From City Lights to Canyon Heights:
Nature's Classroom in the Southwest
Begin your 4-day, 3-night course in Las Vegas, where learning meets adventure in the heart of the Southwest’s stunning landscapes. Hotel check-in begins at 3 p.m., followed by a 4 p.m. meet-up—your first opportunity to connect with your teacher and classmates in-person as you embark on an unforgettable educational adventure!
Over the next 24 hours, your teacher will lead you in discovering how the vibrant city of Las Vegas blends Southwest-inspired design with nature. From desert-style architecture to water features mimicking the Colorado River, you'll explore the city's unique connection between innovation and the surrounding natural environment. (Not to worry—you'll also have free time to explore what interests you.)
On the morning of Day 3, your experience deepens as an expert guide joins your teacher, bringing even greater insight to your journey through the breathtaking natural wonders of the American Southwest. Over the next two days, stand in awe at the Grand Canyon, weave through the narrow passages of Antelope Canyon, take in the sweeping views of Horseshoe Bend, admire the engineering marvel of Hoover Dam, and cruise along historic Route 66. With both your teacher and guide leading the way, you'll gain a richer understanding of these iconic landscapes and their significance.
This course is an immersive, hands-on experience—where the Southwest becomes your classroom! With a limited number of spots available, sign up soon!
What’s the schedule for the course?
September 14 - September 27, 2025 course
Live online Zoom session
Sunday, September 14 — Class begins at 3:30 p.m. and ends at 6:30 p.m.
In-person experience
Wednesday, September 24 — Class begins at 4 p.m. and ends at 8 p.m.
Thursday, September 25 — Class begins at 10 a.m. and ends at 3 p.m.
Friday, September 26 — Class begins at 7 a.m. and ends at 8 p.m.
Saturday, September 27 — Class begins at 7 a.m. and ends at 8 p.m.
Please note: All times reflect Pacific Time
Day 1 – Wednesday, September 24, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Start your experience in Las Vegas with an evening class session, where you’ll meet your classmates and set the stage for an unforgettable adventure. Enjoy a welcome group dinner and get to know those who will share this journey with you.
Day 2 – Thursday, September 25, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Dive into the vibrant culture of Las Vegas through an engaging class session as you explore the city’s unique blend of entertainment, history and desert surroundings. Discover how this ever-evolving city thrives in the heart of the Southwest before preparing to set out on the road.
Day 3 – Friday, September 26, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Depart Las Vegas and experience the Southwest’s historic and scenic wonders. Walk across Hoover Dam, travel iconic Route 66, and take in breathtaking views at the Grand Canyon’s South Rim. Overnight stay in Arizona.
Day 4 – Saturday, September 27, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Start your morning with a short hike to the stunning overlook at Horseshoe Bend. Then venture through world famous Lower Antelope Canyon with a Navajo guide before making the scenic return to Las Vegas.
We’re scheduled to arrive back in Las Vegas at 8 p.m. For those of you flying home this evening (many guests take “red eye” flights in the late evening), our driver will make drops at both the Las Vegas Airport as well as at the Hyatt Place Hotel (in case you wish to spend another night in Las Vegas and want to book your own hotel room here).
Q&A for Days 3 and 4
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No (unless you have personal preferences)! Unlimited water, non-alcoholic drinks, and snacks will be provided along the way.
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You’ll travel in high-roof, extended-length passenger vans with 9 feet (2.7 meters) of headroom, large viewing windows, and plenty of legroom for a comfortable ride.
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Suitcases and rolling luggage of any size (including carry-ons) are not permitted due to the van’s limited storage space. You’re welcome to bring backpacks, duffel bags, or other soft-style bags. Please click here for further details.
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No, there is no bathroom onboard, but we make regular stops so students can use restrooms along the way.
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No, your Antelope Canyon admission is included in the tuition. Guided tours, led by Navajo guides, offer insights into the Canyon’s history, geology, and cultural significance.
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There is a moderate amount of walking required on this tour:
Horseshoe Bend: Approximately 1.2 miles (1.9 km) round-trip
Lower Antelope Canyon: Approximately 1 mile (1.6 km) total, including descending five flights of stairs
Please note: This tour is not suitable for wheelchairs, walkers, or mobility scooters.
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You will stay at the Baymont Inn & Suites in Page, Arizona
(phone 928.608.5258).
Please note the following:
The online (Zoom) class takes place live with your participation — and your camera on — as well as that of your teacher and fellow students.
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.
As the start of classes draws near, we will send each student a link to a WhatsApp chat group that will allow us to communicate with students and students to communicate with one another about their plans in regard to travel and more.
How much is tuition and what does it include?
The tuition price is $1,199 and includes the following:
— 3 nights hotel accommodation (a bed of your own on Wednesday, Thursday & Friday night)
— Entrance fee to Grand Canyon
— Entrance fee to Horseshoe Bend
— Entrance fee to Antelope Canyon ($80 value)
— Welcome dinner (Wednesday)
— 3 breakfasts (Thursday, Friday & Saturday)
— $20 cash lunch contribution (Saturday)
— Snacks and non-alcoholic beverages (Day 3 & 4)
— All transportation during class hours with your teacher
Please note that the cost of airfare to/from Las Vegas is not 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.
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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.
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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 Las Vegas, 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.
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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.
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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.
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If you need to cancel the course, the following cancellation policy applies:
- If you cancel on or before Sunday, August 10, you will receive a full refund.
- If you cancel between Monday, August 11, and Sunday, August 24, you will forfeit $500.
- If you cancel after Sunday, August 24, you will receive neither a refund nor a credit.
