"Zoom In, Step Out" @ Washington, DC
Power, Politics, Protest and Scandal!
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.
Take a few minutes to see some of what Cosmos, a bro pair in Colorado, experienced during his time with us in Washington, DC!
What’s the class schedule?
October 21 - October 27, 2025 course
Live online Zoom class
- Tuesday, October 21, 2025: Class begins at 7:30 p.m. and ends at 9:30 p.m.
In-person city tour experience
- Friday, October 24, 2025: Class begins at 12:30 p.m. and ends at 7:30 p.m.
- Saturday, October 25, 2025: Class begins at 8:45 a.m. and ends at 7:30 p.m.
- Sunday, October 26, 2025: Class begins at 8:45 a.m. and ends at 7 p.m.
- Monday, October 27, 2025: Class begins at 8:45 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, National Museum of American History, The People's House Museum 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 $599 and includes the following:
— 2 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.
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The online (Zoom) classes take place live with your participation as well as that of your teacher and fellow students. Classes are not recorded for later playback. 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.
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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 and tour day 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.
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Before you sign up for any course, double check class times (both online (Zoom) and in-person) as well as the time zone according to which the class will be taught. Make certain that the class times do not conflict with your work commitment to your host family. If the times conflict, this is not the course for you.
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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.
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Students will have 3 weeks to complete their post-assignment and submit it to 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.
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If you cancel…
― 22 or more days before the start of the first class, you will receive a full refund.
― 21 to 11 days before the start of the first class, you will receive a full refund less a $50 cancellation fee.
― 10 to 6 days before the start of the first class, you will not receive a refund. You will instead receive a credit that can be applied toward the tuition price of any Learning Across America course. The credit will be in the amount of the tuition you paid, less a $75 cancellation fee. The credit is good for one year from the date of issue and is transferable.
― 5 or fewer days before the class begins, no refund or credit is available.
As an alternative, should you need to cancel we offer the ability to transfer your enrollment in the same course to another au pair without penalty, provided we receive notice at least 3 days before the start of the course.
Students who must cancel their course need to send an email to Learning Across America. The cancellation request must be sent directly by the student. Please make sure that the subject line of your email is Attention: Cancellation of Course. -
If you decide to transfer to another Learning Across America course…
― 22 or more days before the start of your original course, you may transfer without penalty.
― 21 to 11 days before the start of your original course, a $25 transfer fee will apply.
― 10 to 6 days before the start of your original course, a $50 transfer fee will apply.
― 5 or fewer days before the class begins, there is no transfer permitted.
