Whether you’re planning on taking a gap year to interrail through Europe, or are travelling in a group, you can enrich your travels by learning some brand new skills along the way.
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Here are 4 essential skills you can learn on your travels.
Learn a New Language
Depending on where you’re travelling to, you might want to understand the language. If you’re travelling across multiple countries in Europe, it may help you to learn the conversational basics of languages like French, Italian and Spanish.
When you’re travelling with only the bare essentials, you probably won’t have the room to carry lots of dictionaries or books with you. Therefore, apps like Duolingo can be a handy essential to carry on your smartphone wherever you go.
Sign Up to a Distance Learning Course
Distance learning courses from universities like Anglia Ruskin are fantastic for learning on the go. With a wide range of courses dedicated to a variety of specialist areas, you can gain an undergraduate or postgraduate certification, all while studying amongst some of the most breathtaking views in the world!
Whether you’re interested in a Biomedical Science MSc, or a top-up degree like the Early Childhood Studies BA, there’s something for everyone.
Distance learning degrees are particularly useful for those who want the freedom of exploration in a gap year, but don’t want to halt their studies while they travel.
Practise Your Cooking Skills
Wherever you travel, it’s likely that you’ll encounter traditional cuisine. If you want to learn how the locals cook, it might be time to sharpen up your cooking skills.
Get involved by speaking to the local people and joining in with communal meals. It’s amazing what you can pick up from listening to conversations about food! You can also research online, and experiment with locally grown produce.
Before you visit, you can also research local recipes through websites like Delish, which have contributions from authentic Italian chefs in an easy to read layout that will help you experiment to your heart’s desire.
Pick Up Seasonal Work
Depending on which countries you visit, and the restrictions you might face, you might be able to pick up some seasonal work while you travel.
A quick online search can help you find job opportunities while you travel, as well as a handy guide to working in popular countries like France, Italy and Spain including important cultural norms.
There are all sorts of opportunities on offer including activity leaders, bartenders, beauty therapists and couriers to name just a few. If you’re taking a gap year before studying, this is the perfect way to grab some casual work experience for your CV, make new friends, and make some quick money to fund your travels along the way!
Do you have any ideas for skills to learn when travelling in Europe? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!