Learning Holidays and Volunteer Vacations

PARADISE COURSES IN FIJI -- a fascinating study week wrapped up in a holiday in Fiji. We run courses in a range of subjects. Experienced tutors give intensive morning workshops, with afternoons free for seeing Fijian life, snorkelling and relaxing by the pool. Writing. Painting. Singing.Yoga.Textile art. Beading. Quilting. Birdwatching. Cost: A$2380 (approx US$1550) Website: www.paradisecourses.com Email: paradisecourses@iinet.net.au Tel: +61-(0)2-9969-4753 (January 2009)

COOKING IN PARADISE CARIBBEAN CULINARY VACATION -- to Antigua and Barbados. Join Chef Freda Gore for 7 days 6 nights of Island fun and culinary adventure. Stay at our luxurious island villa, enjoy great beaches & food, tour the local farmers markets, rum distillery, great island shopping while learning the art of Caribbean Cooking. Book by January 31 2009 save 20% Web site www.caribbeanculinarytours.com (November 20, 2009).

WRITERS' RETREATS IN IRELAND OR CANADA -- Stay on Dublin’s O’Connell Street or in an Irish country cottage, talking in the pub or beside a turf fire. In Canada, experience the mountain tranquility of Waterton Park or the vibrant energy of Calgary. Small groups up to eight participants. Requests for custom-designed retreats and workshops in these and other locations very welcome. Website: www.writinglife.ca/retreats.html. Email contact: Murphy@writinglife.ca (September 7, 2009)

COOKING VACATIONS IN CHINA -- Learn about the world’s oldest, greatest and most misunderstood cuisine in our exclusive three-day culinary immersions. Woman-managed and hosted Lotus Culinary Travel provides entrée to the best restaurants, kitchens and markets combined with hands-on classes at top cooking schools and five-star accommodations. Offered year-round for small and private groups. www.lotusculinary.com. Contact Taylor at taylor@lotusculinary.com or 1.800.518.8034 (August 20, 2009)

GOING PLACES TOGETHER -- If this is your first great adventure or your passport is worn from wear, you are always welcome here. Portugal, Australia, South Korea and Japan, in 2009 we travel from coast to coast to coast. Don’t miss "Reading India", a book club for the truly adventurous. Email nancy@goingplacestogether.com and visit www.goingplacestogether.com (July 18, 2009)

VOLUNTEER ABROAD -- It's the experience of a lifetime. As a Cross-Cultural Solutions international volunteer, you're making a meaningful contribution, working side-by-side with local people and sharing in the goals of a community that warmly welcomes you. Choose from 10 countries, start dates year-round and programs from 1-12 weeks long. CCS offers programs in Brazil, China, Costa Rica, Ghana, Guatemala, India, Morocco, Peru, Russia, South Africa, Tanzania, Thailand. Website: http://www.crossculturalsolutions.org Email: info@crossculturalsolutions.org (November 20, 2009)

SOUTH AFRICAN ADVENTURES THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE - See how easy it is to help others as you travel. Join us on a cultural or philanthropic journey into South Africa. Visit orphanages and rural schools. Experience the townships. Study apartheid. Meet artists, entrepreneurs, and educators. Enjoy local B&Bs, sensational food and wine, fabulous guides. Website: http://theculturalexplorer.com/ Email: pat@theculturalexplorer.com (July 1, 2009)

IN AT THE DEEP END -- Complete immersion in the French language with Linguistic holidays for women in Périgord, France! You think about a few days relaxation! You would like to improve your French language! I offer my guests the opportunity to discover the French way of life, not as a tourist but as a “local” and to relax in the hospitable atmosphere of my rural house. Website: www.lou-pie.fr Email: lou-pie@orange.fr (June 11, 2009)

SEMESTER AT SEA -- The mission of Semester at Sea is to educate individuals for leadership, service, and success in shaping our interdependent world. Since 1963 we have led around-the-world semesters for lifelong learners on a ship outfitted as a floating college campus. If you are interested in sailing with us, please see our website at www.semesteratsea.org or call 1-800-854-0195 (June 1, 2009).

GOURMET SAFARI -- We offer hand-picked authentic culinary vacations in key culinary regions of Italy, France, Spain and Morocco. Take in cooking lessons with local chefs using only the freshest of seasonal produce, visit local villages, restaurants, open-air markets & wine estates. We provide an authentic culinary travel experience that is unique and exclusive, with an orientation towards a highly personalized, independent service for the individual traveller. Website: www.gourmetsafari.com Email: info@gourmetsafari.com Tel: 416.238.9987/800.839.5795 (March 5, 2008)

CREATIVE ARTS SAFARIS -- live, laugh, learn. Join us for hands on creative adventures in inspirational locations. We embrace the creative arts- from textiles and drawing to photography and cooking. We travel to exotic locations for rich cultural experiences and the sheer pleasure of being there. Getting away to somewhere a little magical will help unlock your own creative spring. Website: www.creative-arts-safaris.com Email: info@creative-arts-safaris.com (December 14, 2008)