“You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” – C.S. Lewis

Who says studying abroad—or across the country—is only for people in their twenties? Lifelong learning is at the heart of a fulfilling life, and expanding your mind through travel and education is possible at any age. Whether it’s taking a semester in Spain, attending a retreat in Oregon, or enrolling in an immersive course in Italy, educational travel can reignite purpose, spark curiosity, and bring profound personal growth.

TheGlobal Coalition on Aging emphasizes that learning experiences later in life help reduce cognitive decline, build community, and foster a greater sense of purpose. Whether you’re retired, in a career transition, or just ready for a new adventure, studying away from home opens up a world of possibility—literally.

Lifelong Learning That Takes You Places

Many programs today are tailored for adults of all ages—no dorm rooms or essays required. Universities, nonprofits, and global education companies now offer enriching travel-based learning opportunities focused on personal development, culture, and lifelong curiosity. These experiences aren’t about degrees—they’re about depth.

Whether you want to study art history in Florence, meditation in Bali, or entrepreneurship in San Francisco, opportunities abound. The key is aligning your learning with your goals: do you want intellectual stimulation, a cultural reset, or a deeper connection to your purpose?

Action Steps: How to Start Your Educational Journey at Any Age

1. Define Your Why and Your Interests
 Begin by asking yourself: What do I want to learn, and why? Is it about adventure, skill-building, meaning, or reinvention? Tools likeNotion orDay One can help you map your motivations and journal your journey.

2. Explore Adult and Senior Study Abroad Programs
 Organizations likeRoad Scholar offer educational travel programs specifically for adults 50+. Their trips combine cultural exploration with expert-led lectures and community.EF Go Ahead Tours also offers flexible educational travel experiences that blend learning with leisure.

3. Consider Domestic Options Too
 Studying “abroad” can also mean a personal sabbatical within your own country. Programs likeOsher Lifelong Learning Institutes offer non-credit college-level courses for older adults at over 100 universities in the U.S., with many hosting immersive on-campus experiences.

4. Learn Online, Then Travel to Apply It
 Platforms likeCoursera andedX offer courses in global studies, philosophy, art, and languages. Take a virtual course now, and plan to immerse yourself in that culture or subject in person later. Some programs even offer hybrid learning-travel formats.

5. Plan Smart: Budget and Logistics
 Use tools likeRome2Rio for travel planning orSkyscanner to find affordable flights. Apps likeTrail Wallet can help you track expenses while abroad. And if health insurance is a concern,SafetyWing provides affordable travel insurance for older adults and long-term learners.

The Benefits Go Beyond the Classroom

The rewards of studying abroad or across the country extend far beyond academics. A2017 study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that travel-based learning can boost creativity, reduce stress, and improve overall life satisfaction. Participants reported feeling more engaged, hopeful, and energized about their future.

Experiences like these also provide a platform to meet new people, expand your worldview, and build confidence in new settings. They’re reminders that your life is not static—and your identity is not fixed.

As Maya Angelou once said, “You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.” When you study somewhere new—whether it’s a classroom in Costa Rica or a workshop in California—you tap into parts of yourself you may not have met yet.

What’s Stopping You?

There’s no age limit on growth. Learning is a lifelong adventure, and it’s never too late to take your mind—and your feet—to new places. Whether you choose a week-long workshop or a full semester, the most important decision is simply to say yes to the possibility.

So ask yourself:
 If I could study anything, anywhere—what would it be, and why haven’t I done it yet?

Join the conversation and explore what others are learning—and where—in theforum.