Welcome to the Donald B. Watt Library

Donald and Leslie Watt 

Dr. Donald Watt, founder of World Learning's Experiment in International Living, spent more than 50 years promoting international goodwill and education for peace. He founded the Experiment in International Living in 1932 and soon after moved it to Putney, Vermont where he lived with his wife and closest assistant, Leslie, until his death in 1977.

In the belief that "People learn to live together by living together," Dr. Watt started a program that encouraged students from all over the world to live in homes of foreign families as part of their educational experience. Under Dr. Watt’s direction, The Experiment in International Living spread throughout the world and now has federation offices in 70 countries. The US Experiment program now sends 1,000 high school students abroad each summer to walk across differences and see the world through the eyes of others.

Dr. Watt, author of Intelligence is Not Enough in 1967 and Letters to the Founder in 1977, was the recipient in 1954 of an honorary doctor of laws from the University of Vermont. "Patron," as he was addressed by all who knew him, said his foremost desire in passing on his legacy was to have the School for International Training Library named after him. He was a frequent contributor and visitor to the Library. His wish was so honored with its dedication in 1967.