DESCRIPTION

The Au Pair Weekend program, "Experience America," is offered through the University of California San Diego. This unique and exciting 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, and it's very affordable. 

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 Diego area.

Discover San Diego and the U.S.
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. 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 Diego that you’ve learned about in class.

COMBO COURSE COST 

The all-inclusive price of $649 includes tuition and registration, course materials, educational excursions including activities and transportation during class hours, as well as six meals.

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 February 20th.

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

CLASS MEETING SCHEDULE

New class times starting March 2020!

Friday: 12:00 - 9:00 p.m. (check-in and lunch from 11-11:45 am)
Saturday: 9:00 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Sunday: 9:00 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Monday: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

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 either 60 or 72 educational hours (equivalent to 6 credits)!

After you receive your instructions, 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, Amber Wortz, by email or phone, but email is preferred.

Email: [email protected]