Baby Boomers were one of the first generations to discover the world through their college study abroad programs. Statistics show that we acquired passports at a younger age than our parents.

They explored the world both alone and in groups, carrying little more than a back pack and a few cashier’s checks – and they did all of this with no cell phones, no debit cards and alas, no Internet!

The first wave of baby boomers have reached retirement age, and have not lost their wanderlust or desire to explore the world on their own terms.  With that in mind, Road Scholar has unveiled its new “Living and Learning” series, in which adventurers are immersed for six weeks in the language and culture of one of six cities worldwide.

While Road Scholar has made the world its classroom for 40 years, the exciting “Living and Learning” series ratchets up the depth of discovery by allowing participants to settle in and live like a local in each of two vibrant cities in France – Paris and Provence — as well as Berlin, Montreal, Florence and Sevilla.

In each adventure, Road Scholars are welcomed with an orientation and review of local customs, are acclimated to their furnished apartment and new neighborhood, and then pursue language study in classes suited to their proficiency.

They also attend weekly educational events with local experts and fellow participants, experience museums and other cultural sites, and enjoy ample free time to explore and enjoy local cuisine. Throughout the six weeks, a local host assists each Road Scholar in pursuing specific interests.

Patricia Infantine, 68, was looking for a novel adventure and chose the “Living and Learning” experience in Florence, Italy. She said it is a memory she will forever treasure.

“I cannot imagine a more perfect way to experience a beautiful city, and its history and culture, than the Living and Learning program with Road Scholar,” she said. “Quite simply, it had everything—special concerts and expert-led museum discoveries, stimulating lectures, language classes, and a variety of weekend and day trips to some of the most charming towns in the world. All of this in addition to independent living that enabled us to become part of the fabric of daily life in our own neighborhoods.”

Highlights of Road Scholar’s Living and Learning Adventures

Living and Learning in Sevilla—Independent Stay and Language Study. Located in the sunny south of Spain, Sevilla is a 2,200-year-old city that was made wealthy by the New World.

Living and Learning in Paris – Independent Stay and Language Study. The style, energy and je ne sais quoi of Paris have always attracted expatriates including the likes of Hemingway, Gertrude Stein and Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald.

Living and Learning in Provence – Independent Stay and Language Study. Learn to speak French like a true Provencal in Aix en Provence, a city as renowned for its culinary traditions as it is for its artistic heritage.

Living and Learning in Florence: Independent Stay and Language Study. Inspired by Florence’s timeless beauty and youthful energy, become a Renaissance man or woman on this immersive six-week adventure. Here’s a video of the experience.

New! Living and Learning in Berlin – Independent Stay and Language Study. Inspired by grand monuments and a vibrant arts scene, learn to speak German like a true Berliner on this immersive adventure in one of Europe’s most vibrant cities.

Living and Learning in Montreal: Independent Stay and Language Study. Step out of your apartment and onto prestigious Rue Sherbrooke, alive with hustling throngs of pedestrians and the chatter of students crowding café tables.

Don’t forget, for a limited time, Sixty and Me community members can enter to win $500 off their next Road Scholar adventure. All you need to do is click here and sign up for their free catalogue. There’s no pressure. So, what have you got to lose?

Have you ever been on a Road Scholar adventure? What was your experience? Please join the conversation.

About Road Scholar | Not-for-profit Road Scholar’s mission is to inspire adults to learn, discover and travel. Our learning adventures engage expert instructors, provide extraordinary access, and stimulate discourse and friendship among people for whom learning is the journey of a lifetime. Since inception, more than 5 million people have enrolled in our 5,500 iconic educational adventures offered annually in 50 states and 150 countries around the world.