The American Southwest is more than a collection of spectacular photo stops. Each landscape has a story to tell — about the land itself, the people connected to it and the role these protected places continue to play in the United States today.

As you travel through the region, you’ll experience famous parks and natural landmarks up close, learn what makes each one unique and discover how geography, history and culture come together in this extraordinary part of America.

3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. — “Know Before You Go” Zoom session with your course leader and fellow classmates.

4 p.m. to 7 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.

9 a.m. to 3:30 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. The day includes a visit to Seven Magic Mountains, the colorfully iconic desert art installation. Discover how this ever-evolving city thrives in the heart of the Southwest before preparing to set out on the road.

6 a.m. to 8 p.m. — Depart Las Vegas and head into the heart of the Southwest’s natural wonders. Wander beneath the towering cliffs of Zion National Park, hike to the breathtaking overlook at Horseshoe Bend, and explore the world-famous Lower Antelope Canyon with a Navajo guide. Overnight stay in Arizona.

6 a.m. to 8 p.m. — Spend the morning taking in the breathtaking views at Grand Canyon National Park’s South Rim. Then travel along the historic stretches of Route 66 as we make our 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).

Unlimited water, non-alcoholic drinks, and snacks will be provided along the way during Friday and Saturday.

Snacks will not be provided on Wednesday or Thursday.

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.

As of January 2026, the U.S. National Park Service introduced a new policy requiring non-U.S. residents to pay an additional $100 surcharge to enter some of the most visited national parks, including Zion National Park and the Grand Canyon. Park rangers may check identification at park entrances to determine eligibility.

If you have a valid U.S. state-issued driver’s license, a valid U.S. state-issued ID card, or a U.S. National Parks Annual Pass (with a valid state ID or driver’s license), no further action is required. Please make sure to bring your ID and/or annual pass with you on the trip.

If you do not have a U.S. state-issued ID or driver’s license, you will need park access through a shared “America the Beautiful” Annual Pass. The annual pass costs $250 and can be shared by up to 4 participants, bringing the cost to $62.50 per person. Learning Across America will pay half the cost of the pass or $31.25. We will arrange shared passes for students who need them, and the remaining $31.25 fee will be collected closer to the course date.

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

• Zion National Park: Trail walking

Please note: This tour is not suitable for wheelchairs, walkers, or mobility scooters.

In Las Vegas we will stay at the Hyatt Place Las Vegas hotel, 4520 Paradise Road (phone 702.369.3366).

On Friday night you will stay at the Garner Hotel Page in Page, Arizona (phone 928.645.5050).

Our live Zoom session is an important part of the course and gives everyone a chance to meet, connect and share ideas before the in-person experience. Attendance is required, cameras should be on, and we ask everyone to participate in the conversation.

Before registering, please take a moment to check the dates, class times and time zone for your course. Be sure the schedule works with your responsibilities to your host family.

Because some courses fill quickly, we recommend registering and waiting for your enrollment confirmation before making nonrefundable travel arrangements.

As the course gets closer, we’ll also invite you to a private WhatsApp group. It’s a convenient way for us to share updates and for students to connect with one another about travel plans and the upcoming experience.

Once you successfully complete the course, you’ll earn 6 credits / 72  credit hours.

If you have questions about how those hours apply to your individual au pair education requirement, we recommend checking with your au pair organization.

You’ll have up to three weeks after the course to complete and submit your post-course assignment.

Once your course requirements have been successfully completed, your certificate of completion will be issued by Towson University, typically within 10 days. And there’s no need to wait the full three weeks — the sooner you submit your assignment, the sooner we can begin processing your certificate.

We understand that plans sometimes change. Your refund options depend on how far in advance you cancel.

If you cancel . . .
— on or before Thursday, August 13, you will receive a full refund.
— between Friday, August 14, and Friday, August 28, you will forfeit $500.
— after Friday, August 28, no refunds are available.

To cancel, simply email Learning Across America directly. Please send the request from the student who is enrolled and use Attention: Cancellation of Course as the subject line.

If your plans change and you’d prefer to move to another Learning Across America course, you can do so on or before Monday, August 31. No transfers are permitted after that date.