Welcome to the Heart of Diversity: New York City!
This bustling metropolis isn't just America's largest city; it's a rich mosaic woven from the lives and cultures of people from across the globe. With nearly 40% of its residents coming from other countries, New York City serves as a hub of almost 800 languages and countless stories waiting to be discovered.

Why New York?
Have you ever wondered what attracts people from all over the world to this iconic city? Could their reasons connect with your own hopes for coming to America? This course provides answers to these questions, revealing how New York's diversity has influenced its personality and energy.

Your Journey through New York Includes:
Classroom Learning: Explore the heart of New York City while also having the chance to exchange ideas with other au pairs. Together, you'll share stories, insights and adventures, enriching your au pair experience with mutual understanding and support.

City Explorations: Discover New York up close with our knowledgeable teacher/guide as you journey through neighborhoods like Little Italy, Chinatown and Brooklyn Heights, where diverse communities have thrived. Along the way, you'll encounter many famous sights, navigating the city on foot and by public transit, embracing the full New York experience.

Why this Course is Ideal for You: It's a Community of Au Pairs!
We strive to have our educational courses serve as a gateway to building a network of au pairs just like you. As a result, this course offers a unique platform to connect, share experiences, and forge lasting friendships. Through the vibrant backdrop of New York City, you'll deepen your understanding of American culture while becoming part of a supportive au pair community.

Ready to Discover New York?
Your journey into the multicultural soul of NYC—and into a community of like-minded au pairs—starts here. Join our New York City course!

What’s the class schedule?
February 22 - March 9, 2025 course
Live Online Zoom classes
- Saturday, February 22, 2025: Class begins at 10 a.m. and ends at 4 p.m.
- Sunday, February 23, 2025: Class begins at 10 a.m. and ends at 3 p.m.
- Wednesday, February 26, 2025: Class begins at 6:30 p.m. and ends at 9:30 p.m.
In-person city tour experience
- Friday, March 7, 2025: Class begins at 1 p.m. and ends at 8 p.m.
- Saturday, March 8, 2025: Class begins at 9 a.m. and ends at 6 p.m.
- Sunday, March 9, 2025: Class begins at 9 a.m. and ends at 3 p.m.
Please note: Times reflect Eastern Time

*Students will be able to store their luggage on Friday, March 7, at the meeting point and retrieve it at the conclusion of the day’s class. A fee applies.

Important: The online (Zoom) classes take place live with your participation - and your camera on - as well as that of your teacher and fellow students.  Classes are not recorded for later playback.  Classes require each student to take an active role in group discussions, activities, projects, etc.  In other words, your full attention and participation are required.

Students will receive a pre-assignment as well as a post-assignment. The pre-assignment will be sent to students at least one week before the start of class.

WhatsApp chat group
Please also note that as the start of classes draws near, we will send each student a link to a WhatsApp group that will allow us to communicate with students and students to communicate with one another about their plans in regard to travel, accommodations and more.

What are the highlights of the city explorations?
The highlights of the city explorations include the following: the Seaport, sightseeing boat cruise of downtown with a close up of the Statue of Liberty, 9/11 Memorial, the Oculus, Chinatown, Little Italy, SoHo, City Hall, Brooklyn Bridge, DUMBO, Brooklyn Heights, SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, Central Park and Times Square.

Please keep in mind that plans are subject to change in light of factors such as the weather, time constraints, road closures and events taking place in the city during the time of your visit.

What are the New York City meeting points?
To better plan your time in New York City, here are the start points of your in-person learning experience:
- Friday — 1 p.m. near 9/11 Memorial
- Saturday — 9 a.m. Grand Central Station
- Sunday — 9 a.m. Grand Central Station

What should I know about accommodations?
A visit to the Hostelworld website will enable you to view various hostels in New York City.  Among the well-rated hostels you may wish to consider is HI New York City Hostel (891 Amsterdam Avenue).

How much is tuition and what does it include?
The tuition price is $599 and includes the following:
- welcome meal on Day 1
- 7-day unlimited MetroCard transportation pass (good on subways and buses)
- admission to the SUMMIT One Vanderbilt skyscraper experience
- boat cruise along downtown New York City with a close-up of the Statue of Liberty
- all costs associated with the class (there are no additional material or activity fees!)

Please note that neither the cost of airfare to/from New York City nor overnight accommodations is included.

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.  Once that’s done, you may then book your air travel and accommodations.

What are the online (Zoom) classes like?
The online (Zoom) classes take place live with your participation as well as that of your teacher and fellow students.  Classes are not recorded for later playback.  Classes require each student to take an active role in group discussions, activities, projects, etc.  In other words, your full attention and participation are required.

What is the attendance policy?
Since each Learning Across America course consists of a limited number of class sessions, Towson University requires you to attend – and actively participate in – each class and tour day 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.  Towson University carefully monitors class attendance.

What else should I know about the course before I enroll?
Before you sign up for any course, double check class times (both online (Zoom) and in-person) as well as the time zone according to which the class will be taught.  Make certain that the class times do not conflict with your work commitment to your host family.  If the times conflict, this is not the course for you.

How many credit hours will I earn?
Once you successfully complete this course, you’ll earn 72 hours of credit.

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

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, you will receive your certificate of completion directly from Towson University within 10 days, assuming you have satisfactorily completed all course work. Feel free to turn your assignment in as soon as you complete it, as this will allow us to get your certificate to you sooner.

What is the cancellation policy?
Students who must cancel their course will receive a 100% refund if they notify Learning Across America by email at least 5 days before the first class. Students who cancel less than 5 days before the start of the first class will forfeit $75 unless they transfer to another Learning Across America course. There will be no refunds or transfers permitted once the first class begins.