San Francisco, a city of unique contrasts, continues to play an outsize role in America’s story. It’s been witness to many influential moments that have shaped the nation, ranging from the 1960s hippie counterculture to today’s tech revolution. The interconnectedness between the beat generation, hippie counterculture, LGBTQ+ rights movement, and the city’s large Asian American community reflects San Francisco's vibrant history of social activism, cultural exchange, and diversity.

While it's impossible to discuss the hippie movement in San Francisco without mentioning the Haight-Ashbury, each of the city’s neighborhoods has its own story to share. From the Castro district, one of America’s first gay neighborhoods, to Chinatown, the largest in North America, you’ll have the opportunity to dig more deeply and find out what makes San Francisco the city it is today as you travel through it on foot as well as on public transportation.

What’s the class schedule?
December 5 - December 8, 2024 course
- Thursday, December 5, 2024: Class begins at 8:45 a.m. and ends at 8 p.m.
- Friday, December 6, 2024: Class begins at 8:45 a.m. and ends at 8 p.m.
- Saturday, December 7, 2024: Class begins at 9 a.m. and ends at 6 p.m.
- Sunday, December 8, 2024: Class begins at 9 a.m. and ends at 2 p.m.
Please note: Times reflect Pacific Time

Important: 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.

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.

Where will classes take place?
Classes will take place at 433 Powell Street, San Francisco.

What are the highlights of the in-person experience?
The highlights of the in-person experience include the following: Union Square, Chinatown, Haight-Ashbury, Alamo Square Park (Painted Ladies), Golden Gate Park (Hippie Hill), Telegraph Hill, North Beach/Italian District, the Golden Gate Bridge, Financial District, Fisherman’s Wharf, the Embarcadero, Castro District, Mission District and Old Mission Dolores Museum.

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 should I know about accommodations?
Here are three hostels you may wish to consider: HI San Francisco Downtown (312 Mason Street), HI San Francisco Fisherman's Wharf (240 Fort Mason), and Green Tortoise Hostel (494 Broadway).

How much is tuition and what does it include?
The tuition price is $649 and includes the following:
- a ride on an iconic San Francisco cable car
- an unlimited 3-day public transportation pass (for use Friday-Sunday)
- $60 cash contribution toward your weekend food allowance
- one lunch
- all costs associated with the class (there are no additional material or activity fees!)

Please note that neither the cost of airfare to/from San Francisco 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 classes like?
Classes take place with your participation as well as that of your teacher and fellow students.  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, whether it be in the classroom or out and about with your teacher.

We appreciate the fact that English is not the native language for most of our students.  Consequently our classes are designed around their needs and abilities.

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 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.

If you plan to fly to San Francisco, please allow sufficient time to travel from the airport to class and back again.  Remember, you must attend each class and out and about session from start to finish in order to receive full credit.

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?
If you need to cancel an in-person course, the following cancellation policy applies:
- If you cancel 22 or more days before the start of the first class, you will receive a full refund.
- If you cancel 21 to 11 days before the start of the first class, you will receive a full refund, minus a $50 cancellation fee.
- If you cancel 10 days or less before the start of the first class, you will not receive a refund.  Instead, you will receive a voucher that can be applied toward the tuition price of any Learning Across America course.  The voucher will be in the amount of the tuition you paid, minus a $75 cancellation fee.  The voucher is valid for one year and is transferable.
- Once the class begins, no refunds or vouchers will be issued.