Learning Vacations

“The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.” –St. Augustine

  One of the great things about life is that it can’t be explained in an article, learned from a book, sold in a store, or advertised on television. It has to be experienced first hand. Advertising is usually geared towards convincing you that buying products will improve your life, but life and its definition are still as unique and personal as each living individual. In my life I have come to realize that learning is essential to growth and change, and that travel is a critical part of my life education.

  “Learning Vacations” and “Learning Holidays” have become catch phrases in the last few years to describe a travel education genre that is not just geared towards university aged “study abroad” or “gap year” students. These experiences are for anyone of any age that wants to combine travel with learning a new skill, and take home more than just a sunburn and hangover. There are programs out there for learning just about every sport, hobby, language, and profession you can think of. Being an avid traveler with an insatiable thirst for new experiences, I have attended advanced photography, apnea diving, and sailing schools all within the last four months. My excuse is research for a book I’m planning to write on “learning vacations”, but mostly I’m busy ticking things off on my life/ dream list. One thing I have found in my research is that our school, School of the World, is still very unique in what it offers despite the recent growth of this travel genre.

  Studying and vacation are antonyms for many people, but the funny thing is that when you are enjoying a great hands-on experience you are learning by doing and having fun. Removed from their busy and often stressful home surroundings fellow students are happy to be there and the environment is more conducive to quick and enjoyable learning. Learning doesn’t hinder a relaxed vacation but rather adds another dimension to it. It is the moment, the people you share it with, and what you learned that stick with you.

It’s life education on vacation.