Do you know how many total classroom hours you need to complete in your first year?
Image: Alan Cleaver (Flickr)
Au pairs are required to earn at least six academic credits during their year by completing classes/courses at accredited US post-secondary colleges and universities.
6 academic credits = approximately 8 CEUs = approximately 80 classroom hours
(The absolute minimum accepted is 72 hours.)
Certain combinations of classes can leave you just a few hours short of the requirement. Here are several options for completing those last few hours. Information listed is correct as of February 28, 2018, and is subject to change. Consult the university websites for full information.
Virginia International University Saturday Museum Classes
Students spend 5 hours participating in an interactive, themed museum tour facilitated by ESL instructors.
- Credits: 5 hours (.5 CEUs)
- Cost: $40 (+$20 for new VIU students)
- Schedule: Held almost every Saturday morning (10:30 am or 11:30 am)
- Location: DC-area museums
Virginia International University Grammar Tune-Up
Grammar Tune-Up is a special weekend course for au pairs and is designed to target common errors made by intermediate to advanced-level English learners. Students will gain confidence facing their trouble spots in grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation.
- Credits: 15 hours (1.5 CEUs)
- Cost: $120 (+$20 for new VIU students)
- Schedule: April 7 and 14 from 9 am – 3 pm
- Location: Fairfax, VA campus (4401 Village Drive)
University of Virgin Islands Experience America through Art Galleries & Museums
Students self-guide through a local museum over a 3 hour period and complete an outside assignment where they create a detailed pictorial report of the visit, due within 7 days of the course.
- Credits: 5 hours (.5 CEUs)
- Cost: $50
- Schedule: Held on a Saturday (10 am or 1:30pm) in DC-area museums
Looking for longer classes that offer more credits? For a complete list of classes approved for your DC-area cluster, click on this link.