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Here are some quick facts about Elderhostel, based on the questions we're
most frequently asked. The rest of the website contains information about
our programs - what they're like, how to register, what's included, and
more. The options provided on the home page will point you in the right
direction, but please feel free to contact us at newsmedia@elderhostel.org
for additional information.
Q: What year was Elderhostel founded, and
where?
A: 1975, on the campuses of five colleges and
universities in the state of New Hampshire. Six programs were offered
among them that first year.
Q: How many people participated in 1975? How
many attend Elderhostel now?
A: Two-hundred and twenty people attended
our first programs. About 160,000 older learners participated in Elderhostel
programs last year.
Q: How many programs does Elderhostel offer?
A: Nearly 8,000 last year. They take place
all around the U.S., Canada and in over 90 countries overseas.
Q: How many of those programs are in the U.S.?
How many are overseas?
A: In 2005, Elderhostel offered nearly 8,000
of our programs in the U.S. and Canada combined, and almost 2,000 programs
overseas.
Q: How many people participate in programs
in the U.S. and Canada? How many overseas?
A: Last year (2004), about 148,000 people attended
domestic programs, while almost 22,000 people traveled to programs overseas.
Q: Who develops and runs the programs?
A: Elderhostel collaborates with more than
500 independent educational and cultural institutions to develop and sponsor
programs. Some examples include colleges, universities, museums, performing
arts centers, scientific research institutes, national and state parks,
and many others. Each institution has its own unique focus and resources,
which makes each program distinctive.
Q: How many program sites do you have in the
US?
A: About 2,000 in the US (in 2005).
Q: What are the most popular programs?
A: That's a loaded question! Many of our programs
are popular for a variety of reasons, ranging from the subject matter
of the courses, to the location, season and price. However, here are a
few of the types of programs that are enjoying great popularity:
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Intergenerational
programs - programs in which Elderhostelers bring along a grandchild
or other young companion. A new intergenerational program focusing
on children's fantasy literature, with a spotlight on "Harry Potter,"
has been enthusiastically received since we offered the first sessions
in Oxford, England in 2002. We recently introduced Family programs,
which bring three generations together for a shared learning experience. |
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Exploring
North America - programs that take participants on an intercity
or interstate mobile learning experience. An example is our Lewis
& Clark Elderhostel Express program, in which participants spend 18
days exploring the expedition route taken by the Corps of Discovery
in 1804. Another example is our series of programs in New Orleans,
where Elderhostelers delve into the history and culture of the French
Quarter and get behind the scenes at Mardi Gras to learn about the
cultural and historical significance of that famous festival. |
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Active Outdoor
programs - learning combined with such activities as bicycling,
wilderness canoeing or kayaking, horseback trail packing, hiking and
more. These programs attract physically fit, active participants in
their 50s, 60s, 70s and beyond. |
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July 20, 2008
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