Explore America’s Natural Wonders in
The Southwest
Earn your education credits as you experience some of America’s most beautiful natural places and discover why they matter to the nation’s history, culture and identity.
NATURE’S CLASSROOM IN THE SOUTHWEST
From City Lights to Canyon Heights
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.
Travel from Las Vegas into dramatic canyons, desert scenery and protected lands while discovering how geography, history and culture come together in this extraordinary part of America.
Complete all 6 credits with one unforgettable Southwest experience.
WHAT YOUR TUITION COVERS
What Your $1,259 Tuition Covers
Your tuition includes accommodations, transportation and the experiences that make the Southwest memorable — plus everything you need to complete all 6 credits.
Three hotel nights: Wednesday and Thursday in Las Vegas and Friday in Page, Arizona
Grand Canyon, Zion, Horseshoe Bend and a Navajo-guided Lower Antelope Canyon tour
Guided learning activities and a visit to Seven Magic Mountains
Welcome dinner, three breakfasts, Friday lunch, snacks and non-alcoholic beverages
Transportation during class hours, the multi-day tour and Saturday airport drop-off
Registration, materials and activity fees
Airfare to/from Las Vegas, Wednesday airport transportation and
meals other than those listed are not included.
See host-family contribution information ↓
National Park entry requirement: A separate shared-pass charge may apply to students without qualifying U.S. identification or an annual pass. Details appear below.
Course Schedule
SEPTEMBER 27
Know Before You Go — Zoom
3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.“Know Before You Go” Zoom session with your course leader and fellow classmates.
SEPTEMBER 30
Welcome to Las Vegas
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.
OCTOBER 1
Explore Las Vegas
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.
OCTOBER 2
Zion, Horseshoe Bend & Antelope Canyon
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.
OCTOBER 3
Grand Canyon & Route 66
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).
“Honestly, I loved every single thing! I would do it all over again exactly like this!!”— From our students
Experience the Southwest
Important Southwest Details
National Park Entry Requirement
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.
Walking and Accessibility
The tour requires a moderate amount of walking, including approximately 1.2 miles round-trip at Horseshoe Bend, about 1 mile and five flights of stairs in Lower Antelope Canyon, and trail walking at Zion. The tour is not suitable for wheelchairs, walkers or mobility scooters.
Hotels
Each student will have their own bed in a room shared with one other student. The room’s occupants may be of mixed gender, with both female and male au pairs.
In Las Vegas, the group stays at Hyatt Place Las Vegas, 4520 Paradise Road (phone 702.369.3366). On Friday, the group will spend the night at the Garner Hotel Page in Page, Arizona (phone 928.645.5050).
Drinks, Snacks and Antelope Canyon Tickets
Unlimited water, non-alcoholic drinks and snacks are provided on Friday and Saturday. Antelope Canyon admission and the Navajo-guided tour are included.
“A perfect break for our well-being but also exciting because you’re discovering new places.”
“We had a chance to see so much. Also I really, really liked the self-paced online content!”
Tuition Details
Use Your Host Family Education Contribution
Most au pairs receive up to $500 from their host families to use toward their education requirement.
- Many students choose to apply this contribution toward this course.
Pay $500 when you enroll and the remaining tuition by August 30.
The tuition price does not include:
- Airfare to/from Las Vegas
- Transportation from the airport to the hotel on Wednesday
- Meals other than those listed under “What Your Tuition Covers”
Earn Your Towson University Certificate
Once you successfully complete the course, you’ll earn 6 credits / 72 credit hours.
Your Certificate of Completion will be issued by Towson University, an accredited post-secondary institution, typically within 10 days after all course requirements have been completed.
You’ll have up to three weeks after the course to complete and submit your post-course assignment. The sooner you submit it, the sooner we can begin processing your certificate.
Cancellation & Transfer Policies
Refund and transfer options depend on when you notify us.
If You Cancel
- On or before August 13: Full refund.
- August 14–28: You will forfeit $500.
- After August 28: No refund is available.
Transfers
If your plans change, you may move to another Learning Across America course on or before August 31. No transfers are permitted after that date.
How to Cancel
Email Learning Across America directly from the email address of the enrolled student. Please use “Attention: Cancellation of Course” as the subject line.
