The 12 Most Unusual Schools That You Can Enroll in for a Day

Gladiators are legendary for their bravery, strength, and showmanship. Despite widespread fascination with the Roman Empire, becoming a gladiator is no longer a viable career option. Nevertheless, those who want to see if they have what it takes to become a gladiator can attend Gladiator School. Students in Gladiator School don tunics and wield replica weapons while learning the history of gladiators, trying a rigorous training program course used to stay in top physical shape, and learning a series of classic gladiator moves before ending their lesson with a battle to the “death” in a realistic arena reminiscent of the Colosseum. Aspiring gladiators who would rather be trained at their hotel can take lessons at the Rome Cavalieri, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel. I can attest that Gladiator School is very fun.

Many visitors to Venice take a gondola ride, but a lucky few learn how to row their own boats. Liv Tours books unique lessons with Row Venice, an all-female team of rowing instructors. Lessons are given in bateles rather than gondolas. Bateles were once the most popular type of boat in Venice. They are similar to gondolas but more stable, making them a better choice for novice rowers trying to navigate Venice’s narrow canals. Instructors in rowing school will also share facts about the history of boating in Venice, how to become a Gondolier and more. I thought rowing school was a lot more fun than a gondola ride.

Those who want to learn the secrets of charismatic Bollywood dancers can head to Jaipur, India, to see if they have what it takes to make it to the big screen. Some Intrepid Travel tours to India include a Bollywood dance class followed by a visit to the iconic Raj Mandir, a gorgeous art-deco-inspired Bollywood theatre to see if they can keep up with Bollywood stars. This classic India experience was one of my favorites.

Sumo wrestlers are an iconic part of Japanese culture. Yet, visitors to Japan are usually relegated to watching from the sidelines. The Palace Hotel Tokyo offers a rare opportunity for visitors to train and eat with real sumo wrestlers in Japan. Sumo students head to the Ajigawa Sumo Stable for Sumo school, where some of Japan’s top Sumo wrestlers live and train. Sumo students are welcomed with a traditional tea ceremony, observe sumo wrestlers in training, and try their hand at sumo wrestling. The lesson ends with a meal of Chankonabe, or Sumo Stew, a massive meal traditionally eaten by sumo wrestlers to help them gain weight.

Have you ever wondered if you have what it takes to survive a zombie apocalypse? Head to Bunker 51 in London for a seminar on preparedness and survival skills, just in case zombies take over. The school provides students with a readiness kit and weapons before giving them the opportunity to use their new skills to battle the walking dead. The longer you stay, the more zombies you will encounter in this fully immersive experience.

Every year, many travelers head to Kenya for a safari. However, those seeking a more immersive experience can enroll in the Masai Mara EcoQuest Program. Students live in the Mara Traning Centre for one to two weeks while they learn about the Big Five and other wildlife that call the Mara plains home, learn to track game, and explore the region’s unique fauna and flora. At night, students learn about the night sky above Kenya. For an even more immersive experience, students can enroll in a month-long safari guiding course. Or, join Cottar Safari’s Masai Warrior School and join a Masai Warrior on a wilderness run and learn more about the region’s cultural traditions.

Costa Rica’s lush Osa Peninsula is one of the most biodiverse regions on earth.  Head to the Botánika Osa Peninsula, Curio Collection by Hilton to attend Monkey School, where attendees learn about the four types of monkeys that call the peninsula home. Wind through rainforest trails while learning all about white-faced capuchins, howler monkeys, squirrel monkeys, and Central American squirrel monkeys in their natural habitats, and how to spot them.

Maybe becoming an astronaut wasn’t in the cards. However, if you never gave up on your dream of reaching the stars, head to astronaut school. See if you have what it takes to enroll in Adult Space Academy. During this three-day experience, would-be astronauts take a spin on a multi-access trainer, try their hand at building a heat shield, and blast off on a simulated space mission. Those looking for a more upscale experience can book a Virgin Atlantic astronaut experience in Antarctica through Nuba. This astronaut school ends with an out-of-this-world orbital flight complete with views of Earth and the feeling of complete weightlessness.

Circus School at Club Med Punta Cana and Club Med Opio en Provance doesn’t involve a lot of clowning around, but it is a lot of fun. Attendees can try a flying trapeze, high bungee, aerial silk, tightrope, juggling, trampolines, and more. All activities are supervised by specially trained Gentils Circassiens. Wearing a red nose and an outrageous wig are optional.