After more than 200 years as the nation’s capital, Washington, DC has developed into a complex and layered city, with a distinctive character. From its very beginning, it has been the center of political maneuvering, scandal, and intrigue, an international hub of power, and the place where people come to voice their concerns in protest on matters of race, the environment, equality, and more. It remains a vibrant and culturally diverse city and is an amazing place to both visit and live.

In this course, classroom learning will be complemented by expertly guided tours to some of the city’s most iconic monuments, memorials and governmental institutions. While on tour, you will have the opportunity to truly experience Washington as you travel through it on foot as well as on public transportation, gaining a better understanding of America’s capital and its role in history – past, present, and future. 

What’s the class schedule?
August 9 - August 12, 2024 course
- Friday, August 9, 2024: Class begins at 11:45 a.m. and ends at 9 p.m.
- Saturday, August 10, 2024: Class begins at 9 a.m. and ends at 8 p.m.
- Sunday, August 11, 2024: Class begins at 9 a.m. and ends at 7 p.m.
- Monday, August 12, 2024: Class begins at 9 a.m. and ends at 3 p.m.
Please note: Times reflect Eastern Time

Important: Students will receive a pre-assignment as well as a post-assignment. The pre-assignment will be sent to students at least one week before the start of class.

Please also note that as the start of classes draws near, we will send each student a link to a WhatsApp group that will allow us to communicate with students and students to communicate with one another about their plans in regard to travel, accommodations and more.

Where will classes take place?
Classes will take place at The Catholic University of America, 620 Michigan Avenue N.E., Washington, DC 20064.

What are the highlights of the in-person experience?
The highlights of the in-person experience include the following: Washington Monument, World War II Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, World War I Memorial, the White House, the United States Capitol Building, Georgetown, Old Post Office Tower, National Museum of American History and Arlington National Cemetery.

Please keep in mind that plans are subject to change in light of factors such as the weather, time constraints, road closures and events taking place in the city during the time of your visit.

What should I know about accommodations?
You may wish to consider the Generator Washington DC, a boutique hotel located at 1900 Connecticut Avenue NW. It’s approximately an 8-9 minute walk from this hotel to the Dupont Circle Metro station.

For more accommodations to consider, please consult the recommendations appearing on the Hostel World website.

How much is tuition and what does it include?
The tuition price is $649 and includes the following:
- 3 meals
- Tram tour of historic Arlington National Cemetery
- Metro pass to cover all public transportation while you're with your teacher
- all costs associated with the class (there are no additional material or activity fees!)

Please note that neither the cost of airfare to/from Washington, DC nor overnight accommodations is included.

To make sure the course you’ve chosen is not already full, first sign up for the course and receive the enrollment confirmation we’ll email you.  Once that’s done, you may then book your air travel and accommodations.

What are the classes like?
Classes take place with your participation as well as that of your teacher and fellow students.  Classes require each student to take an active role in group discussions, activities, projects, etc.  In other words, your full attention and participation are required, whether it be in the classroom or out and about with your teacher.

We appreciate the fact that English is not the native language for most of our students.  Consequently our classes are designed around their needs and abilities.

What is the attendance policy?
Since each Learning Across America course consists of a limited number of class sessions, Towson University requires you to attend – and actively participate in – each class from its start time to its end time.  If you fail to do so, you will not be eligible to receive a certificate of completion.  Towson University carefully monitors class attendance.

If you plan to fly to Washington, DC, please allow sufficient time to travel from the airport to class and back again.  Remember, you must attend each class and out and about session from start to finish in order to receive full credit.

How many credit hours will I earn?
Once you successfully complete this course, you’ll earn 72 hours of credit.

If you have additional questions regarding credit hours, please contact your au pair organization.

How soon will I receive my educational certificate?
Students will be given 3 weeks to complete their post-assignment and turn it into their teacher. Once you submit your post-assignment, you will receive your certificate of completion directly from Towson University within 10 days, assuming you have satisfactorily completed all course work. Feel free to turn your assignment in as soon as you complete it, as this will allow us to get your certificate to you sooner.

What is the cancellation policy?
If you need to cancel an in-person course, the following cancellation policy applies:
- If you cancel 22 or more days before the start of the first class, you will receive a full refund.
- If you cancel 21 to 11 days before the start of the first class, you will receive a full refund, minus a $50 cancellation fee.
- If you cancel 10 days or less before the start of the first class, you will not receive a refund.  Instead, you will receive a voucher that can be applied toward the tuition price of any Learning Across America course.  The voucher will be in the amount of the tuition you paid, minus a $75 cancellation fee.  The voucher is valid for one year and is transferable.
- Once the class begins, no refunds or vouchers will be issued.