Details: Advanced English
Intermediate or Advanced English
IN-PERSON ENGLISH LANGUAGE COURSES
36 HOURS / EQUIVALENT TO 3 CREDITs OR 60 or 72 HOURS / EQUIVALENT TO 6 CREDITS
Get the most out of your time in the United States by improving your English skills! Learn about American accents, cultural traditions, and travel tips - all while exploring the sights and history of a major U.S. city! Learn to speak like a local using American expressions and idioms. Practice your listening and speaking skills with exciting classroom discussions, workshops, and excursions and strengthen your reading and writing skills with written assignments.
Learning about culture shock stages and self care practices will help you overcome the struggles of living in a new country. Developing your fluency and confidence will help you express yourself, so that you can more easily connect with your host family and local community.
This course is offered at two levels: Intermediate or Advanced. Click here to see which is right for you!
Available In:
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New York City: Practice your skills in the heart of it all! Use your English to navigate a diverse city full of different cultures and languages. (36 hours / 3 credits)
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San Diego: Learn about American culture from our expert instructors and enjoy the laid back beach culture. Advanced only. (60 or 72 hours / 6 credits)
What You'll Actually Do in NYC
Not just lectures — hands-on experiences at iconic NYC locations
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Sketch masterworks in the Metropolitan Museum's European Paintings gallery. Learn to see art with an artist's eye and bring home your own interpretations of world-famous paintings.
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Intermediate or Advanced English
Practice your English in one of the biggest cities in the U.S.!
Choose the vibe that's best for you!
Learn about American accents and expressions
Practice your English in one of the biggest cities in the U.S.!
Practice your English skills in an encouraging environment!
Get the most out of your time in the United States by improving your English skills! Learn about American accents, cultural traditions, and travel tips - all while getting to explore the sights and history of New York City or San Diego!
Practice your listening and speaking skills with interesting classroom discussions and workshops, and strengthen your reading and writing skills with written assignments. Learning American expressions and idioms will help you speak like a native! And best of all, this in-person course means that you get to practice everything you learn during the weekend with the friends you've made along the way! Like all APW courses, these are approved for the Au Pair J-1 visa category.
Upcoming NYC Courses
Click the course name to register.
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Course Details: Discover & Connect in the U.S.
📚 Course Format & Value
This intensive 4-day weekend combines learning, adventure, and connection. You'll complete assignments before the weekend (at your own pace) that set you up for deeper discussions during the weekend. Topics you'll explore before arriving include the American Dream, conflict resolution styles, and preparing your Cultural Show & Tell presentation.
During the weekend, you'll participate in interactive classes, hands-on activities, and real-world excursions—all designed to help you apply what you're learning. Everything from exploring the Alamo to your horseback ride includes educational elements that bring classroom concepts to life.
After the weekend, you'll complete reflection assignments that help you process your experience and think about how to apply these skills throughout your au pair year. Many students say these reflections are when the "aha moments" really hit.
What's Included in Your Registration:
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60 or 72 educational hours (equivalent to 6 credits) - meets annual requirement!
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3 nights housing (San Antonio hotel + 2 nights at the ranch)
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All transportation between locations
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All meals during the ranch stay (Thursday dinner through Sunday breakfast)
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All excursions and activities (horseback riding, museums, line dancing, etc.)
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Expert instruction from passionate teachers (177+ reviews!)
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Course materials and Canvas learning platform access
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Certificate of completion
Worth $1,179-$1,199 - Everything included, no hidden fees!
⚠️ Different agencies have different hour requirements - don't worry, we've got you covered! Whether you need 60 or 72 hours to fulfill your educational requirement, you can choose your track during registration. Both options give you the same amazing weekend experience.
Location & Experience
San Antonio, one of Texas' oldest chartered settlements, is full of history and diversity. You'll begin the weekend by stepping back in time at the Alamo, an 18th-century Franciscan mission that was the location of an important battle site for Texans fighting for independence from Mexico in 1836.
Explore the city's modern side with a stroll down the famous River Walk and an evening in San Antonio. Then, starting Friday, you'll have the unique opportunity to be immersed in Texas's famous "cowboy culture" as guests of the Mayan Dude Ranch in Bandera, the "Cowboy Capital of the World!"
Housing & Transportation
Three nights of housing included:
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Thursday night: Historic Hotel Gibbs on Alamo Plaza or Hotel 1914 Historic Alamo Riverwalk
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Friday & Saturday nights: Mayan Dude Ranch in Bandera, Texas
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All standard housing includes two students per room with shared bathroom
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Transportation between locations provided and included in course price
Optional upgrades available during registration:
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Private room upgrade
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Additional night (Wednesday before or Sunday after course)
Note for drivers: Overnight parking in downtown San Antonio costs approximately $45. No parking fees at the Mayan Dude Ranch.
What You'll Experience & Learn
Discover America Through Texas:
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Cowboy History & Culture - #1 favorite class! Explore authentic Texas heritage with artifacts and storytelling
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The American Dream - Understand U.S. history and what shapes American culture today
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U.S. Geography & Travel - Discover different regions and get insider travel tips
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San Antonio & Texas - Deep dive into local history from the Alamo to modern Texas
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Current Events - Think critically about what's happening in America today
Connect & Grow:
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Cultural Awareness - #1 favorite! Navigate cultural differences with confidence
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Conflict Resolution - Learn practical skills for your au pair family and beyond
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Community Engagement - Discover ways to make a difference where you live
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Understanding Diversity - Explore what diversity means in the U.S.
Interactive Activities Students Love:
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Cultural Show & Tell - Share YOUR culture with au pairs from around the world
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Circle Talk - A safe space to share your au pair journey and feel heard
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Barnga Game - Experience cultural norms and culture shock in a fun simulation
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Ask Me Activity - Practice active listening and connection skills
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Small group discussions and collaborative learning throughout
💡 Real Skills You'll Use: Students tell us they use what they learn here throughout their entire au pair year—from resolving conflicts with their host family to confidently navigating American culture. These aren't just classes; they're practical tools for your life in the U.S.
Excursions & Activities
All of our excursions aren't just fun, they're designed to help you apply what you're learning in real-world settings. From understanding American history at the Alamo to experiencing authentic Texas culture at the ranch, every activity has educational value that enhances your learning.
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Horseback Riding - #1 favorite excursion! Ride through authentic Texas Hill Country
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The Alamo - Step into Texas history at this iconic mission and battle site
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San Antonio Riverwalk - Explore the city with a photo challenge that gets you engaged
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Frontier Times Museum - Guided tour with Rebecca Norton featuring authentic cowboy artifacts and storytelling
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Line Dancing Lessons - Learn authentic Texas moves and embrace cowboy culture
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Cowboy Breakfast - Traditional ranch-style breakfast (students rave about this!)
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Campfire & S'mores - Under the stars with guitar music—pure magic
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Cowboy Olympics - Fun ranch competitions where you try roping and other cowboy skills
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Hayride - Scenic ride around the ranch property
"I was positively surprised that it actually is like you imagine it!" - Kim K., Germany