The Grown-Up's Guide to Running Away from Home, Second Edition: Making a New Life Abroad (11 page)

People who have put heart and soul into working or raising children for most of their adult years often don’t know what to do with a sudden increase of free time. So do a little soul-searching before you leave that safe job haven and the routine of your present life to venture into that big twenty-four-hour world of unstructured hours. Having interests will help you avoid a problem that occurs when people head overseas without a clear plan—what one friend who moved to Portugal described as “bored expats spending their time in the local bar for lack of anything better to do.”

Actually, this particular woman and her husband knew well how to benefit from the gift of time. They stored up a number of small goals they wanted to achieve long before they packed up the moving van. They had an abiding interest in archaeology, so they signed on with a group that makes periodic forays to different sites throughout Portugal and nearby Spain. Opera is another love, so they stocked up on CDs before coming to Portugal, and they made visits to Seville, an hour-and-a-half drive, for special performances. Never having had the leisure in their work lives for games, they decided to learn bridge. Plus, they improved their menus by exploring local markets for fresh produce and trying new recipes.

None of these activities is particularly grandiose; nevertheless, this couple had a specific set of interests that they were ready to follow up on—when they’re not sunning by their pool overlooking the Algarve coast.

So start a list for yourself. What is it you’ve always wanted to do? Write that novel? Learn photography? Skipper a sailboat in the Caribbean? Hike Germany’s lush Black Forest trails? Jot down the things you want to do that are specific to your destination, plus things you’ve always wanted to do but never had time for before running away.

Don’t worry if the list is long; prioritize it to break it down into manageable chunks. Then you’ll have a reminder of things you wanted to do on the mornings when you wake up with the sun and feel at loose ends, wondering what you will do other than sleep or eat or drink wine. Better to have more things than you can possibly accomplish than too little.

Living overseas is a learning experience in itself. In addition, a myriad of formal and informal programs can be explored, providing opportunities to expand your mind and add new interests to your life.

If you have a specific interest you’d like to explore—let’s say photography or antiques or history—you may enjoy a formal study-abroad program. A formal program, rather than independent study, may also give you more confidence on your first foray overseas. For the single traveler, a formal program provides the opportunity to meet like-minded people overseas and share the learning experiences within a group setting.

Specialized programs combine learning with overseas travel opportunities for adults. Such programs are short-term for the most part, but they offer interesting diversions outside the realm of a normal vacation and may be part of your runaway plan. The options range from casual and inexpensive programs to more formal, even elite diploma or certificate programs for the professional or serious amateur. You’ll find examples of some of these in the following section. For additional activities and programs, check the Internet or classified ads in publications related to overseas living or your interests. You can also contact universities to see if they’re affiliated with schools overseas that offer study programs for adults.

So get those brain cells churning and consider the possibilities. Being prepared with enjoyable projects will keep your mind active and your spirits elevated. That’s the key to making a successful transition overseas.

Make an effort to learn the language of the country you’ll be living in—or one you’d like to visit. Living in another country is a wonderful opportunity to practice a new language. It’s a joy to be able to communicate, even at a basic level. Your world will expand exponentially with each new word because
you’ll understand aspects of the people and culture beyond the usual tourist sights. Besides, recent studies have shown that learning a new language actually expands the brain’s capacity. Not a bad idea as we reach middle age.

Public and private universities, adult education courses, and specialty language schools offer an array of classes that help you begin to learn a language. Libraries and bookstores offer books, tapes, and videos to improve grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension. For the ultimate experience, many educational groups offer overseas programs that enable adult learners to immerse themselves wholeheartedly in a language by living and learning in a country where it’s used.

It would be impossible to list the countless programs available, but here are a few options.

Alliance Française
. One of the great European language schools, Alliance Française is based in Paris but operates French language schools in more than 130 countries, including major cities throughout the United States. Classes are ongoing, with levels from beginner to advanced. They meet for ten to twelve weeks each session, or you can take private classes. For information, in the United States: Alliance Française, 2142 Wyoming Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008; (202) 234-7911. In France: Alliance Française de Paris, Boulevard Raspail 101, 75270 Paris CEDEX 06, France; telephone (international) 011 33 (0) 1 42 84 90 00.

Instituto Allende
. Begun by an American decades ago, the Instituto has grown to become one of the most famous Spanish language training schools in the world. It’s located in the charming Mexican town of San Miguel de Allende, known for its artistic community. For information: Instituto Allende, Ancha de San Antonia #20, San Miguel de Allende, Gto, 37700 Mexico; telephone (international) 011 52 415 152-0190. Email:
[email protected]
. Website:
www.instituto-allende.edu.mx
.

Goethe-Institut
. The Institut offers German language training and a library of German language books and presents Germanic cultural events. You’ll find regional offices in major cities in the United States and Canada. For information: Goethe-Institut, 1014 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10028; telephone (212) 439-8700. Or you may find a regional office in major cities. Website:
www.goethe.de
.

Inlingua
. Inlingua has over three hundred language training centers in cities around the world, including the United States, Europe, Latin America, Japan, and Korea. Based in Bern, Switzerland, Inlingua also offers cross-cultural training, translation, and interpretation services. Website:
www.inlingua.com
.

Berlitz
. With over 330 locations worldwide for language training, Berlitz claims that they’ll provide training in any spoken language in the world. Methods include private and group instruction. Berlitz also offers cross-cultural awareness training, interpretation, translation, and study abroad programs. Telephone (800) 457-7958. Website:
www.berlitz.com
.

Taking a trip may sound superfluous since this is the point of your overall adventure. However, even if you settle in one area overseas, it’s easier to plan visits to other areas within the country and to other countries—trips that in the United States would simply get you to another state.

If you settle in the Tuscany hill country of Italy and enjoy cooking, plan an overnight to Bologna to try the original—and supposedly the world’s best—spaghetti sauce. Then try to duplicate it at home.

If you collect pottery in Mexico, plan short trips to local markets or specialized workshops. Study the various styles and techniques. Or learn to make your own pots by signing up for lessons and trying the techniques you’ve discovered.

If you’ll be near areas where your family originated, research your family tree. It’s interesting to explore old records and grave sites for the names of a long-lost ancestor.

Start before you leave the States by gathering all the information you can from family members, including relevant birth dates and ancestral places overseas. Books, computer software, and genealogical groups on the Internet provide research help. The Church of Latter Day Saints offers comprehensive genealogical information, including research tips and a massive library of contacts and records at
www.ancestorhunt.com
. (No, you don’t have to be a Mormon to take advantage of the services.) Once you’re overseas, you can check specific church or city hall records and follow any other fascinating leads you uncover.

Use your new lifestyle to put more life in your body. Spend your spare time walking interesting village streets, hiking through vineyards, riding a bike along a tranquil river path, swimming, or playing tennis. Participate with groups to make new friends, or take a class to learn a new sports skill. All this exercise has a wonderful side benefit: it helps burn off the tempting new foods you’ll try.

To find groups active in your sport, ask at the town hall where you’re living, watch for posters on planned events, and buy the community paper. The latter almost always lists neighborhood activities, the time and location of the events, and contact numbers.

Paint, write, sculpt, or learn photography. Even if you’ve never thought of yourself as artistic, you can enjoy the process, and no one has to see the results if you don’t care to share. Perhaps you’ll even discover a latent talent. Take classes and make friends at the same time. Most places you’ll want to visit will offer lessons in traditional local crafts as well as the fine arts.

Mexico’s Instituto Allende is located in a sixteenth-century colonial town so pretty it’s been declared a Mexican national monument. The courses offered include oil painting, watercolor, and sculpture, while the surrounding streets are filled with artists, art galleries, and inspiration. (The Instituto is also known for its language classes.) For information: Instituto Allende, Ancha de San Antonia #20, San Miguel de Allende, Gto, 37700 Mexico; telephone (international) 011 52 415 152-0190. Email:
[email protected]
. Website:
www.instituto-allende.edu.mx
.

For other areas, check the ads in recent art magazines; they’re usually jammed with trips that combine classes with visits overseas. Or ask local art associations if they have any upcoming trips that are open to fellow artists in the community.

You can also join local art classes abroad. You’ll benefit twice, by expressing yourself and by becoming involved in the community.

Part of the joy of traveling is discovering new tastes in food and drink. Don’t settle for just eating, though; try making some recipes yourself. Markets in old-world countries are fascinating places, filled with fresh-from-the-next-field vegetables and fruits, plus interesting cheeses, meats, and fishes. Explore the market; then go back to your kitchen and create your own specialties. Even those of us who didn’t like cooking after putting in a full day at work in the States are discovering that cooking overseas is fun.

If you’re serious about learning new skills, you can sign up for overseas classes. Find them via the Internet or locally. Or you may want to splurge on the most prestigious school overseas, the Paris-based Le Cordon Bleu.

Long renowned, Le Cordon Bleu schools excel in the culinary arts. Master chefs train students from around the globe; diploma courses are available for professionals, though serious amateurs can start with certificate courses. The original began in Paris, but schools are located in several major cities worldwide. Paris: Le Cordon Bleu, 8, rue Léon Delhomme, 75015 Paris, France; telephone 33 (0)1 53 68 22 50. U.S. corporate office: (800) 457-CHEF. Website:
www.cordonbleu.edu
. Email:
[email protected]
.

If you’re permanently settled somewhere overseas, warm up your surroundings with flowers from the garden or local arts and crafts for your living room. In France, expats visit the village
brocantes
(antique markets) often. They
browse up and down the tables, occasionally finding a treasure to add to their home overseas. Another has transformed his yard by collecting a wide range of flowering plants that he and his guests can enjoy over a glass of the local red wine.

Revel in the scenery as you explore a new area’s flora and fauna. From Costa Rica’s rain forest to Swiss mountain peaks, you can get serious about archaeology, geology, bird watching, fly fishing, butterfly collecting, or capturing memories with your camera. Here are a few of the groups that offer adult programs:

Archaeological Institute of America
. A nonprofit cultural and educational organization chartered by the U.S. Congress, this is the oldest and largest archaeological organization in North America. The group conducts fieldwork in Africa, Asia, Europe, and North and South America and presents tours of archaeological interest, from the prehistoric caves of France to sailing the Nile and more.

Among other programs, AIA generates
The Archaeological Fieldwork Opportunities Bulletin
, which is available online and in print editions, listing over 250 opportunities for volunteers to participate at field sites worldwide. Archaeological Institute of America, 656 Beacon Street, Boston, MA 02215-2006; (617) 353-6550. Email:
[email protected]
. Website:
archaeological.org
.