Educational Travel
As every cultured traveler knows, the very
nature of travel is to broaden the mind and open oneself to learning about new
cultures and destinations. The experiences gathered during the journey are the
ultimate reward, not the arrival at a given destination.
Many companies cater to learning vacations
on various levels. While semesters abroad and summer language classes are
popular with students, more mature travelers seek out museums, alumni associations
and university-sponsored travel programs that allow an immersion into a subject or
destination without the structure of a classroom. Their learning continues on a
deeper level by experiencing a culture’s people and history with explanations
from a professor or specialist in the field, and getting to know the people in
an up-close and personal way.
For those interested in learning or
enhancing a skill, workshops offer another venue for a learning vacation. You
can learn fresco restoration in a medieval palazzo, furniture making on an
18-century farm or writing in a mountain retreat.
Below is just a sampling of the many
educational travels available. To research more options, review your favorite
Theme in the CulturalTravels.net directory or try the Education category for a
selection of companies that offer study or language vacations abroad.
Name:
TraveLearn,
Inc.
Location:
Worldwide
Specialty:
Learning Vacations
Why
We Like Them:
Geared to travelers looking to gain a deeper understanding of the destinations
history and culture, each trip is escorted by a professor in the field. Local
research specialists add their unique experiences gained from working in the
region. Each trip is highlighted by the most up-to-date research, and personal
interaction with the communities visited insure that the traveler has the
opportunity to visit with local people and experience everyday life first hand.
Article:
Learning Vacations: Take Your Mind on a Vacation
Name:
Alma
Ortolan Studio
Location:
Italy
Specialty:
Fresco courses and
restoration
Why
We Like Them:
Classes are set in a medieval palazzo in the Veneto, offering workshops and
one-on-one training in Renaissance fresco painting and conservation for artists
of all skills. The beauty and history of the location, combined with visits to
past restoration projects, allows the studio to provide students a chance to
experience the artistic process much as it was 500 years ago.
Article:
Italy, Awash in Ancient Art, Continually Springs Surprises
Name:
French-American
Exchange
Location:
France
Specialty:
French Language courses for
individuals and students
Why
We Like Them: Geared
to independent travelers, these courses offer the chance to immerse yourself in
the culture of France. Five host cities, each with a different charm and
educational focus, allow the traveler to discover a different side of France.
Accommodations include home stays and courses with French families for a true
immersion experience.
Article:
Learning the French Way
Name:
University
Educational Travel
Location:
China and Europe
Specialty:
Customized itineraries and
scheduled group tours
Why
We Like Them: Individuals
or groups of any size can customize art, archeology, history, architecture and
ethnological trips to a wide variety of destinations, each with a focus on the
educational aspects of the theme. Scheduled departures feature professors from a
wide selection of universities and group leaders who are specialists in their
fields.
Article:
A Day in Guilin
Name:
Horizons
To Go
Location:
Mexico, Italy, USA, France, Thailand
Specialty:
Art courses including
painting, beadwork, ceramics and jewelry
Why
We Like Them:
Introducing the student to the local culture and artistic traditions of the
region and working with local artisans in traditional ways, Horizons To Go
provides an in-depth look at the why, as well as the how, of creating art. Meet
the artisans in their homes and workshops while exploring the destination’s
history and sites. A thorough overview of the land, the people and their art
provides a deeper understanding of the creative process.
Article:
My Hopi Friend
Name:
Rocky Mt. Retreats, for the Mind and Spirit
Location:
Colorado
Specialty:
Relaxation and learning
adventures
Why
We Like Them: Situated
in the beautiful Rocky Mountains, the
retreat offers guests the choice of a private time to work independently on a
project, or you can join one of their writing, yoga or art workshops. All
courses are small and led by director Kathleen Spring.
Article:
Attainable Private Retreats & Workshops
Name:
Hobbs
Furniture and Beechtree Inn
Location:
North Carolina, USA
Specialty:
Furniture making
Why
We Like Them:
Ben Hobbs and son Matt instruct woodworking students of all skill ranges
in creating Chippendale and Queen Anne reproduction furniture. These six-day
classes take place on their farm, which houses 17 pre-Civil War buildings.
Students have the opportunity to stay in the Beechtree Inn or any one of the
restored and modernized guesthouses.
________________________________________________________________________________
Name:
Encuentros
Location:
Cuernavaca, Mexico
Specialty:
Spanish
language courses
Why
We Like Them: In
addition to typical language classes for students and professionals alike, the
course includes excursions to practice Spanish in a real life setting. Exchanges
with local residents allow students to meet with Mexicans who share their
interests. Optional courses include arts
and crafts, and alternative medicine. Located about an hour outside of Mexico
City, Cuernavaca, which was a retreat for Aztec nobility, is now is a haven for
big-city escapees and a featured destination for travelers from all over the
world.
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