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Colleges and other institutions sponsor sessions that let you expand your horizons.
By KATHRYN LEMMON
© St. Petersburg Times, published April 29, 2001
College students seldom realize how great their school years are until they are over. But you can recapture some of the flavor -- and take a vacation with a purpose -- by going back to school.
In the summer, when the regular student population vacates most campuses, adult learners are welcomed at universities worldwide. Here are a few of the alternatives for this summer.
NEVADA: If the creative arts appeal to you, Sierra Nevada College offers Visiting Artist Workshops, with prominent artisans providing the instruction.
Lake Tahoe and the scenic Sierra Nevada Mountains provide an inspiring backdrop for classes in glassblowing, ceramics, printmaking, papermaking and sculpting, among others. Classes run from two days to two weeks. On-campus housing is available first come, first served.
Call toll-free 1-800-332-8666, ext. 5039, or e-mail sleigh@sierranevada.edu.
ENGLAND: The venerable halls of Oxford have been receiving adult learners for more than 30 years. For three to six weeks, participants in the Oxford/Berkeley Program are immersed in seminars on subjects such as literature, history, art and architecture.
Students live and study on campus, at Merton College, gathering daily for tea as Oxford students have done for centuries.
Call the Travel with Scholars program at (415) 252-5229 or visit the Web site, http://www.unex.berkeley.edu/travel.
INDIANA: Indiana University in Bloomington calls its summertime college Mini University. Participants stay on or near campus and can attend up to 15 non-credit classes. Nearly 100 titles are available, all taught by IU faculty.
A sampling of this year's offerings indicates the diversity: Rats in Space, Sport in America, Historical Perspectives and Ancient Greek and Roman Ghost Stories. Mini University provides optional evening activities. The dates for 2001 are June 17-22.
Call toll-free 1-800-824-3044 or click on http://www.alumni.indiana.edu/miniu.
NEW MEXICO: For those interested in the classics, consider St. John's College in Sante Fe, N.M. Its Summer Classics 2001 is a series of weeklong seminars, running from July into August.
Participants may choose one seminar each week, for one or more weeks. Courses are led by two members of the St. John's faculty or guests from other institutions. Limited to a maximum enrollment of 17, each seminar is characterized by in-depth conversation. No previous knowledge of the author, text or subject is required.
Visit the Web site at http://www.sjcsf.edu/classics/classic.htm or call (505) 984-6104.
CZECH REPUBLIC: Prague Summer Seminars in the Czech Republic is a cooperative work between the University of New Orleans and Charles University, Prague. Students ages 18 to 80 take part in a broad range of offerings including writing, photography, video production, music history, Jewish studies, expatriate American literature and a Czech literature and culture lecture series.
Participants can also attend a Czech film series, readings and dramatic performances by faculty and guests. Tours of Prague and weekend excursions throughout Bohemia are available, led by Charles University scholars. Dormitory housing is an option.
See the Web site, http://www.uno.edu/prague.
ONTARIO: Trent University in Peterborough, Ontario is offering its fourth annual Summer Explorations in Canadian Cultures June 29-July 13. This is a multidisciplinary program focusing on Canada's social, political and cultural diversity. Participants can choose programs that last five, seven or 14 days, with accommodations included.
See http://www.trentu.ca/secc/ or call (705) 748-1817.
MINNESOTA: The University of Minnesota in Duluth will offer 40 workshops from July 8 to Aug. 11. New courses begin each Sunday.
The Split Rock Arts Program focuses on creative writing, fine crafts and visual arts. The program includes in-class sessions, independent work and individual time with instructors. On-campus housing is available.
Call (612) 625-8100 or see http://www.cce.umn.edu/splitrockarts/.
SPAIN: The Academy of Spanish Studies in Barcelona is offering two-week language programs starting every Monday, June through August. The courses immerse students in both the language and culture of Spain, combining classes and excursions. Five proficiency levels are available.
Accommodation options include lodging with host families, student housing, shared apartments or private apartments.
See the Web site, http://www.wle-spain.com.
Kathryn Lemmon is a freelance writer who lives in Unionville, Ind.
To find more general information on learning vacations:
See the Web site http://www.shawguides.com. Shaw Guides began in 1988 as a publisher of comprehensive worldwide guides to educational travel and creative career programs. Online since 1995, its database contains more than 4,300 listings. Only the Guide to Cooking Schools is published in print form. Phone: (212) 799-6464. For more than 20 years, Travelearn (http://www.travelearn.com) has specialized in educational tours and travel designed for those ages 30 to 80. Travelearn works through 300 universities and colleges. It has a bimonthly e-mail newsletter. Phone: toll-free 1-800-235-9114.
If you are primarily interested in language schools, check out http://www.sta-travel.com. Most courses are two weeks or longer, involving three leading language programs: Amerispan Spanish Language Programs, Languages Abroad and Eurocentres. STA Travel has about 200 offices worldwide; see the Web site for locations.
Whether you are a beginner or a fluent speaker, Council Exchanges has a language and cultural program to suit you. Courses are available in languages such as French, German, Italian, Spanish and English, and they last from two weeks to a full academic year. For information, see http://www.councilexchanges.org or call (212) 822-2600.