Adding Academics to the Itinerary

By the end of this year, Elderhostel projects that more than 300,000 Americans will have participated in its academic programs for travelers age 60 and up and their companions over age 50.

Sites for participation include more than 1,900 colleges, universities, museums, national parks, environmental education centers, conference centers and cultural institutions in every state, 11 Canadian provinces and 47 foreign countries. A wide selection of study courses includes fine arts, local culture, language and painting. There is a choice of family home stays in 10 countries in Europe, South America, Mexico, Indonesia and India. There are bicycle programs in England, France and the Netherlands and study cruises to Antarctica, Australia, France, Greece and the Galapagos Islands.

Classroom environments are informal. Most programs in the United States and Canada are one week in length; overseas programs run from one to four weeks.

In the States, tuition averages $315 per week, including five days of classes, accommodations, meals and course-related field trips or activities, but does not include transportation to and from the educational institution. Costs in Hawaii and Alaska are slightly higher because some programs run for longer terms.

Hosteling participants usually stay on college campuses in rooms with two twin beds and bathrooms down the hall. Maid service is not included in the program.

International program costs usually include round-trip flights to gateway cities, room and board with some meals, field trips, extra-curricular activities and gratuities.

For a catalogue, write to Elderhostel, Department MT, 75 Federal St., Boston, Mass. 02110. Allow six weeks for delivery.