in-person weekend
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
We offer seven different courses in ten locations across the country. Courses are designed to help you get the most out of your experience in the U.S. and can be taken in any order.
Practice your English in one of the biggest cities in the U.S.!
Get to know your classmates as you practice your language skills!
Learn from experienced ESL instructors!
Practice your English in one of the biggest cities in the U.S.!
English Language Skills
for Au Pairs
Practice your English skills in New York City!
Offered in New York City
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!
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 in the heart of New York City!
Our English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) program is designed to provide au pairs the opportunity to improve their English language proficiency. These courses are fully accredited through UCLA and approved for the Au Pair J-1 visa category. Learn more about in-person ESOL courses here!
Take courses from professional artists & performers!
Offered in New York City and Los Angeles
Channel your creativity and take an in-depth look at what the U.S. has to offer in the fields of arts and entertainment! Through a combination of classroom discussions, hands-on workshops, and excursions around Los Angeles or New York, you will see for yourself why “the creative capitals of the world” have earned their nicknames. We focus on the importance of creativity and how to use it in your personal and professional lives. This course is offered in two cities and has two tracks to choose from: Performing Arts or Visual Arts. See below for detailed descriptions of both tracks.
Explore the influence of Hollywood on the US and the world.
Visit Hollywood during our weekend class in L.A.
Participate in hands-on workshops for both visual and performing arts tracks.
Explore the influence of Hollywood on the US and the world.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
At our New York class, get shakin' with our Beyonce dance workshops.
Take your own paparazzi photos outside of well-known New York theaters.
Learn drama and acting techniques from professional actors.
At our New York class, get shakin' with our Beyonce dance workshops.
Performing Arts
Offered in New York City and Los Angeles
36 Hours Equivalent to 3 Credits
Deepen your understanding of the performing arts through classes, hands-on workshops, and excursions throughout LA or NYC. We offer workshops on drama and music, and dance, taught by artists in the field. In LA, you’ll learn about the history of the film and TV industry, with a particular emphasis on Hollywood; in NY, you'll learn about the history of drama and the importance of the New York theater scene. In both cities, you will have the chance to visit some well-known districts related to the performing arts. Both courses will include attending live performances once COVID restrictions allow. No performing arts background? That's okay! We focus more on the creative process and becoming comfortable with trying something new.
Have fun no matter which side of the camera you're on!
Students in New York will learn the basics of sketching and can choose to take an advanced sketching workshop as well.
Show off your creativity in our art workshops!
Have fun no matter which side of the camera you're on!
Visual Arts
Offered in New York City and Los Angeles
36 Hours Equivalent to 3 Credits
Deepen your understanding of the visual arts through classes, hands-on workshops, and excursions throughout LA or NYC. Participate in workshops on art and photography, taught by artists in the field. In LA, learn about art history and its influence on social media and pop culture today, as well as street art throughout Los Angeles. In New York, learn about art history and see some of New York City's most recognized architectural landmarks. In both cities you will spend time in one or more world-famous art museums. You will also practice your photography skills during a photo challenge using iconic sites in Hollywood or Times Square as your backdrop. We'll provide you with the materials you need to get your creativity flowing, even if you've never considered yourself to be an artist.
Share your goals and aspirations with your classmates.
Students volunteer at World Refugee Day in Salt Lake.
Learn about conflict resolution--although we don't think you'll need it here!
Share your goals and aspirations with your classmates.
Make a difference
Get involved in the community!
Offered in Boston, Chicago, Utah, Texas, San Diego, San Francisco, Tampa, & DC
36 Hours Equivalent to 3 Credits
This course is designed specifically to help au pairs navigate the cultural and personal challenges of living in the U.S. Learn important life skills through an engaging combination of classroom discussions, community activities, and student assignments. You will discuss cultural diversity in the United States and learn to successfully interact with people from different backgrounds and life experiences. Our experienced instructors will help you learn ways to deepen your connection with your community. You will also benefit from being in a diverse classroom, which will allow you to make new friends with individuals from all over the world and put everything you are learning into practice. Be the change you want to see in the world!
Learn about the faces represented by the well-known landmarks in DC.
Step out into the community and try something new!
Students in SLC visit the Olympic Museum.
Learn about the faces represented by the well-known landmarks in DC.
DISCOVER the u.s.
Discover 8 major cities around the country!
Offered in Boston, Chicago, Utah, Texas, San Diego, San Francisco, Tampa, & DC
36 Hours Equivalent to 3 Credits
In addition to gaining a greater understanding of the United States, you will also have the opportunity to share your home country's culture with other students and compare it to key aspects of American life. You will gain in-depth knowledge of U.S. geography while also learning about exciting events in U.S. history and how they have influenced the current U.S. political culture and process. Through various excursions and activities, you will be able to explore and further understand the important historical and cultural identity of the course city area that you are visiting.
combo Make a difference & Discover the u.s.
Two courses in one weekend!
Offered in Boston, Chicago, Utah, Texas, San Diego, San Francisco, Tampa, & DC
72 Hours Equivalent to 6 Credits
Take advantage of earning 72 educational hours (equivalent to 6 credits) in just one weekend! Our Make a Difference and Discover the U.S. Combo turns the two courses into one fun filled adventure! In this four day course, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the area you are visiting and the local cultural landmarks. In the classroom you’ll get to know your au pair classmates as you share your experiences and opinions, and discuss what it means to be part of a community. You’ll also learn about American culture, geography and history. It’s an exciting weekend of discovering both yourself and your community!
EXPLORE OUR ENVIRONMENT
Learn about the environment!
Are you afraid of snakes?
What will you discover this weekend?
Explore Our Aquatic Environment
Special edition, offered in Tampa - 36 Hours Equivalent to 3 Credits
This course is great for ocean lovers! Explore the geographically diverse science wonders of the Tampa Bay area through a fun and interesting combination of classroom discussions, field trips, and lab work. You will also gain an understanding of marine conservation topics and applications related to dolphins, manatees, sea turtles and sharks!!! Learn about identifying the biodiversity of Gulf of Mexico’s shark populations by collecting and analyzing shark teeth and other marine fossils. Then, you will learn about the rescue, rehabilitation and release of distressed or injured sea life.
This class will visit:
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Venice Beach, Florida – You will spend some time collecting fossils of sharks' teeth, which you will take home after our shark tooth identification lab.
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Clearwater Marine Aquarium – You will visit this rescue aquarium and marine hospital, famously known as the home of Disney’s “Winter” from Dolphin Tale!
Become an environmental scientist for the weekend!
Explore Our Environment
Offered in Tampa - 72 Hours Equivalent to 6 Credits
Get ready to explore the geographically diverse science wonders of the Tampa Bay area through a fun and interesting combination of classroom discussions, excursions, and lab work. Learn about wilderness geocaching, environmental science, disasters and preparedness, salt water desalinization, healthy habitats, manatees, water chemistry, and more through field trips in the Tampa Bay area. You'll also have a chance to study environmental problems that affect your home country and present your findings to your fellow classmates.
COURSEWORK REQUIREMENTS
Select from a variety of classes, activities, and assignments to earn the equivalent of 3 or 6 credits!
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Coursework includes pre-weekend assignments, classroom hours, activities in and out of the classroom, excursions, and may include post-weekend assignments. Each day of your weekend class will be packed full of engaging classes, activities, and exploring your city.
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Pre-weekend assignments help prepare you for class. The assignments vary by course, but may include student discussion boards, quizzes, and presentations to be shared during the course. Assignment details will be sent to you after you register.
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Post-weekend assignments strengthen what you've learned over the weekend. These include written reflections based on weekend classes and activities, and other activities designed to help you make the most of your experience in the U.S. Note: Arts & Entertainment and Explore Our Aquatic Environment do not require post-weekend assignments.
Check with your au pair agency concerning hours and credits, as requirements may vary.