3 Practical Skills You Could Learn on Your Sabbatical

There are so many deep, emotionally driven reasons to take a sabbatical and see the world. But you can also use extended time away to learn practical skills that maybe you don’t have time for at home! Here are just 3 practical skills you could learn on your sabbatical.

Learn How to Speak Spanish

I got a lot of flack in high school for taking French instead of Spanish. The latter might have been the more practical option, but I chose a beautiful language I loved instead. At the time, my hometown didn’t have a huge Hispanic population and it didn’t seem that critical to me. I don’t regret learning French instead of Spanish by a long shot, but the practical option is still one worth having.

My sabbatical itinerary included time in Spain, Argentina, Peru, and Mexico. If you’re backpacking the Gringo Trail in South America, you’ll have so much opportunity to pick up and practice Spanish. It’s even popular among some backpackers to spend extra time in your first destination for language classes.

Even aside from practicality, learning another language has so many benefits for your life and your health. It can improve your memory and attention, your decision making skills, your mental health, and more!

Get Better at Cooking

Maybe you’re already a pretty decent cook. But there’s always room for improvement and taking a cooking class here and there while abroad is something I always excited for, whether it’s pounding out a curry paste from scratch in Thailand or piping macarons in Paris.

Plus, recipes make the best souvenirs!

Take on a New Water Sport

It took no fewer than eight years and ten different people to teach me how to swim. I like being in the water, but for whatever reason, I never liked the physical act of swimming as a kid. I still don’t do a whole lot, but I think things like snorkeling off the coast of Phuket, kayaking around the city walls of Dubrovnik, or surfing in Costa Rica are all much more motivational experiences than doing laps in the average American pool. Getting my sea legs was a big picture bucket list item for my sabbatical.

You don’t have to set hard and fast goals for practical skills you want to learn on your sabbatical. But give it some consideration and keep an open mind.