Welcome to O.A.T. University! What’s Your Major?

With autumn just around the corner, the back-to-school energy is already vibrant for incoming students. Although this familiar time of learning is privilege for the youth, O.A.T. travelers are no strangers to lifelong learning; in many ways, traveling is a university of its own.

Some of the places in the path of our travelers have entire fields of study dedicated to their region, and many of the destinations play key roles in the creation of certain academic areas as well. Just like students picking their majors, travelers choose where to go based on their interests. Every destination offers a different field of study, whether you're fascinated by ancient civilizations, incredible wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, or the cultures that make each corner of the world unique. If Overseas Adventure Travel was a university, in which field would you earn your degree?

Zoology

If it’s the rare wildlife of the Galápagos Islands or Madagascar that captivates you, then your future expertise may fall into studying animals. Maybe you’ll focus on Africa’s Big 5, or the foxes and reindeer that make home in the harsh conditions of Svalbard, Norway. Become an expert in identifying different species, behaviors, and the evolution that allowed wildlife to survive and adapt in their environment. It’s also important to learn about the human impact on different ecosystems so we can best preserve a safe environment for biodiversity to thrive.

Take to Africa’s savannah to see some of world’s most recognizable animals on Ultimate Africa: Botswana, Zambia & Zimbabwe Safari.

Egyptology

Awaken your inner archaeologist and uncover the secrets of this ancient desert civilization. You’ll become an expert in the history and significance of legendary sites, such as the Pyramids of Giza, Karnak Temple, and the Valley of Kings, as well as pharaohs and other famous figures that are adorned in hieroglyphs along the walls. The subject also covers the religion, culture, and artwork that has been restored to time through careful archaeological preservation processes. In fact, all our Trip Experience Leaders in Egypt are certified Egyptologists, which usually takes over four years of study with a master’s degree or PhD.

O.A.T. offers four options to visit Egypt—see which is right for you based on length, ship size, and more, including a more in-depth exploration on Egypt & the Eternal Nile.

Classics

Fan of the famous Greek and Roman stories? Maybe it’s Homer’s epics, Socrates’ contribution to philosophy, or the rise and fall of Julius Caesar. No matter which, the study of Classics will provide a deep dive into the Greek and Latin languages, and the literature, history, and culture that arose from one of the most well-documented ancient civilizations. Learn about its prominent art, from the balance and beauty that went into sculptures, to the types of columns that you can see on the ruins of the Pantheon today.

Jumpstart your expertise when you explore ruins in Ancient Greek ruins on Aegean Islands, Athens & Istanbul.

Medieval History

Lover of castles? Suit up in your best armor and step into the world of kings and queens with this area of study. This vast area of study covers everything from the vibrant histories of conquest, battle, and empires, to the literature, art, and religion that defined the era. You might uncover the secrets of ancient castles dotted along Scotland and Ireland, or the French and Swiss towns that are still a destination for authentic medieval architecture and design.

Take a step back in time when you visit medieval ruins on Scotland Revealed: Legends, Lochs, and Highland Landscapes.

Marine Biology

There’s no barrier to studying the Great Barrier Reef! In this degree, you’ll dive into the world under the sea and discover the bright colors and captivating adaptions of fish, underwater mammals, crustaceans and more. Maybe you’ll focus on the conservation of different areas affected by overfishing, or the unique biology of deep-sea swimmers and their bioluminescent abilities. And of course, no ocean study is complete without taking a dip and exploring the world for yourself!

Go off campus to explore “Down Under” the water and discover the colorful ecosystem below on Ultimate Australia.

Culinary Arts

Do you feel at home in the kitchen? Then maybe the flavors and spices of the world would be the best teacher for you. O.A.T. University lets you learn intricacies of homemade pasta in Italy, the variety of spices in Southeast Asian meals, or careful process of traditional Chilean grilling. The world is your oyster (maybe literally!) as you discover the recipes that have shaped gastronomic culture around the world and how it helped define the identity of a region.

Get hands-on experience at a local farm to learn the traditional process of producing olive oil and sit down for a homemade meal on Tuscany & Umbria: Rustic Beauty in the Italian Heartland.

Geology

If you find yourself dreaming of the volcanic terrain of Iceland or the stark peaks of Argentina’s Torres del Paine National Park, then your classroom might be the outside in the fresh air discovering some of Earth’s remarkable landscapes. The syllabus might include a deep dive into captivating destinations like Norway’s fjords or the islands of Vietnam’s Ha Long Bay, all helping you understand and appreciate the natural processes that continue to transform the earth today.

Uncover natural wonders, like the famous Blue Lagoon, on Untamed Iceland.

When you step into a new part of the world, you become a student again. A different country is an ever-changing lesson in culture, cuisine, history, and more. And in one of these regions, perhaps you’ll unlock a new passion or interest that makes you feel like you’re standing outside a classroom with a full backpack ready. So, whether you choose to explore the limestone tombs of Egypt or the wildlife of the Pacific Ocean, treat every adventure like it's the first day of school.

Get your unofficial—but no less beneficial—credit in Zoology 101 during Ultimate Africa: Botswana, Zambia & Zimbabwe Safari.