Experience is a regional company founded in 2005, with headquarters in Novi Sad, Serbia. It operates in Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Croatia, and specialises in educational programmes that offer young people meaningful international experiences. Its core focus is on the Summer Work and Travel USA programme and the Internship/Training USA programme, which enable participants to gain valuable work experience and engage in cultural exchange in the United States.

What inspired you to start Experience back in 2005, and what gap in the market were you hoping to fill?

Back in 2005, opportunities for young people in the Western Balkans to go abroad were limited, and most revolved around academic exchanges that felt distant and inaccessible. Together with my partner, I saw a gap: a generation eager to explore the world, improve their English, and gain real-life work experience, but they lacked the right platform. That’s how Experience was born. We wanted to create a bridge between our region and the world, giving students not just a job abroad, but a chance to grow, build confidence, and return transformed by international experience.

What are the biggest challenges in organising international exchange programmes today, and how do you overcome them?

Organising international programmes today comes with constant uncertainty – from changing visa policies to global travel restrictions. These challenges can easily discourage young people, but we’ve learnt that adaptability is key. Over the years, we’ve built a strong network of trusted partners who share our values and commitment to safety. We monitor every regulatory change closely and prepare our participants thoroughly so nothing comes as a surprise.

Most importantly, we see challenges as opportunities to grow – every obstacle pushes us to innovate and strengthen our programmes, making them more resilient and reliable for the students we serve.

How do you ensure that each programme is both safe and culturally enriching?

For us, safety and cultural value are inseparable. We carefully vet every partner and host organisation, ensuring participants have reliable working and living conditions abroad. But safety is just the foundation – the real magic happens when students immerse themselves in a new culture. That’s why we design programmes that go beyond work experience. Pre-departure orientations prepare them not only for practical matters but also for cultural differences and openness.

Once abroad, our support team is always there, but we encourage participants to embrace local communities, make international friends, and come back with stories, not just skills.

What advice would you give to young people who are hesitant to step outside their comfort zone and travel abroad?

It’s natural to feel fear before taking such a big step – everyone does. But the truth is, the comfort zone never leads to growth. Travelling abroad, even for a few months, changes the way you see yourself and the world. You realise you’re stronger, more adaptable, and more capable than you thought.

My advice would be: don’t wait until you feel completely ready, because that moment may never come. Take the leap while you’re young, curious, and open. The memories, friendships, and skills you gain will stay with you for life, long after the fear has passed.