Discover the Authentic Culture of the United States
Are you ready to experience America's Heartland?
Have you ever wondered what it's like to live in the United States? Do you want an authentic opportunity to practice your language skills and experience living with a local family? Our cultural immersion program in the USA might be just what you're looking for! Our programs typically last 7 to 10 days, but can be longer depending on your preference, and we can accommodate 1 to 10 people in each program. Below is a description of our typical base program in the United States, which can be customized depending on the experiences you want.
What’s Included:
- Private transportation
- Homestay lodging in the area around Davenport, Iowa
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily
- 2-Day Chicago City Tour
- Cultural and language immersion experiences
- Visits to local schools and universities
- Tours of local businesses and popular attractions
- Mississippi River Tour
- Travel insurance
- Pre-Travel Orientation Virtual Meeting with the United States program coordinator
What’s Not Included:
- Airfare to/from the United States
- Transportation, lodging, and meals in airports or in another country while traveling to/from the United States
- Snacks and beverages outside of the included meals
- Souvenirs or other discretionary purchases
- Additional activities added by your request
- Any other product or service not specifically mentioned in the “What’s Included” section above
What To Expect On Our USA Cultural Immersion Program
Homestay Experience
Cultural and Language Immersion
Beautiful Chicago Tour
Embark on an unforgettable experience of living like a local in the Midwestern United States. Practice your English skills and learn about daily life in the USA. Breakfast and dinner will be provided by your host family while staying in their home.
Beautiful Chicago Tour
Cultural and Language Immersion
Beautiful Chicago Tour
Enjoy the best of local shopping and entertainment in beautiful Chicago, known as the Windy City. Explore the shores of Lake Michigan near Navy Pier. Walk the Magnificent Mile and the Riverwalk and experience this bustling and vibrant city, imagining what it would be like to live and work in one of its many high-rise buildings.
Cultural and Language Immersion
Cultural and Language Immersion
Cultural and Language Immersion
Meet local students and participate in interactive learning sessions and conversations around a variety of cultural topics. Visit area schools, universities, and popular hang-out spots and dive into the unique culture of this part of the country.
STEM and Innovation Exploration
Cultural and Language Immersion
Visit the John Deere Pavilion and explore cutting-edge technology used in modern agriculture in the United States and around the world. Explore the area's industrial powerhouses and experience the power of STEM and innovation at work in the real-world.
Mississippi River Adventure
Discover the beauty and history of the longest river in the USA. In the summer, you could catch a ride on the Channel Cat, the local river taxi. In the winter, bald eagle watching is one of the most popular activities on this part of the Mississippi. Keep your eyes open and you might spy the national bird of the United States flying overhead.
History and Art Discoveries
Visit important points of interest in this area for local history and art, such as the Figge Art Museum, Black Hawk State Historic Site, the John Hauberg Indian Museum, and the Buffalo Bill Museum. Learn the significance of these landmarks and the efforts to preserve other similar sites in the heartland.
Sample Itinerary
Experience the United States with Cross Cultural Discovery - 9 days / 8 nights Sample Itinerary
Day 1: Travel to the USA / Chicago City Tour and Overnight Stay
- Your cultural adventure begins! Fly to Chicago and be greeted by your host family.
- Ride the train into downtown Chicago with your host family and walk down Michigan Avenue and visit Navy Pier on the shores of beautiful Lake Michigan.
- Enjoy an overnight stay in the theatre district of downtown Chicago.
Day 2: Chicago City Tour / Transfer to Iowa
- Step into the sky at the Willis Tower Skydeck and feel the rush of standing on just 1.5 inches of glass, suspended 1,353 feet above the city of Chicago.
- Walk through Millennium Park and stop by the monumental work of art called the Cloud Gate, aka “The Bean”, which is one of Chicago’s most popular sites.
- Savor Chicago’s most famous pizza for lunch at Giordano’s.
- Say goodbye to the city as your host family drives you to their home in Iowa, where you will be staying the rest of the week. The drive will be approximately 2 ½ hours.
Day 3: High School Visit
- It’s time to experience the USA as a high school student! Attend a local high school and participate in classes.
- Learn about student life and the country's extensive public education system.
Day 4: John Deere Discovery Day
- Visit several important John Deere landmarks, including the John Deere Pavilion, the Deere-Wiman Mansion built in 1872, and the Butterworth Center built by Charles Deere for his daughter in 1892.
Day 5: University Visit
- Explore a local university and interact with college students as you participate in classes and walk the campus.
- Learn about the history of the university and the types of classes and degree programs they offer to their students.
Day 6: The Mighty Mississippi / Historic Galena
- Enjoy a hike in the Mississippi Palisades State Park and take in the breathtaking views of the Mississippi River from the park’s numerous overlooks.
- Stroll down the picturesque main street of historic Galena, organized in 1826. Experience its wide variety of shops, eateries, and art galleries and enjoy the unique architecture from the 1800s.
Day 7: Ice Skating / Bowling
- Get ready for a winter adventure as you strap on some ice skates and glide freely across the ice! Be sure to dress warmly as ice rink environments are typically very cold.
- In the evening, enjoy a night of bowling at a local sports and entertainment complex.
Day 8: Farmers Market / Host Family and Community Time
- Visit the local Farmers Market and learn about the variety of items produced by local farmers and artisans.
- Spend the rest of the day with your host family and in the community, enjoying a traditional Sunday lunch and touring to see beautiful views of the river and the city.
- You will have time in the evening to prepare for your return home the following day.
Day 9: Return Home
- Your private transportation will take you from Iowa to Chicago and will drop you off at the airport.
- Say goodbye to your host family and bid farewell to the United States as you fly home, full of wonderful memories of your exciting adventures and cultural discoveries in the United States.
