1. Elderhostel

2. What is Elderhostel? n A non-profit education organization that offers inexpensive, short term academic programs hosted by educational institutions around the world n Has been growing steadily over the years n There are programs in every American state and Canadian province as well as over 80 foreign countries

3. Who is eligible? n Individuals 55 years of age, however, a companion can be younger, such as a spouse or child.

4. Elderhostel accommodations n Plain and simple n Participants stay in dorms on college and university campuses or in modest commercial sites. n The focus is on the experience and academic program, not the accommodations.

5. Hostelships n A scholarship that is made available n Want to make it as affordable as possible n limited number of scholarships

6. Programs in the US and Canada n 5-6 nights; usually arrive Sunday afternoon and leave Friday after lunch or Saturday after breakfast. n Program types: –academic programs –service programs –international programs –intensive studies programs –intergenerational programs –recreational vehicle programs

7. Academic Programs n Participants take academic courses taught for 1 1/2 hours each weekday, for ex. a computer course n Some extracurricular activities incorporated

8. Service Programs n Indicates certain volunteer organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, Global Volunteers n Participants work on their trip n Share skills and talents while learning about different cultures and ways of life

9. International Programs n This serves as a learning experience n Stay at different institutions and sometimes different countries each week n Airfare and all travel overseas are included in the cost

10. Intensive Study Programs n Much more detailed in a single topic or discipline n More of an academic feel n Expected to do homework n Fewer purely extra-curricular activities

11. Intergenerational Programs n Foster exchange between people of different ages n Most involve grandchildren n Generations may or may not be housed together

12. Recreational Vehicle Program n Requires hostelers to “bring housing” (camper or recreational vehicle) n Classes held at a nearby host campus