We also offer hybrid classes that combine online (Zoom) learning with in-person, expertly guided "out and about" experiences in the city you've chosen to visit.

Each of our classes requires students to take an active role in group discussions, activities, projects and the like. In short, your full attention and participation are required, whether it be online, in the classroom or out and about with your teacher.

What is the attendance policy?
Since each Learning America course consists of a limited number of class sessions, Towson University requires you to attend -- and actively participate in -- each class from its start time to its end time. If you fail to do so, you will not be eligible to receive a certificate of completion. Class attendance is carefully monitored by Towson University.

What else should I know about the course?
To make sure the course you've chosen is not already full, first sign up for the course and receive the enrollment confirmation we'll email you within 24 hours. Once that's done, you may book your air travel and/or accommodations.

Can I have a friend join me during the "out and about" portions of the class?
The "out and about" portions of the course are important parts of each Learning Across America course. Although we often have a wait list for our courses, Towson University limits the number of students in each course in order to maintain a productive learning environment for both the student and the teacher.

As a result of Towson's policy and the requirements of our insurance coverage, only enrolled students are permitted to join the "out and about" portions of their course. We are, however, happy to provide interested students with the end point location of each day’s class so they can meet up with friends there.

Students who do not comply with our policy of allowing only enrolled students to participate in the "out and about portions" of their course may lose educational credit and will not be eligible for a refund.

How does COVID affect in-person classes?
While vaccination is no longer mandatory, both Learning Across America and Towson University strongly encourage students to be fully vaccinated and boosted against COVID.

It’s important to self-monitor for COVID symptoms before the in-person phase of your class begins. If you develop symptoms you should isolate and get tested. Should you develop symptoms during the 10-day period before the in-person phase of your class, please contact us immediately so we can help you address the situation properly.

Students who risk the safety of their fellow classmates and fail to comply with the COVID policies of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, local authorities as well as Learning Across America and its partner schools, will be asked to leave the program and will not be eligible for a refund.

By attending a Learning Across America course, you acknowledge and assume all risks associated with exposure to COVID.

What if I have more questions?
If you have a question please contact Learning Across America by [email][2] or phone (800.979.1872).

You can also reach out to us by live chat, Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time.

Credit hours
Why do credit hours matter?
Au pairs are required to earn 6 educational credits during their year in the United States. For most au pair organizations, 6 credits equals 72 hours. It's important to check with your au pair organization to confirm how many hours are required for 6 credits.

How many credits will I earn?
Depending on the course in which you enroll, once you successfully complete a Learning Across America course you'll earn either 36 or 72 hours of credit awarded by Towson University.

If you have additional questions regarding credit hours, please contact your au pair organization.

What must I do to earn credits for Learning Across America courses?
To earn credits for Learning Across America courses you must attend all class sessions and satisfactorily complete the pre- and post-assignments as well as any other required work. Classes require each student to take an active role in group discussions, activities, projects and the like. In other words, your full attention and participation are required.

Registering for a class
How do I register for a class?
Please click here to learn how to register for a Learning Across America class. You’ll need a credit or debit card to pay for the class.

If I need to book air travel and/or accommodations in connection with my class, when should I do so?
To make sure the course you’ve chosen is not already full, first sign up for the course and receive the enrollment confirmation we'll email you within 24 hours. Once that’s done, you may then book your air travel and/or accommodations.

Tuition, tuition refunds and course transfers
What does the tuition price include?
To see what's included in your class's tuition price and what's not, please refer to the corresponding page on the Learning Across America website describing the class.

What if I need to cancel my course?
If you cancel...

• 22 or more days before the start of the first class, you will receive a full refund.
• 21 to 11 days before the start of the first class, you will receive a full refund, minus a $50 cancellation fee.
• 10 days or less before the start of the first class, you will not receive a refund. Instead you will receive a credit that can be applied toward the tuition price of any Learning Across America course. The credit will be in the amount of the tuition you paid, minus a $75 cancellation fee. The credit is good for one year and is transferable.
• Once the class begins, their is neither a refund nor credit.

As an alternative, please be aware that should you need to cancel, we offer the flexibility to transfer your enrollment in the same course to another au pair without penalty, provided we receive notice at least 3 days before the start of the course.

Students who must cancel their course need to send an email to Learning Across America. The cancellation request must be sent directly by the student. Please make sure that the subject line of your email is Attention: Cancellation of Course.

Please note that special cancellation policies apply to certain courses like those involving sea cruises. In those cases, the course description found on our website will include the cancellation policy that applies to that specific course.

What if I wish to transfer to another Learning Across America course?
If you decide to transfer to another Learning Across America course...

• 22 or more days before the start of your original course, you may transfer without penalty.
• 11 to 21 days before the start of your original course, a $50 transfer fee will apply.
• 10 days or less before the start of your original course, no transfer will be permitted.
• Once the class begins, no transfers will be permitted.

Educational certificates
What’s important to know about Towson University?
Towson University is an accredited post-secondary institution and is ranked among the top 10 public universities in the North region according to U.S. News & World Report. It is one of the public universities of the state of Maryland.

How soon will I receive my educational certificate?
Students will be given 3 weeks to complete their post-assignment and turn it into their teacher. Once you submit your post-assignment and have satisfactorily completed all coursework, Towson University will send your certificate of completion within 10 days. You can turn in your post-assignment as soon as you complete it to receive your certificate sooner.