Upcoming Texas Courses
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December 2025
February 2026
⚠️ Limited Spots Available! Our Texas weekends consistently sell out. Don't miss your chance to experience the Cowboy Capital of the World!
What Makes Texas Unforgettable
Discover Real Texas
From cowboy history and the American Dream to exploring San Antonio and the Alamo— you'll gain deep insights into American culture through an authentic Texas lens.
Live the Ranch Life
#1 experience! Ride horses through Texas Hill Country, learn rope tricks, enjoy cowboy breakfasts, and immerse yourself in authentic ranch culture.
Connect Across Cultures
Develop real skills in cultural awareness and conflict resolution while connecting with au pairs from around the world. These are tools you'll use all year long.
Make Lifelong Friends
Through Cultural Show & Tell and interactive activities, you'll create deep connections and friendships that last far beyond the weekend.
Live the Real Cowboy Life
Imagine this:
You're riding horseback through authentic Texas Hill Country, learning to rope like a real cowboy, eating BBQ under the stars, and making friends from around the world—all while earning your educational credits.
This isn't just another weekend class. Our Texas course gives you an authentic immersion into cowboy culture at the Mayan Dude Ranch in Bandera—the "Cowboy Capital of the World." Students call it "life-changing," and many say it's the best weekend of their entire au pair year.
You'll discover American culture from a Texas perspective: exploring everything from the American Dream and U.S. history to Texas's unique cowboy heritage. Through interactive activities like Cultural Show & Tell and Circle Talk, you'll connect deeply with au pairs from around the world while developing real skills in cultural awareness and conflict resolution that you'll use throughout your au pair year.
You'll start in San Antonio, exploring the historic Alamo and experiencing the vibrant River Walk. Then you'll head to the ranch for two and a half days of complete immersion: horseback riding, cowboy breakfasts, line dancing, campfires with s'mores, and engaging classes taught by passionate instructors who make history come alive.
"I dreamed of going to Texas for a long time and I thought it's a nice chance to combine a trip and the credits. I was really excited but I never expected it to be SO GOOD! I loved everything about this weekend from the first second on. The instructors were super nice and welcoming, the location was AMAZING, the activities were super fun, the people I met became friends and I made memories for a lifetime! Thank you for the opportunity to experience Texas in the most amazing way!"
— Florentine S., Germany
Worth 60-72 hours (equivalent to 6 educational credits) toward your au pair requirements. Housing, transportation between locations, and all activities are included.
Housing & Transportation
Check-in is at the Historic Hotel Gibbs on Alamo Plaza. Transportation between Hotel Gibbs and the Mayan Dude Ranch is provided by Au Pair Weekend and is included in the course price.
Three nights of housing are included in this course. Thursday night housing will be provided at one of two San Antonio Hotels (either Hotel Gibbs or Hotel 1914 Historic Alamo Riverwalk). Friday and Saturday night housing will be provided at the Mayan Dude Ranch in Bandera, Texas. All standard housing includes two students per room with a shared bathroom.
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If a student would like to upgrade to a private room or would like to add an extra night of housing on either Wednesday night before the course begins or Sunday night after the course ends, these options will be available during registration.
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For students who drive a car to the course, overnight parking in downtown San Antonio costs about $45. There are no parking fees at the Mayan Dude Ranch.
Course Location
Address
Historic Hotel Gibbs
on Alamo Plaza
105 N. Alamo St.
San Antonio, TX 78205
Courses are offered in collaboration with
What Students Are Saying
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"One of the best au pair class experiences I've ever had (it's my second year being an Au Pair). They planned a lot of different activities that were all fun! And the stuff we learned in classes that's usually boring was still super interesting. Texas was definitely a fun time and I would do it again!!"
Sophie K.
Germany
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"I felt like a real 'cowgirl' getting the whole experience! The Ranch was beautiful and the people on the Ranch were so much fun and just so lovely! Definitely some of the most fun I've had here in the US! It exceeded my expectations by far!"
Tinize H.
South Africa
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"The ranch, be prepared to live the best experience of your life that you will never forget, you will literally live the cowboy life for real! The food is AMAZING, the activities are so fun and traditional. My only regret is not being able to do this weekend again! but i won't never ever forget it NEVER"
Fanny D.
France
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"The facilitators were amazing — always smiling, full of energy, and ready to answer any questions. The activities were engaging, and the group atmosphere made it easy to connect and have fun. I'm extremely grateful for this opportunity!"
Emma B.
France
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"The food was absolutely incredible! Every single meal was delicious, but the meat was definitely my favorite part — it reminded me so much of home that I actually got emotional eating it. It was the best food I've had in the U.S. so far!"
Luana F.D.B.
Brazil
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"One of the most memorable cultural experiences I've ever had. From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed with warm Southern hospitality. I made friendships that will last a lifetime. I would highly recommend this to any au pair!"
Chloe G.
Ireland
TEXAS staff
Click on a staff member's photo to read their bio.
Marcos
City Director
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Mary Ellen
Program Coordinator/Instructor
Becky
Instructor
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