The definition of ‘student’ doesn’t say anything about age. It’s never too late to put your student hat back on (or pick it up for the first time!). Heck, why not throw traveling into the mix and enrol in a study abroad program for older adults! You’ll have the opportunity to finally go on the trip you were too busy with work or family to take, plus you’ll be stimulating your brain and learning something completely new.
Your golden years are the perfect time to kick start an educational experience abroad!
We’ve got all the inside info on where to study abroad for older adults, seniors, and retirees—not an age limit in sight on these programs!
Considerations to make before finding opportunities to study abroad for older adults
Before you skip off to study abroad, there are a few key factors that will guide your choice of destination.
- Age. Age is just a number—don’t let it hold you back! Just understand how your age may affect your travel plans. Jet lag typically affects older travelers more, so you may want to pass on taking round the world flights. Age is also a factor in developing blood clots when flying—another reason you may want to consider shorter flights.
- Health. Visit a travel doctor for specialist advice on vaccines and staying healthy while abroad. Travel doctors can often kit you out with a travel first aid kit to cope with common health upsets or issues abroad. They may also be able to offer you their expertise on where to travel based on your health. For example, if you have high blood pressure, countries with very hot or very cold weather might not be the best idea.
- The intensity of a destination. Each country you visit will have its own set of unique challenges. However, some are more intense than others. Navigating the souks in Morocco is likely to be more challenging than wandering the streets of Barcelona, for example. But if you don’t speak Spanish, Barcelona may be more of a challenge than heading to Sydney. Climate, language, and level of development all come into consideration when choosing a destination. Choose a destination that whets your appetite for adventure, but that won’t overwhelm you. If you’ve never travelled muh before, developed countries might suit you better. For more of a challenge, take on a developing country in a continent you’ve never set foot on before.
- Fulfilling bucket list items. Grab your passport and follow your dreams! Studying abroad for retirees doesn’t have to be all dusty classrooms and reading lists. You’ll be free to explore and go chase those bucket list items. Structure your study program around the main attractions or activities you want to do on your trip.
8 places with study abroad programs for retirees
1. Costa Rica
Costa Rica is friendly and welcoming to older travelers, but it’s still got enough excitement to give you a proper taste of adventure. It’s the ideal location to study Spanish abroad for seniors. Ticos will happily let you practice your new language skills with them. Plus, the compact size of the country means you won’t have to spend much time traveling, but you can still get your fill of golden beaches and monkey-filled jungles.
- What you can study: Spanish
- Recommended program: Intercultura’s Spanish language immersion for adults
- Browse more study abroad programs in Costa Rica
2. Argentina
Another great place to study Spanish abroad for seniors is Argentina. Buenos AIres is one of the most exciting capital cities in the world, with an enthralling dance scene. You could combine your Spanish lessons with lively Tango classes—you can tick off exercise and cultural immersion at the same time! The heady mix of sultry dance and Spanish vocab will make sure your studies abroad are never musty and boring.
- What you can study: Spanish, dancing
- Recommended program: Mente Argentina’s Tango program in Buenos Aires with optional Spanish classes
- Browse more study abroad programs in Argentina
3. France
You’ll be the envy of all younger generations when you jet off to the French Riviera to sit in the Mediterranean sunshine sipping rose. Learn how to live an indulgent life when you study abroad in France. You’ll discover true joie de vivre as you immerse yourself in the cuisine, history, and lavender-scented countrysides in the south of the country. You can catch up on your coursework while enjoying a cafe on a leafy terrace and watching leisurely life roll by. Or, put your new skills to use as you explore local village markets and shop for fresh produce and handcrafted cheeses. No matter how you fill your days, you’ll fall head over heels for la belle France.
- What you can study: cooking, culture, language
- Recommended program: Passeport pour les langues French summer course for adults in Cannes, French Riviera
- Browse more study abroad programs in France
4. Greece
We don’t need to tell you why you should study in Greece—just watch both Mamma Mia films! Greek islands are dazzlingly beautiful, the history is fascinating, and the delicious, fresh, local cuisine is the icing on the cake, so to speak. In these glorious surroundings you’ll be inspired to study everything artistic. Spend long, sunny days dabbling in watercolor or sculpture, or hone the creative writing skills that you have neglected over the years. The art you create in Greece might end up being your best souvenirs of a summer spent studying in this delightful country.
- What you can study: arts and culture
- Recommended program: The Aegean Center for the Fine Arts craft of watercolor summer workshop
- Browse more study abroad programs in Greece
5. Italy
Spending a summer in Italy means passing several months in a blur of golden sunsets, freshly-made pasta enjoyed in the al fresco courtyards of tiny eateries, and gallons of gelato. Italy is a great senior citizen study abroad destination. Well-established tourist infrastructure means it’s easy to travel, and with such a depth of history, culinary traditions, and natural beauty it’s impossible to get bored.
- What you can study: Cooking
- Recommended program: Accademia Riaci’s Italian home cooking
- Browse more study abroad programs in Italy
6. England
England might not seem like the most enticing destination, but for older travelers an English-speaking destination can make the study abroad experience much smoother. Plus, London is one of the most exciting cities in the world. It’s more layered than onions, with a depth of history, art, and culture unique to European cities. You could spend weeks studying in The Big Smoke and barely scratch the surface. If you want to delve more into your dramatic side, you can choose to study acting classes in London. This is a great confidence-building exercise, and a fabulous reason to spend many a night traveling through time at the Globe theater.
- What you can study: English as a second language, theater, arts and culture
- Recommended program: Summer acting intensive at Shakespeare’s Globe
- Browse more study abroad programs in England
7. Portugal
Portugal is full of surprises. Mysterious medieval castles, rich and dark port wine, golden beaches contrasting starkly with azure sea - almost every aspect of Portugal is a sensory overload. If you’re not familiar with Spain’s under-the-radar neighbor, you’re in for a treat. The less you know about this country before you go, the better. There’ll be all the more for you to discover! You’ll have a hard time deciding whether your favorite part of studying abroad in Portugal is exploring the narrow, cobblestoned streets, feasting on delectable cuisine, or getting the hang of the intriguing language.
- What you can study: Portuguese, arts and culture
- Recommended program: Live and learn Portuguese in Lisbon
- Browse more study abroad programs in Portugal
8. Japan
Japan is both comfortably modern and bewitchingly traditional. In among the skyscrapers and neon lights, an ancient culture still thrives. Along with some of the most sublime food and landscapes in the world, this makes Japan an attractive study abroad destination for older adults. You can enjoy all your creature comforts while still sleeping on tatami mats and finding your zen in rock gardens. There are so many fascinating things to learn in Japan that studying here only seems natural. Immerse yourself in a language and culture program to travel deeper into this intriguing, efficient, and dynamic country.
- What you can study: Japanese language, culinary arts
- Recommended program: Semester at Sea Study Abroad Japan
- Browse more study abroad programs in Japan
More awesome resources for senior citizen study abroad
Find more great info on how to study Spanish abroad for seniors & more!
We’ve got you covered with all the info you need for study abroad for older adults. Here’s some extra reading:
- Read these fascinating and helpful articles on 50+ travel
- Rick Steves’s advice for more mature travelers—Savvy Senior Travelers
- New York Times article—Taking Trips That Mean Something
- GoAbroad Online Advisor—Get matched with study abroad programs for older persons for free
Study abroad for older adults is as great as it sounds!
Relax, learn, play, call your grandkids—live the good life!
There’s no need to have regrets about not travelling more in your youth. Pack your bags and travel now—study abroad for retirees is a great reason to head overseas. There’s no age limit on learning, or having fun for that matter!
Take a look at study abroad programs and start bringing your daydream to life today.
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