for a behavioral design agency that worked predominantly in the advertising space to develop a financial inclusion project that would enable township-based entrepreneurs to access their services. We delivered a business model which our client is moving to pilot this month. Prospect students should be assured that they will have a great opportunity to experience personal growth and professional development while having ample time to take advantage of all of Cape Town’s recreational activities. Parents should know that their students will be working hard contrary to the reputation of most study abroad programs. Moreover, they are able to expand their network to include the iX staff, industry experts, and other students at some of the world’s most prestigious universities. The iXperience program is truly one of a kind and I imagine that it will only get better as they learn how to better integrate UVa’s institutional aims into their curriculum.
Thanks for the incredible feedback, Matt! It's so great to hear about each aspect of the program, as described by you. It sounds like you got so much from it, which is hugely encouraging.
An amazing summer in Portugal
August 31, 2019by: Katherine Smith - United StatesWhen I found out about iXperience and the amazing opportunity it provided to not only study but also work abroad, I was immediately sold. I love traveling and exploring new places, but I thought that I needed to get some real work experience the summer after my sophomore year of college. iXperience allowed me to combine both in one summer. I met some of the most amazing people, explored some really cool spots around Portugal and made so many great memories. Our classes were interesting, but never too intense or overloaded with work, and the internships provided so many cool opportunities to learn a huge variety of skills. As well, the program made sure to provide us with plenty of opportunities to explore Lisbon on our own and through outings they planned. I will never forget this truly incredible summer with iXperience.
iXperienced Berlin, and it was worth every penny!
August 31, 2019by: Olivia Pincombe - United StatesiXperience Berlin was everything I could have asked for and more. It allowed me to learn the practical and technical skills needed for my dream career path, and I can say in all honestly that I do not know what I would have done without the program. What made it so special, though, was how much care and attention was put into making sure the students were happy, safe, and had everything we needed. Our housing in Berlin was incredible, and we were in a perfect location to get to class and our internships. The teachers hired by iX to teach digital design were incredible, and the TAs were an extra cherry on top. We learned so much from our teacher and TAs, and had so much fun doing it. I left with incredible memories, new skills, and lifelong friends.
Thanks for the lovely feedback, Olivia. So great that this summer was everything you'd hoped for and more.
A great experience although unexpected
August 29, 2019by: Michael Chock - United StatesThis program was very interesting and explored a variety of artistic outlets; however, the emphasis on the history and study of design was not what I anticipated. The program is advertised as an opportunity to expand ones skills in the practical aspects of digital design. In reality, there aren't many things that are taught in class that benefit your practical skills. Naturally the internship provided some opportunity for this but overall the program is centered around a more liberal arts oriented structure. The experience as far living abroad was perfectly comfortable. The city of Berlin is very livable and most areas felt quite safe relative to big cities in the U.S.A. Berlin is also in a great location for those who want to travel throughout Eastern Europe during the program. I would make class focus on practical application skills such as Adobe Creative Cloud software rather than the heavy emphasis on liberal arts oriented teaching.
Thank you for the valuable feedback Michael. We really appreciate your views and are glad that you had a good time in Berlin.



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Interviews
Read interviews from alumni or staff

Elizabeth Frekot
Interviewed in 2019
Betsy Frekot is an admissions consultant with iXperience. She is passionate about the study abroad experience and getting out of her comfort zone in e...

Elizabeth Frekot
Interviewed in 2019
What inspired you to travel abroad?
I was inspired to work at iXperience because of my passion for international education and technology. I think the program is unique and exciting for students and iXperience team members. There is a gap in higher education and the workplace, I have certainly felt it, and I found that being part of a team that tries to bridge the gap is inspiring.

Nicola Weaver
Interviewed in 2019
Nicola is currently VP: Education, iXperience. Previously, Nicola convened the MPhil in Inclusive Innovation, leading to sustainable, socially impactf...

Nicola Weaver
Interviewed in 2019
What inspired you to travel abroad?
I love education that inspires students to get out of their comfort zone and grow through personal development. Equally, I think that the world of technology needs a stronger integration of ethical questioning and analytical thinking, and that's what our educational philosophy encompasses.

Olivia Pincombe
Participated in 2019
Olivia Pincombe is a third year Studio Art major at the University of Virginia from outside Washington, DC. She has always loved art and design, but d...

Olivia Pincombe
Participated in 2019
I love to explore different cultures, but I probably would not have ever studied abroad if not for the program iXperience offered.

Brent Shapiro
Interviewed in 2019
Born in Cape Town, Brent Shapiro spent his formative years in the city studying and getting his chartered accountant designation. Thereafter he moved ...

Brent Shapiro
Interviewed in 2019
What inspired you to travel abroad?
I have had a desire to teach since seeing Dead Poets Society as a teenager. Whilst working in the world of Finance was very fulfilling, the opportunity to realize the dream of teaching with iXperience was one that I could not forego.

Tarah Darge
Interviewed in 2019
Tarah Darge is a passionate Capetonian, lover of the outdoors, and a running and yoga fan. Tarah enjoys sharing people’s stories and watching students...

Tarah Darge
Interviewed in 2019
What inspired you to travel abroad?
I love the purpose-driven nature of what we do. We truly help students to realize their potential and unlock personal and professional growth.

Courtney Schaf
Participated in 2016
Courtney is a 19 year old from New York, but she is currently studying at Northwestern University in Illinois.

Courtney Schaf
Participated in 2016
I was interested in exploring a new city with other highly motivated students from all over the world.

Rachel Davis
Participated in 2016
Rachel is an incoming junior at Notre Dame University, where she is majoring in information technology management. After spending a summer living in C...

Rachel Davis
Participated in 2016
I have a passion for traveling and want to explore as much of the world as I possibly can. It has always been a dream of mine to visit South Africa, so I was extremely excited about this opportunity.

Yash Tekriwal
Participated in 2016
Yash is a third year student at the University of Virginia, where he is double majoring in computer science and commerce. He has a broad spectrum of i...

Yash Tekriwal
Participated in 2016
I've had the good fortune of being able to travel abroad frequently with my family, but the experience of studying and truly living in an entirely foreign place was new to me. I studied briefly in London last summer at LSE, but that was an area I was familiar with and coursework that was relatively easy. Being in an entirely new place like South Africa, with such a rich set of cultural experiences and opportunities for exploration, has helped me grow and realize things about myself I never would have had the opportunity to otherwise.

Cameron Cross
Participated in 2014
Cameron is a senior at the University of Virginia, graduating in May with majors in finance and economics. He interned last summer with Bain & Company...

Cameron Cross
Participated in 2014
At school, I am surrounded by peers who have enjoyed life-changing experiences abroad. Some go on foreign exchange; others take classes for a semester or two in an exotic location. Though the details and locations differ, the core message of the resulting stories is the same: traveling abroad as a college student seemed to be the best way to learn and grow as a person. So as a rising college junior, I looked overseas when determining how to best use my summer.