EIL History — The Indian Association of The Experiment In International Living
HERITAGE & MILESTONES
A rich tradition of intercultural dialogue and peacebuilding
The Indian Association of the Experiment in International Living - a Public Charitable Trust - was registered in Bombay in 1962 under the Bombay Public Trust Act, 1950, though its activities in India began as early as 1951. It is also registered under Section 12A of the Income Tax Act, 1961, and holds an 80G certificate.
The first Experiment group came to India from Sweden in 1951. The first U.S. group - Dr. and Mrs. Watt with three American students - visited India in 1953, and from 1955 onwards American groups came regularly for successful home stays. Since then the movement in India has gathered such momentum that India's contribution to the worldwide Experiment is recognised and applauded by other countries.
Over the decades, the Indian Experiment has become a premier organisation in the field of experiential learning in human relations, hosting thousands of Experimenters under its Individual and Group Home Stay programmes and earning the trust of thousands of host families. From 1962 onwards, some 2,000 Indian Experimenters have travelled abroad to the USA, UK, Japan, France, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Spain, the Netherlands and Sweden.
The national office is in New Delhi, with Community Chairpersons leading each centre with the help of a local committee.