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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.com directory or try the Education category for a
selection of companies that offer study or language vacations abroad.
This
month's tour hosts review:
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TraveLearn®
Pick of
the Month |
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Location: Worldwide
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| 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. |
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Article: Learning Vacations: Take Your Mind on an
Educational Trip |
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Alma Ortolan Studio |
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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.
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| Article:
Italy, Awash in Ancient Art, Continually Springs Surprises |
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French-American Exchange |
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Location: France |
| Specialty: French Language courses for
individuals and students
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| 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.
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| Article:
Learning the French Way
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University Educational Travel |
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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.
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| Article:
A
Day in Guilin
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Horizons To Go |
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Location: Mexico, Italy, USA, France, Thailand
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Specialty: Art
courses including painting, beadwork, ceramics and jewelry
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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.
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Article:
My Hopi Friend
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Rocky Mt. Retreats, for the Mind
and Spirit |
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Location: Colorado
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| Specialty: Relaxation and learning
adventures
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| 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.
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| Article:
Attainable Private Retreats & Workshops |
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Hobbs Furniture and Beechtree Inn |
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Location: North Carolina, USA
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| 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.
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Encuentros |
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Location: Cuernavaca, Mexico
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| Specialty: Spanish
language courses
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| 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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