Our Philosophy

It’s Never Too Late to Study Abroad

At Elective, we believe that education isn’t confined to classrooms or bound by age. It’s a lifelong pursuit, and some of the most meaningful learning happens when we step out of our daily routines and immerse ourselves in new environments. This is why study abroad is such a transformative experience—it expands our understanding of the world by placing us directly within it.

Yet, not everyone has the opportunity to benefit from studying abroad while they’re in school, whether due to circumstance, timing, or simply not recognizing its value in the moment.

Studying abroad as an adult offers a unique opportunity to dive deeper into subjects that resonate, enriched by the wisdom, experience, and perspective gained over time. It’s not about accumulating facts or ticking destinations off a list—it’s about engaging deeply, thinking critically, and building a greater understanding of the world and our place in it.

A Framework for Learning

More and more, travel in the 21st century can take the shape of overpacked tours, with everyone rushing to see everything they’ve been told they’re supposed to see. Afterwards, it’s all a blur, and often they’ve spent more time getting places than being in them. What’s worse, the tourism industry has become largely standardized, directing everyone to the same places, as if everyone were seeking the same experience. Group tours and even individual travel planners make assumptions about what people want to see and do, leaving little choice up to the individual.

At Elective, we provide a framework for learning about a subject through the prism of a specific place. Travel is a means to that end. We limit the moving around, and instead focus on deep connection through our Seminars. We give our students plenty of time for Self-Guided Study, encouraging them to use the framework provided by our Instructors to further their discovery on their own. Elective students benefit from having a local expert on-site, to whom they can convey their interests and get recommendations of lesser-known sights and areas which will have resonance for them personally.

Intentional Travel

Our aim is to create courses in destinations that are not necessarily the most obvious, and we stay away from the places that are suffering the most from overtourism. If we go to a place that already tends to attract many visitors, it’s because it’s a critical element to the subject matter. Through Elective, our students discover these places with an entirely different approach than if they were on another type of trip.

While we all think about how to reduce our impact on the planet, traveling is still an essential part of the human experience. However, it’s important we do it intentionally and with respect for the people and cultures we visit.

Connecting to People as Well as Places

In a time when the Internet can create a false sense of connection, it’s more important than ever to find spaces where people engage authentically with others who share similar interests. At Elective, learning isn’t just about the subject—it’s also about the people you meet along the way, both in your small cohort and in the places you visit.

People today are living longer, healthier lives, and many seek opportunities for intellectual enrichment as a way to keep their minds active and engaged. Travel as a means of education can be a powerful part of that. Understanding different perspectives, cultures, and histories is essential—not just to broaden our own knowledge, but to build deeper empathy and connection in a time when divisions can feel stronger than ever.

Elective creates an environment where participants can explore, discuss, and exchange ideas with people outside their usual circles, making connections that continue long after the course ends. Whether through conversation over dinner, an insight sparked by a Seminar, or an observation shared long after returning home, these experiences remind us that lifelong learning isn’t just about knowledge—it’s about curiosity, connection, and seeing the world with fresh eyes.