Choose Your Option
Get your credits while experiencing San Francisco
$598
6 Credits (72 Hours)
Complete Package
✓ All 6 credits in one registration
✓ (1) Weekend course in San Francisco
✓ (1) Online course (self-paced)
✓ SF excursions + free holiday events
✓ Make friends from around the world
Two courses bundled:
Connect in the U.S. (in-person) + Discover the U.S. (online)
popular
$349
3 Credits (36 Hours)
Single Weekend Course
✓ Connect in the U.S. (in-person)
✓ Learn conflict resolution & cultural skills
✓ SF excursions included
✓ Make friends from around the world
✓ Free holiday events
⚠️ Few spots remaining • Registration closes November 28 or when full.
San Francisco Course Details
In-person courses include both pre-weekend and post-weekend assignments. Pre-weekend assignments open 3 weeks before the scheduled weekend and are due 1 week before the city weekend. After the weekend, you will have 3 weeks to complete your coursework.
Click the course title to learn more.
Connect in the US: Exploring Cultural Exchange
What Students Are Saying
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"San Francisco was everything I had hoped for and more. The Golden Gate Bridge and Fisherman's Wharf were breathtaking. What made it even more special was connecting with other au pairs from around the world. I left feeling inspired and grateful!"
Dillon P.
South Africa
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"I think the whole experience was amazing. Everyone came from different countries. The teachers were passionate and very patient. The excursions gave me time to explore different places in San Francisco - it was so cool!"
Shuyu P.
China
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"The value received far exceeded the price paid. The knowledge, cultural insights, and networking opportunities have had a lasting impact. I would strongly recommend this program to other au pairs!"
Camille D.
France
Top Student-Rated Experiences
During the course, you'll visit the places students loved most:
#1 Student Fav
Chinatown
Explore one of North America's oldest Chinatowns
Top Rated
Golden Gate Bridge
Iconic views of SF's most famous landmark
Highly Rated
Fisherman's Wharf
Interactive photo challenge at the waterfront
Plus: Palace of Fine Arts & Marina District • Mission District • Castro Neighborhood • De Young Museum
✓ Balanced outdoor experiences with classroom time
✓ 7+ locations visited over the weekend
✓ Perfect mix of learning and exploring
Free Holiday Events Every Evening After Class
Experience San Francisco's holiday magic—all accessible after your daily sessions!
FREE
Let's Glow SF
Nation's largest FREE projection festival: 8 buildings illuminated nightly 5:30-10pm
✓ Friday 9-10pm (after class)
✓ Saturday 5:30-10pm (4.5 hours!)
✓ Sunday 5:30-7:30pm
FREE
Fairmont Gingerbread House
22-foot Victorian masterpiece made of 10,000+ gingerbread bricks—open evenings in hotel lobby
✓ Saturday evening
✓ Sunday evening
tickets ~$15
Union Square Ice Rink
Holiday ice skating in the heart of San Francisco—open evenings through January 19
✓ Saturday evening
✓ Sunday evening
More Evening Activities After Classes
Also happening this weekend:
SF Ballet's Nutcracker • Symphony concerts • Cirque du Soleil ECHO
Coordinate with your cohort in the WhatsApp group to explore together!
Even Bay Area students discover their city in new ways:
"I've been living near San Francisco for almost two years as an au pair and I feel like I discovered a lot of things I did not know thanks to the course. I will carry it forever in my heart."
- Adrielly S., Brazil
(Bay Area resident for 2 years)
Skills You'll Actually Use
Learn through interactive activities, not just lectures.
Learn Important Skills Like:
✓ Conflict resolution
✓ Cultural awareness
✓ Understanding diversity
✓ Community engagement
Make Lasting Friendships
✓ Connect with au pairs from around the world.
✓ Develop your support network for the year ahead.
Experience San Francisco
✓ Excursions to iconic landmarks
✓ Explore diverse neighborhoods
✓ Important cultural sites
Engaging Teaching
✓ Culture games, group discussions, active listening practice - taught by an award-winning educator who knows how to make learning stick.
Learn with Valerie Ziegler
San Francisco City Director • 2010 California Teacher of the Year
Valerie brings 20+ years of teaching experience to every weekend, including curriculum development work with Stanford University and professional development across four continents. Her deep knowledge of San Francisco and genuine care for students create an experience that goes beyond a typical course.
Students consistently say Valerie is a highlight of their au pair year - not just because of her credentials, but because she brings San Francisco to life in a way that makes every moment memorable.
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200+
5-Star Student Reviews
"Valerie was amazing! She made everything so fun and interesting. She's super nice, funny, and an awesome teacher!"
"Valerie made the class very entertaining and engaging. She's very dynamic and clearly passionate about what she does!"
Housing Options
Choose what works best for you as HOUSING IS NOT INCLUDED!
Book Our Hostel
✓ 15-minute walk to class
✓ 2 nights (Fri & Sat)
✓ Shared room with au pairs
✓ Breakfast included
✓ Easy—add during registration
popular
Coordinate Your Own
✓ Split Airbnb with new friends
✓ More space & privacy
✓ Stay with au pair friends
Housing & Transportation
Housing is not included with registration for this course. However, as a convenience to students we offer the option of adding housing at a hostel approximately 15 minutes by foot to our classroom building. Beds are limited and may sell out; they are available on a first-come, first-served basis. You can add a 2-night stay (Friday & Saturday) at the hostel in a shared room with 8-20 beds. Your stay includes a light breakfast in a to-go bag. There is also a kitchen where guests can store and prepare food on their own.
There will be a $50 administration fee for all housing refunds. Refunds only allowed up to 30 days prior to the weekend start date.
Course Location
Address
2748 Hyde St.
San Francisco, CA 94109
Courses are offered in collaboration with
san francisco staff
Click on a staff member's photo to read their bio.
Valerie
City Director
Kyla
Program Coordinator
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Deb
Program Assistant
Erin
Instructor
Common Questions
When do I arrive and leave?
Make sure your flight arrives by 3pm Friday to be on time to check-in at 4:30pm, December 6 (check-in at 4:30pm). Leave after 7:30pm Sunday, December 8 (class ends 5pm).
Who teaches the San Francisco weekend?
Valerie Ziegler, our San Francisco City Director and 2010 California Teacher of the Year, leads all SF weekends. She has 20+ years of teaching experience and has developed curriculum for Stanford University's History Education Group.
Are there assignments?
Yes. Pre-weekend assignments open 3 weeks before (due 1 week before). Post-weekend assignments due 3 weeks after. You need to complete all assignments for your completion letter.
How do I coordinate housing with others?
You can add an optional 2-night hostel stay (Friday & Saturday) about 15 minutes from class. Rooms are shared with 8–20 beds and include a light to-go breakfast. Beds are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Can I attend the holiday events?
Yes! Let's Glow SF is accessible every evening after class (especially Saturday 5:30-10pm), plus the Fairmont gingerbread house, Union Square ice rink, and Pier 39 tree shows. All projection shows and most activities are FREE!
What if I need to cancel?
Contact us as soon as possible. Housing cancellations have a $50 fee and must be 30+ days before the weekend. See full refund policy after registration.
Student Experiences from Around the World
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"San Francisco was everything I had hoped for and more. The Golden Gate Bridge and Fisherman's Wharf were breathtaking. What made it even more special was connecting with other au pairs from around the world. I left feeling inspired and grateful!"
Dillon P.
South Africa
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"Everything was well planned and so much fun. The best part? Meeting au pairs from all over the world and building amazing friendships. Each day was filled with learning, laughter, and memories I'll cherish forever."
Kayla S.
South Africa
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"The weekend was full of engaging activities, informative classes, and exciting excursions, all thoughtfully organized. This experience exceeded my expectations, and I'm so grateful to have been a part of it."
Yasmin A.
Brazil
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"The classes were very interesting and fun, not boring at all. The activities outside were wonderful because we had the opportunity to get to know San Francisco and appreciate the beautiful places and learn about new cultures."
Laura A.
Colombia
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"I've been living near San Francisco for almost two years as an au pair and I feel like I discovered a lot of things I did not know thanks to the course. I will carry it forever in my heart."
Adrielly S.
Brazil
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"The classes were interesting and not too long and the staff was really nice. It was fun and interesting to get to know many different people from all over the world and talk about their experiences and culture."
Johanna W.
Germany
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"The weekend experience was very valuable and enriching. I learned a lot about U.S. culture while also reflecting on my own, and the excursions made the lessons come alive."
Alexandra V.
Mexico
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"Everyone came from different countries. We explored the weekend together and I learned about different cultures. It was so cool! The teachers were passionate and very patient. The excursions are perfect."
Shuyu P.
China
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"The value received far exceeded the price paid. The knowledge, cultural insights, and networking opportunities have had a lasting impact. I would strongly recommend this program to other au pairs!"
Camille D.
France
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"The instructors were supportive, the course work was very organized and the topics were practical. The time I spent on the program was well spent and I will forever treasure the experience and memories."
Nkosiphendula N.
South Africa
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"Each of us talked about something that represents our country. It was really nice to learn about different cultures, and I learned so many things that I didn't know before."
Dilay K.
Italy
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"We talked about subjects that I don't discuss in simple conversation—subjects like poverty, inequalities, privilege. It was great and refreshed my mind on those questions."
Gersende R.
France
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"A very engaging experience where you can learn a lot while having fun. They give you the opportunity to know the city, and you get to meet people and learn from other cultures. I totally recommend it."
Micaela A.
Argentina
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"I connected with a lot of au pairs from all around the world. I also discovered the Bay and I'm so glad I was here to discover that beautiful city with my new friends. I strongly recommend this weekend!"
Gillianna B.
France
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"What I liked most was the contact with all the different people—at the same time we were so similar in some ways. Having this exchange of experiences and especially so much love in everything."
Sthefany S.
Brazil
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"Exceeded my expectations! The instructors were really helpful and the curriculum structure was well organized. I feel much better prepared after having taken this course."
Debora O.
Brazil
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"I had a wonderful time in SF! The topics were interesting, the teachers were great, and I made friends with people from all over the world. Definitely recommend!"
Teresa M.
Mexico
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"It was a great opportunity to meet people from all over the world and learn about their culture. The group activities were perfect to connect with everyone and the city tours were amazing!"
Jordon-Leigh M.
South Africa
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"Such an amazing experience! The knowledge I gained, the people I met, and the places I explored made this weekend unforgettable. Highly recommend to every au pair!"
Valeria S.
Colombia
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"I got to explore places I had never been to before, even though I live nearby. The course helped me see San Francisco in a completely new way!"
Saskia P.
Germany
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"The activities were well balanced between learning and having fun. I really enjoyed meeting au pairs from different countries and sharing our experiences together."
Maite P.
Argentina
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"The instructors made learning enjoyable and interactive. I appreciated how they connected the course material to real-life situations we face as au pairs."
Camila B.
Colombia
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"Beautiful experience! I met incredible people who come from all over the world. I was able to share and exchange. I also discovered beautiful places. The teachers are super nice and welcoming."
Noémie S.
Réunion
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"Everything was perfectly organized from start to finish. The combination of classroom learning and outdoor exploration made the weekend fly by. Would definitely do it again!"
Mara G.
Germany