What better way to learn new skills than on the banks of the Seine or in the foothills of Scotland? Can you imagine yourself brandishing a paintbrush in Spain or practicing your newly learned French buying bread in Nice?  Learning abroad is a great way to step out of your comfort zone and increase your motivation to really learn and experience new skills in a different environment.

Rosemary Burns is the founder of Arc Designs painting courses.  Every year she takes a small group out to the picturesque village of Comers in Spain.  “It’s an ideal course for people to come alone as it is a fun, safe environment,” she says.  You can enjoy the sunshine, scenery and daily watercolour workshops under Burns’s expert tutelage.  The retreat is family owned and non-painting partners are welcome at a substantial discount.  Hill walking, swimming (with a wheelchair-friendly pool), musical nights and massage are also available. “It is almost a well-being retreat. At the end of the course, people are often surprised at how well they feel.” 

Hush Yoga runs a yoga holiday like no other. “It’s all about the yoga and the craic.”  Its retreat to Ibiza is suitable for beginners or advanced learners.  Most importantly, however, this yoga holiday has only one level of comfort; luxury.  Nestled in the hills in the south of the island you’ll find the stunning Villa Ariba y Abajo.  The course not only involves stretching and breathing but sunshine and beaches too.  Hush Yoga founder Sinéad O’Connor promises that these holidays will not only invigorate your body and mind but also teach you how to respect yourself and nature while having a great time.  “It’s fun; it’s not a boot camp!”

Do you think learning a language is all about the classroom?  Au contraire! Learn Languages Abroad promises to unite French language learning and French “art de vivre”.  Combine verb conjugation with trips to Riviera treasures: St Tropez, Monaco and Saint-Paul de Vence.  Merge the mechanics of language with learning how to cook provençal specialities and discover that the only way to really learn a language is to immerse yourself in the culture.

Are you feeling active yet want to stay close to home?  If so, the Footfalls Walking Tours offers activities based in Ireland and short trips to the UK.  Christopher Stacey, the proprietor and your own personal guide, recommends the trip to England’s largest national park, the Lake District.  This walking tour, over an area of approximately 2,259 sq km, is made up of mountain ranges and peaceful lakes surrounded by lush countryside, a walker’s paradise all year round. 

So whether you want to take in the sun and sangria or hike around tarns in the UK, you are spoiled for choice with the variety of courses abroad that are available from Ireland.  You can travel with Irish instructors and still experience everything the country and activity of choice has to offer.