We often think of travelling as something we do to escape the stressors of everyday life. Laying in the sun on a tropical beach, or hiking up a mountain in a national park. But travelling at its best is a learning experience. Discovering new places, people, cultures, and languages.
So why not combine this broadening of the mind with more structured forms of education?
Wouldn’t it be more effective to learn within the context of a new environment that offers a fresh perspective and more opportunities to be inspired?
In this article, we will address the idea of studying while travelling by looking at three examples, enrolling in an online course, studying a foreign language abroad, and joining an exchange program.
Enrol in an online course
Online learning has experienced significant growth in recent years. There are more online courses available now than ever before. In most cases, all you need is an internet connection and a functioning computer. This boom in online learning is partly due to the pandemic and the need for schools, universities, and corporations to enable work and study to be completed remotely.
This is all great news if you’re looking to travel while you study. Most colleges and universities offer courses that are delivered 100% online, which enables you to create your own schedule without having to step foot on a campus or attend a lecture in person. To make things even better, you may wonder “How to find someone to do my homework online?” If you’re behind on an assignment, most work can be written by a writing service like Writix.com that provides academic assistance to students. Most, if not all online courses provide a learning platform to receive your study materials and submit any assignments or assessments. Depending on the type, of course, you’re enrolled in, it’s also possible to attend virtual lectures via zoom or skype and participate in group discussions online.
Additionally, online courses are more cost-effective than traditional forms of study, which gives you more freedom to travel where you want to without worrying about running out of money.
Study a foreign language abroad
Studying a language in a country where it’s spoken is one of the fastest ways to become fluent. It’s also one of the most rewarding ways to combine studying and travelling. Whether you choose to stay in one of the world’s most bustling capital cities or a relaxed surf town off the beaten track. The majority of countries across the world have schools dedicated to teaching foreigners their native language.
Some of the benefits of studying a language overseas
- Experience true cultural immersion
- Create contacts and connections that stay with you for years
- Develop a deeper understanding of the culture
- Prepare yourself for further study in your chosen language
- Develop greater problem-solving skills
Exchange programs
Enrolling in a student exchange program allows you to live and study in another country while still in high school or at university. In some cases you’ll even get to live with a host family, gaining a truly authentic feel for the country and improving your language skills in the process.
There are two types of exchange programs, short-term and long-term.
Short-term exchange programs or STEPs usually focus on language learning, cultural activities and community service. You can apply for these programs if you’re at high school or university through a special or government organisation. Most STEPs last anywhere from one week to three months and you don’t need to commit to any specific institution to qualify. You’ll be exposed to varying intensive programs that aim to develop your cultural understanding and language skills.
Long-term exchange programs or LTEPs can last for up to one full year. While at either high school or university you’ll get to attend classes and live with families in another country. These programs are designed to give you a deeper understanding of the culture and expose you to different points of view. You’d typically get to stay with several different host families while forging new connections and lifelong relationships.
Conclusion
We started this article by asking whether it’s possible to combine study and travel. Through several examples, we’ve demonstrated that it’s not only possible but one of the most rewarding things you can do. Whether you’re simply enrolled in a short online course while on holiday, or a long-term exchange program on the other side of the world, the possibilities are vast for those looking to combine exploration and education.
