Elective Study Abroad

08/31/2026

You want to study abroad as an adult. But who else does this sort of thing? When you join an Elective, everyone shares a common interest — the course subject — and the desire to learn through travel. Traveling solo? You’ll have company for any meal, or moment, you want it. Traveling with a friend or partner? You’ll still connect with the rest of the cohort. You’re traveling to expand your world — both through the course and through the connections you build with the people in it. 2027 courses are open for early enrollment — 10% off through Sept 15. Link in bio.

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08/20/2026

📣 2027 Elective Study Abroad Dates are online now!

⭐ EARLY ENROLLMENT: 10% off through Sept. 15
⭐ As always, we’ve built the calendar around the times of year when our course locations are less crowded.
⭐ For those who like to plan far in advance, you can now book more than a year out.
⭐ Groups interested in traveling and learning together (friends, book clubs, cultural organizations, etc.) can reach out to learn about organizing a private Elective.

🔗 Details at link in bio

07/10/2026

⏳ Final days to enroll!

Don't miss your chance to join us for The Architecture & Cuisine of Andalusia this November. Explore the history, architecture, and flavors of southern Spain alongside an expert instructor and a small cohort of lifelong learners.

Enrollment is closing soon—secure your spot today through the link in our bio!

📍 Andalusia, Spain
🗓️ November 8–15, 2026

07/05/2026

Meet an Elective Student, Lisa!

What does it look like to study abroad as an adult?

For Lisa, it meant spending a week in Montpellier exploring the city's art, history, and culture alongside local experts and a small group of fellow lifelong learners. Instead of rushing through the highlights, she had the chance to slow down, ask questions, and experience the destination with a deeper understanding of the people and ideas that have shaped it.

In a blog post, Lisa shares what drew her to Elective, what surprised her about the experience, and why learning became the most memorable part of her travels.

Read Lisa's story at our blog electivestudyabroad.com/notebook.

07/01/2026

06/30/2026

Study the world, don't just visit it.

This fall, join Elective Study Abroad as we explore the rich legacy of al-Andalus through the cities of Córdoba and Granada. Together, we'll uncover history and discover how it continues to influence our world today.

Because ideas are best learned from the people and places that shaped them.

Learn more at the link in our bio.

06/21/2026

Meet the Instructor – Blanca Espigares Rooney is a Granada native, architect, and expert in Andalusian heritage, architecture, and cuisine. Born into a family with deep ties to the Alhambra, she brings both personal and professional insight into the history and culture of southern Spain.

As the instructor of our Architecture & Cuisine of Andalusia course, Blanca guides participants through the cities, monuments, and culinary traditions that have shaped the region for centuries. Through expert-led discussions and site visits, participants discover how architecture, food, and daily life come together to tell the story of Andalusia.

Visit ElectiveStudyAbroad.com to read our full Q&A with Blanca and learn more about the course.

06/17/2026

Thinking about joining our Palermo course? Here's another reason to say yes to Sicily this fall!
One of the optional extracurricular experiences available during the course is a visit to a family-run vineyard in the Sicilian countryside. Spend an afternoon learning about sustainable winemaking, exploring local traditions, and tasting wines alongside the people who produce them.
Because some of the best parts of travel happen when you slow down, gather around a table, and connect with a place through its people and culture.
More information on the Palermo course available at link in bio.

06/14/2026

Interested in joining us for our Palermo course? 🇮🇹

Our course concludes just before the annual Bronte Pistachio Festival, giving participants the opportunity to extend their stay and experience another side of the Island for Sicily's most beloved local celebrations.

If you'd like to spend a few extra days exploring the other side of the island, we're happy to share recommendations for transportation and accommodations to plan your visit.

06/10/2026

Meet the Instructor - Giuseppe Ferrarella is a Palermo native and architectural historian who specializes in the evolution of cities over time.

As the instructor of our Palermo & the Evolution of the City course, he guides participants through the layers of history, architecture, and culture that have shaped Sicily's capital into the city it is today. Through expert-led discussions and site visits, participants decode an ancient metropolis and come away with a framework for understanding the universal patterns that shape cities like Palermo into the cities they have grown into.

Enrollment closes June 15. Visit Electivestudyabroad.com to see full Q&A with Giuseppe and more info about the course. Don't hesitate to reach out with any questions.