Founded in 1975, Elderhostel is based on the belief that learning for personal enrichment is a lifelong process, and that the years beyond 55 should be viewed as an opportunity to enjoy new challenges. Today, Elderhostel is a network of about 1,900 educational and cultural sites offering thousands of programs. Host sites include colleges and universities, state and national parks, museums, theaters, environmental education centers, and many others. We offer programs year-round throughout the US and Canada, and in over 90 countries overseas. Most programs in the US and Canada are five or six nights in length, with some longer programs lasting two or more weeks.
Programs overseas are one- to four weeks in length.
Participants enjoy lectures, field trips, and a variety of activities while living in comfortable accommodations in pleasant facilities such as hotels, motels, and inns, or at their host institution. Lodgings vary, but at present more than half of Elderhostel's programs utilize hotels and similar housing. Some programs feature lodgings in unusual settings, such as rustic cabins, guest cottages, British manors, ship cabins and train berths. Participants choose the types of programs and facilities that are most comfortable and appropriate for them. Making the world its classroom, Elderhostel offers multidimensional learning opportunities, encouraging participants to explore a subject from many different angles.