Frequently Asked Questions

Our focus is on lifelong learners, especially those eager to explore subjects they haven’t had an opportunity to pursue previously. Some Elective students are seasoned travelers, while others are just beginning to explore the world. Many are retirees or nearing the end of their career. What unites them all is a shared passion for discovery and meaningful engagement with like-minded peers.

Please note that Elective does not accept minors.

Each Elective includes course materials, daily Field Seminars with all related transport and entrance fees, breakfast each day, a welcome and farewell dinner, accommodations in a 4-star hotel, and the support of a dedicated Facilitator.

Transportation to and from the course destination, additional meals or activities, and required travel insurance are not included. Optional Extracurriculars may be offered for an additional fee. See the course page for specific details.

Of course! We welcome people who want to share the Elective experience. For those who share a room, we may be able to offer a discount—see the individual course pages for details.

Please note that Elective does not accept minors.

Absolutely not! Electives are designed to meet students where they’re at. In each course, some participants come with a background in the material - maybe they majored in it in college; maybe they worked in a related field - while others are discovering it for the first time.

Everyone comes away learning something new from the Field Seminars, deepening their own connection to the topic from the Self-Guided Study, and gaining perspective from the rest of the cohort during Daily Discussions and other one-on-one exchanges.

No. All courses are taught in English. Your Instructor and Facilitator serve as your translators and cultural interpreters.

As with everything, you get out of it what you put into it. Most of our students do the pre-trip reading, and show up with ideas about what they want to explore in their Self-Guided Study time. Many of them take enthusiastic notes during the course (in the special notebook we provide!) and go home with a plan to keep up their “studies” by making their way through their instructor’s recommendations for continued learning. That said, anyone is welcome as long as they attend the Seminars and participate in the Daily Discussions.

Taking an Elective course means committing to an intensive week of study - but it’s not all hard work! Mornings you are in Field Seminars, most of which are out and about - in a museum, on a walking tour, meeting with a guest expert, etc. - while afternoons involve Self-Guided Study assignments that you can do on your own or with your peers.

The rest of your day is free. You can have dinner on your own and take a walk to recharge, or make plans with others in your cohort. You will always have one free day toward the end of the program to get in some sightseeing or shopping or just soak up the local atmosphere in a café, before the cohort comes together for a Farewell Dinner and final reflections on the week.

If you want more time in the destination, you can plan to stay longer. Ask us if you want help organizing your onward journey.

Yes! Discounts will vary depending on the location and time of year, but there is always a reduced rate for anyone who shares a room with a partner or friend. See your Elective course page or contact us for details. Note that in some cases, hotels may be unable to provide separate beds. We will let you know if this is the case.

Yes! See your Elective course page or contact us for details.

We encourage early arrivals - it’s a great idea to settle in and get over jet lag before the course starts. Contact us if you would like us to book you into your Elective hotel for extra nights (pending availability).

It is possible to change your mind and switch to a different Elective after you’ve enrolled, but it will depend on a variety of factors, including whether there is availability in the course you want to switch into and whether we are able to cancel your booking with our suppliers on your originally selected course. Please contact us as early as possible to inquire about switching courses. See also our detailed course change policy in our Terms & Conditions.

We aim to accommodate a range of mobility levels, but all Electives involve significant walking. Field Seminars are active, immersive experiences—out and about each day, exploring the places we study on foot. Transportation options vary by location, so please contact us and we’ll help you find the Elective best suited to your needs.

Depending on the seriousness of your illness/injury, your Facilitator will be able to help you get to a pharmacy, clinic, or local hospital. We also encourage you to consult your travel insurance provider - which we require for participation in an Elective - for advice on how to handle medical issues.

If you need to leave early for any reason, consult with your Travel insurance - which is required for participation in an Elective - to know if you are eligible for reimbursement. We will provide you with documentation to help in this process.

The courses without dates are in development and will be added typically between 6 and 9 months before they run. You can let us know which one(s) you are interested in and we will notify you as soon as dates go on line.

Not yet! But we would like to if we determine there is enough interest. Please let us know that this is something you would like and we will keep you posted. Be sure to mention what language(s) you want to study!