Whether you’re looking to earn educational credit or simply enjoy an unforgettable Travel Adventure, planning your experience should be fun — not confusing.
Below you’ll find answers to common questions about our Educational Courses, Tour-Only and Cruise-Only Travel Adventures, registration, payments, and policies.
Still wondering about something? Just reach out — we’re always happy to help.
Choosing the Right Experience
What is the difference between an Educational Course and a Travel Adventure?
Educational Courses include required learning activities and award education credit through Towson University. Depending on the course, requirements may include online classes, in-person instruction, assignments, and active participation.
Travel Adventures are non-credit travel experiences. Tour-Only and Cruise-Only participants enjoy the travel activities described on the individual adventure page, but don’t attend classes, complete coursework or assignments, or earn educational credit.
Who are Learning Across America experiences designed for?
Our Educational Courses and Travel Adventures are designed for au pairs. Eligibility and age requirements may vary by offering, so please review the individual course or adventure page before registering.
Education Courses
What types of Education Courses does Learning Across America offer?
Learning Across America offers educational travel courses designed specifically for au pairs.
Some courses include live classroom instruction in the destination city. Others combine online learning with live, teacher-led activities and “out and about” experiences in the destination you’ve chosen to visit.
All courses require students to participate fully in discussions, activities, projects, and other assigned work. Depending on the course selected, students can earn either 36 or 72 hours of educational credit awarded by Towson University.
What is the attendance policy for Education Courses?
Because each Learning Across America course includes a limited number of class sessions, students must attend and actively participate in every required session from beginning to end.
Attendance is carefully monitored. Students who don’t meet the attendance and participation requirements may not be eligible to receive a certificate of completion.
Can a friend who is not registered join a course activity?
Only enrolled students may participate in scheduled classes, “out and about” activities, transportation and other included course experiences.
This policy helps us comply with group-size limits, university requirements, vendor arrangements, and insurance requirements. We’re happy to provide students with the endpoint of a class day so they can meet friends after the scheduled program ends.
Students who don’t comply with this policy may lose educational credit and won’t be eligible for a refund.
Education Credit and Certificates
Why do education credits and hours matter?
Au pairs generally must complete an education requirement during their program year. Many au pair organizations treat 6 credits as equivalent to 72 educational hours.
Requirements can vary, so please confirm the number and type of credits or hours you need with your au pair organization before enrolling.
How many education hours can I earn?
Depending on the course selected, students who successfully complete all requirements earn either 36 or 72 hours of education credit awarded by Towson University.
What must I do to earn credit?
You must attend all required class sessions, participate actively, and satisfactorily complete the pre-assignment, post-assignment and any other required work.
Who awards the certificate?
Towson University, an accredited post-secondary institution, awards the certificate of completion for students who successfully meet all course requirements.
When will I receive my certificate?
You will have 3 weeks to complete your post-assignment and submit it to your teacher. After you submit it and satisfactorily complete all coursework, Towson University will email your certificate of completion within 10 days.
You may submit the post-assignment as soon as it’s complete if you would like to receive your certificate sooner.
Travel Adventures
What are Learning Across America Travel Adventures?
Travel Adventures are designed for au pairs who want to explore exciting destinations and meet other au pairs without completing online classes, coursework, or assignments.
Travel Adventures include Tour-Only and Cruise-Only options. The activities, accommodations, transportation, meals, and other inclusions vary by adventure, so please review the individual offering page carefully.
Do Travel Adventures include educational credit?
No. Travel Adventures are non-credit experiences. No educational credit is awarded, and there are no online classes, coursework, or assignments.
Can I register for a Travel Adventure by myself?
Yes. Many au pairs register on their own, and Travel Adventures are a great way to meet other au pairs.
Who will I share accommodations with?
Shared accommodations are assigned only with other Learning Across America participants unless the individual offering states otherwise.
For Cruise-Only experiences, each guest has their own bed in a two-bed cabin, and cabins are occupied only by au pairs participating in the cruise. Please review the specific adventure page for complete accommodation details.
What is the minimum age for a Travel Adventure?
Age requirements vary by offering. Our Cruise-Only experiences are open to au pairs age 18 and older. Please review the individual Travel Adventure page before registering.
Can an unregistered friend join a Travel Adventure activity?
Only registered participants may take part in scheduled tours, group activities, transportation, and other included experiences. Friends may meet you after the scheduled program ends, but they may not accompany the group during included activities.
Registration and Travel Planning
How do I register?
Select the Educational Course or Travel Adventure you would like to attend and follow the registration instructions on that offering’s webpage. You will need a valid credit or debit card to complete your registration.
By registering, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to the applicable Student Policies, Privacy Policy, Terms & Conditions, and any policies listed on the individual offering page.
When should I book airfare or other independent travel arrangements?
Please wait until you receive your confirmation from Learning Across America before booking airfare, additional hotel nights, or other nonrefundable travel arrangements.
We generally email confirmations within 24 hours. Participants are responsible for reviewing the arrival, departure and transportation information listed on the individual offering page before making travel arrangements.
What does the price include?
What is included varies by Educational Course or Travel Adventure. Please review the “What’s Included” section on the individual offering page before registering.
Airfare, airport transportation, accommodations, meals and other expenses are included only when specifically stated.
Cancellations and Transfers
What if I need to cancel?
Cancellation policies vary by offering. Please review the cancellation terms listed on the webpage for your Educational Course or Travel Adventure before registering.
To request a cancellation, the registered participant must email Learning Across America directly. Because the registration agreement is between Learning Across America and the registered participant, a friend, host family member, or another participant may not submit the cancellation request on the participant’s behalf.
Please use the subject line: Cancellation Request – Your Name and Destination.
Can I transfer my registration to another offering?
Transfer policies vary by Educational Course and Travel Adventure. Please review the transfer policy listed on the individual offering page.
Still Need Help?
No worries — send us a message or chat with us. We’ll help you find the Educational Course or Travel Adventure that is right for you and answer any other questions you may have.