DESCRIPTION

The Au Pair Weekend program, "Experience America," is offered through the University of California San Diego. 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 can also satisfy the U.S. Department of State au pair educational requirement. It is very affordable and can be customized to fit your needs. 

Your "combo" registration includes the following two courses: 

Make a Difference 
Take advantage of this opportunity to interact directly with Americans through a number of unique learning opportunities, designed to help you enjoy and make the most of your time abroad. Through a fun and interesting combination of classroom discussions, goal setting, field trips, community engagement, and other activities, you will learn important skills for dealing with the cultural and personal challenges that international visitors often face in the U.S. and when returning home. You will also experience the rich cultural diversity inherent in U.S. communities, with a specific focus on the San Diego area.

Discover San Diego
In addition to gaining a greater understanding of the United States and the San Diego 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. customs, rituals, celebrations, and important holidays while also learning about exciting events in U.S. history. Through various field trips and activities, you will be able to explore and further understand important historical sites that you’ve learned about in class.

COMBO COURSE COST 

Costs for Make a Difference & Discover San Diego:

$500 Class Tuition + $15 Registration Fee + $150 Food/Materials/Activity Fee. 

Housing is optional and provided ONLY for students who sign up for housing through this registration site.

Please Note: A $50 late registration fee applies when registering after December 18th.

Parking is free for the weekend in the parking garage adjacent to the campus building.

CLASS MEETING SCHEDULE

Fridays: 12:00 - 9:00 p.m. (check-in and lunch from 11-11:45 am)
Saturdays: 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Sundays: 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Mondays: 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. 

Attendance is mandatory during the times listed above. 

COURSE WORK REQUIREMENTS

In addition to attending all hours of class-time, you must complete three pre-assignments per course (six altogether) to prepare for coming to Au Pair Weekend. We also have follow-up activities and assignments that will be explained in detail during the weekend. If you have a completion deadline within a month of your course date, please email the program coordinator in advance to get instructions on starting your post-assignments early, if necessary. 

Select from a variety of classes, assignments, and activities to earn up to 80 hours! 

• Course work includes classroom hours, activities, excursions, plus related assignments such as goal setting, journaling, analysis, community engagement, and service-learning experiences. 
• Pre-assignments help prepare you for class, and follow-up assignments solidify what you've learned to help make the most of your experience in the U.S. Get started early so that you'll have plenty of time to complete your pre-assignments. Details explaining how to enroll in Canvas, where you will find instructions for pre-assignments, will be sent to you after you register. If you DO NOT receive this email within 24 hours of registering for a course, it is your responsibility to email your Program Coordinator so she can get you the information.
• Check with your au pair agency concerning hours and credits, as requirements vary with different agencies. 

CONTACTING YOUR PROGRAM COORDINATOR

You may contact your Program Coordinator, Savannah Benefield, by email or phone, but email is preferred. 

Email: [email protected]
Phone: (619) 354-5299