Tips: Learning Vacations

He should be endowed with an active, indefatigable vigor of mind and body which can...support, with a careless smile, every hardship of the road, the weather, or the inn.
Edward Gibbon, 1760

Introduction:

One of the best ways to travel-like-a-local is through a learning vacation. Learning vacations involve taking classes at schools in a variety of topics away from home. In recent years, many of these schools, mostly for-profit, have been developed around the globe. . The number of schools that offer classes as part of a vacation experience has increased remarkably in the past decade. Whole industries have developed in several towns around the globe such as Cuernavaca, Mexico and Quetzaltenango and Antigua, Guatemala devoted to learning vacations. On learning vacations, you generally spend between 3-4 hours a day in classes. You get more exposure to the subject than you would at a class back home because you can use your learning (this is particularly true with language schools) when you step outside the classroom.

Usually, in addition to classes, most schools also will arrange homestay placements with local families (see homestay tips) and after school, cultural, educational, and nighttime events. Normally, these outings are quite reasonable. Some schools even integrate these outings into their curriculum. I?ve seen schools that, for example, will teach a unit on buying food in the market and then take the students on a field trip to a local marketplace to try out the student?s new skills.

Since most schools do not require tests or homework, they do not typically provide academic credit. You may get a certificate from the school that serves as a record of your studies. If your studies will help you gain professional skills, you may get a tax deduction (contact your tax professional for advice) in the USA.

Studying is one of the most potent ways to reach out to other people. By learning about another culture, language, or history, you are actively showing interest in other people. In addition, no matter what you study, classes are the ultimate ?ice breaker?. All you have to do is share your enthusiasm with your neighbor and you may have the start of a ?beautiful friendship.?

You'll find language schools all over. In Latin America, for example, you can find schools in major cities, university towns, and even sleepy seaside resorts. Schools vary in size and atmosphere. A few, like the Alliance Fran?aise in Paris  have hundreds of students and offer a wide array of courses. Others cater to a couple dozen students at a time (In Latin America most schools are small).

Placement Agencies

Several agencies will help you find the right school for your interests. These agencies have worked hard to develop a relationship with different reputable schools around the planet. Usually these agencies know a lot about the schools including student body characteristics (age, learning skills, etc.), school programs (after school activities, etc.) and instructional methodologies. The agencies have also received feedback from past participants that allow the agencies to know the advantage and disadvantages of studying at that particular institution. As a result of this intimate knowledge the agencies are able to place you in the right school for your needs and personality. In addition to placement assistance, language vacation agencies also help clients handle business details (like payments) and provide any additional services, such as health insurance, that may be needed. Some even help clients arrange for volunteer and internship placements as well. They also provide an easy way to pay for the schooling (Many language schools don't accept credit cards or personal checks from abroad. Whereas, these agencies do.)

Questions to Ask

If you don?t choose to use one of these agencies, ask schools the following questions before you decide to sign up: 

• What are the classroom sizes? Smaller classes not only help you make progress faster, they also allow to get to know both the teachers and the students quickly. 
• How does the school determine what level to place you? Is it by exam or catch as catch can? Typically schools have several different levels of classes (beginning, beginning intermediate, intermediate, intermediate advance, and advanced) going on simultaneously. In some smaller schools, if a teacher is on vacation, a whole level may be cancelled. Therefore, you may need to be persistent about being placed in a classroom that is appropriate for your level. Otherwise, you maybe placed in a classroom simply because there is space. 
• What other services, besides classroom instruction, are provided by the school? Many schools have a lot of fun activities ?such as field trip and outings to local night spots ? that?ll help you get to know both your teacher and fellow students better. Participating in these activities, if available (even if they cost extra), will help you enjoy your trip more. 
• How does the school determine homestay placements? Do they check out host family?s homes? Do they have some way to monitor host families to determine that the school participants are happy with the experience? 
• What type of instruction is used? Do they emphasize grammar, conversation, vocabulary, pronunciation, reading, or writing? Ideally, a curriculum should integrate all these ingredients. In my experience, most schools emphasize grammar more than any other subject. Though, since most classes are small and (at least, above the most rudimentary level) taught in the native language, you can fairly easily ask the teachers to help you practice conversation.

Want to Know More about Learning Vacations?

Probably the single best resource for information on learning vacations is: Transitions Abroad  magazine which profiles schools throughout the planet where travelers can study. It also contains tons of useful advice on selecting and enjoying these adventures. You can also visit these links.

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Notes:

• Do you agree or disagree with any of these tips? Do you know any great tips that should be added? If so, send your comments to me (Paul Heller, founder of the Big Blue Marble) and I'll post them on my blog.
• Check out the my extensive library of book reviews and links about home and hospitality exchange, volunteer and educational programs, and unique tours abroad.