Whether you want to buff up your language skills, discover a new cuisine, learn how to fight like a local, or get a closer look at local customs, we've got a program to fit your aspirations. Cultural Embrace provides you the opportunity to study language and cultural traditions in their birthplaces. Options exist for language study, culinary courses, wine courses, art and culture lessons, scuba diving, photography, surfing, muy thai boxing, jungle trekking, and many other types of courses. History, language, and culture meld together in our unforgettable destinations, giving you the vacation (and education!) of a lifetime.  

Our courses are customizable and last anywhere from 1-52 weeks. In addition to our listed courses below, many other options exist to study opera, fashion, meditation, Tango, film, etc. Contact Cultural Embrace to discover the extent of lesson options available.

Discover the Similarities - Share the Differences!

Language Course – An ideal choice for people who want to improve their knowledge of the local language and experience the country’s culture at the same time. Understand and use the local language in real life situations, and express yourself due to a teaching method based upon communication, authentic teaching material, and weekly assessments of your progress. *Options exist for more or less intensive course schedules and courses focused on medical or business vocabulary,  contact Cultural Embrace to discover the range of courses available.

Secrets of Italy– Can be attended for one week or longer. These courses combine Italian language  lessons with fun cultural activities as well as cooking lessons. Per week: 20 hours of language lessons, 4 hours culture, 2 cooking lessons, and 1 wine lesson.

Intensive Culinary Courses– These lessons are aimed at food professionals and begin with the study of ingredients, a brief overlook of the recipes, and then a step by step process of a four or five course meal, ending with enjoyment of the finished product. Educational visits to vineyards, wine cellars, butchers, and wholesalers are included in some courses. Set starting dates. Spring Cuisine: Mar 21st, 2 weeks, 8 sessions, $1090. Italian Bread & Dessert: Apr 18th, 1 week, 5 sessions, $655. Mediterranean Health: Jul 11th, 2 weeks, 8 sessions, $1090. Summer Cuisine: Aug 22nd, 1 week, 5 sessions, $655. Italian Journey: Oct. 3rd, 3 weeks, 12 sessions, $1595. Xmas Celebration: Dec 12th, 1 week, 5 sessions, $655.

 French Cuisine and Language-- Mornings are devoted to language study while afternoons focus on the discovery of French cooking. Twice per week, a chef invites you into their “shop” to complete a menu on site at a hotel, catering business, or restaurant. Per week: 20 lessons French language and 8 lessons in French cuisine. 

French Wine in Montpelier– Improve your French while discovering one of the most beautiful wine regions in France. Per week: 20 lessons French language, 3 sessions taught by wine expert, 1 wine evening, 1 vineyard excursion.

French Holiday for Seniors– A great opportunity to refresh and improve your French while touring the South of France. Simultaneously learn the language and the “art de vivre” (cuisine, wine, perfume, Matisse, Picasso, etc). Set start dates: May 15th, June 5th, or September 25th. Per week: 20 language lessons, excursions to cultural and historical sites along the French Riviera.

Scuba Diving and Spanish Language– Explore the Atlantic and practice Spanish at the same time! From swimming pool immersions to open water diving, you will become progressively comfortable with Tenerife’s underwater world. All levels welcome. 20 language lessons per week, 5 culture courses per week, and 5 diving lessons per week.

Cooking lessons in India—Hands-on and instructional cooking classes, the primary feature of the program, will include the subjects related to:  History and Origins of Indian food, Varieties of Indian cooking, Indian food ingredients and spices, Food preparation, Indian serving traditions …and of course, Eating!

Photography and Surf Lessons in Costa Rica—Enjoy the beautiful beach of Jaco while you learn how to surf or learn the basics of photography.  You will be surrounded by jungle and ocean for your adventure!

Muy Thai Boxing or Trekking in Thailand— Learn how to stand your own in a boxing match with Muy Thai boxing techniques.  Or, build up your calves by trekking through the beautiful jungle in Thailand!

*Other locations available as well as class options to study film, fashion, opera, Flamenco, etc. Please contact Cultural Embrace for tailored lesson options.
 

Culture and Language Courses Offer: 

•  Instruction in your field of interest
• An opportunity to broaden your perspective and worldview
• An opportunity to participate in and learn local cultural activities
• Memorable travel experiences with the chance to see exotic sites you have always dreamed about 
• The ability to make lifelong friends from around the globe

Cultural Embrace Includes:

• Pre-arranged Lessons in your Field of Interest
  Cultural Embrace guarantees course placement that matches your requested preferences and language level. You will work with a Cultural Embrace Coordinator that will provide individualized support to help you find the appropriate course and school, and prepare you for an adventure to live and work abroad.
• Housing Assistance
  Housing is not included with your program fee, but Cultural Embrace may pre-arrange your accommodations prior to your arrival for an additional fee. You may choose between Shared Housing (with other international students) or Family Homestay (with or without meals).   In some cities, Budget Hotels/Hostels (price varies depending upon shared or single room and room size) are also available.
• Visa Assistance
  If you are staying 90 days or less, you will travel on a tourist visa that is arranged upon arrival. If you are going to study longer than 90 days, you will need to apply for a student visa. In order to receive a student visa, you must be enrolled in a course with at least 20 lessons/week for at least 3 months. Please contact your local foreign Embassy or Consulate to check details, or ask your CE coordinator. Please note that any visa fees are the responsibility of the applicant.  And, while we can assist you during the process, ultimately it is your responsibility to ensure that you have obtained the appropriate visa for your travel experience. Cultural Embrace has no control over the visa process and cannot guarantee that your visa application will be accepted.
• Arrival Assistance 
  Cultural Embrace will provide you with detailed public transportation directions, or optional private airport pick-up is available for additional fees.
• International Traveler’s Insurance with Basic Major Medical Coverage
  Our policy provides basic medical coverage. Additional policies and premium plans are available at extra cost.
• Cultural Embrace “Culture Kit”
  Before your departure, we will send you a cultural kit that is filled with useful tips, advice, information, and your insurance card to prepare you for your amazing adventure of living and working abroad.
• Full-time Representation
  Cultural Embrace provides English-speaking representation in the United States and in-country  prior to, during, and after your placement.

In order to participate in this course program, Cultural Embrace requires that you:

• Be over 18
• Be open to foreign cultures and living abroad
• Be dedicated to the full term of commitment 
• Enjoy learning new skills in a challenging environment

Language Courses 

1. Obtain the Cultural Classes Application Forms & Procedures documents in one of three ways:

(a) Download the forms:  Cultural Classes Program Details and Culture Class Application 

(b) Fill out an online application request form and the forms will be e-mailed to you within 2-3 days.

(c) Call Cultural Embrace at 1-512-469-9089 to have the forms mailed to you in 3-4 days. 

2. Read the instructions carefully and complete all forms.

3. Submit your completed application packet to:

CULTURAL EMBRACE
7201 Bill Hughes Road
Austin, TX 78745 USA

Completed packet should include:

• Cultural Classes Program Application
• Signed Cultural Classes Agreement
• Copy of your passport (information page only)
• Two 1½" x 2" official passport-size photos, signed on the back
• US$250 non-refundable application fee

For any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at info@culturalembrace.com or you can call us at 1-512-469-9089 or Skype: Cultural. Embrace.