DESCRIPTION

The Au Pair Weekend program, "Experience America," is offered through UCLA Extension (University of California Los Angeles) in the San Antonio, Texas area. This unique and fascinating program helps you, as an au pair working in the United States, to gain the most from your American experience. This program is very affordable and can satisfy the U.S. Department of State au pair educational requirement. 

Your "combo" registration includes the following two courses:

Make a Difference
Through a fun and interesting combination of classroom discussions, community activities, and student assignments, you will learn important skills for dealing with the cultural and personal challenges that international visitors often face in the U.S. You will have unique opportunities to reflectively look at U.S. cultural perspectives to see how they influence your relationships and communication with others. Certain classes will discuss how to engage and participate in a variety of community experiences. You will also examine the rich cultural diversity of U.S. communities, with a specific focus on the San Antonio/Texas frontier area.

Discover San Antonio and the U.S.
In addition to gaining a greater understanding of the United States and the San Antonio area, you will also have the opportunity to share your home country's culture with other students and compare it to key aspects of American life. You will gain in-depth knowledge of U.S. geography while also learning about exciting events in U.S. history and how they have influenced the current U.S. political culture and process. Through various field trips and activities, you will be able to explore and further understand the important historical and cultural identity of San Antonio that you’ve learned about in class.

COMBO COURSE COSTS

For Make a Difference and Discover San Antonio and the U.S.
The all-inclusive price of $799 includes tuition and registration, three nights lodging at Silver Spur Guest Ranch in Bandera, eight full meals, course materials, educational activities, all local transportation starting from the check-in location, and travel to the airport or San Antonio at departure.

You can also choose either or both of these add-on options: $20 for a one-hour horse trail ride at the ranch (doesn't count toward class hours), $50 housing upgrade (see Housing below).

Housing

Three nights (Thurs-Sat) of lodging at the Silver Spur Guest Ranch in Bandera, Texas are included in the weekend course price.

An optional $50 housing upgrade is available if you want to have your own twin-sized bed or be in a room with six or fewer students, with one bathroom. (The standard price includes either a shared bed or dorm room with 8-12 people, and one bathroom.)
Housing recommendations for Wednesday night, if you are arriving early.

Please Note: A $50 late feel applies when registering after Jan. 1st.

Plan to arrive on a flight NO LATER than 11:00 am on Thursday and depart no earlier than 5:00 pm on Sunday.

CLASS MEETING SCHEDULE
Thursday: 12:30 - 10:00 pm (Check-in from 12:00 - 12:30)
Friday: 8:00 am - 10:00 pm
Saturday: 8:00 am - 10:00 pm
Sunday: 8:00 am - 2:00 pm

Attendance is mandatory during the times listed above.

COURSE WORK REQUIREMENTS

Course work includes a fun and interesting combination of engaging classes and workshops, community activities, and pre- and post-weekend assignments that will help prepare you for class and also solidify what you've learned afterwards. All these are designed to help you make the most of your experience in the U.S.

Through a variety of classes, assignments, and activities, you will earn 60 or 72 educational hours (equivalent to 6 credits)! 

After you receive your instructions (8-9 weeks before the course), you will need to set up a Canvas account and begin doing weekly assignments before the course start date.

Plan to spend 1½ to 4 hours per week completing these assignments. Some will be very short, and others will take more time, so we have provided a suggested schedule in Canvas to help you manage your time. All pre-weekend assignments are due the Friday before class.

Register early so that you'll have plenty of time to get ready for class!

CONTACTING YOUR PROGRAM COORDINATOR

You may contact your Program Coordinator, Kelli Dougal, by email or phone, but email is preferred. 

Email: [email protected] 

Phone: (385)  355-4674