Tag Archives: cooking

Rosh Hashanah

Rosh Hashanah begins at sundown on this Sunday October 2nd and ends in the evening of Tuesday October 4th.

The customs and symbols of Rosh Hashanah reflect the holiday’s dual emphasis on both happiness and humility. Customs observed on Rosh Hashanah include the sounding of the shofar (a musical horn) and eating special foods including round challah (bread), which symbolizes the circle of life, and sweet foods for a sweet New Year. It is also customary to extend wishes for a good year. In Hebrew, the simple form of the greeting is “L’shanah tovah!”

Here is a great site for children including information about the holiday traditions, games, word searches, Hebrew vocabulary and crafts.

http://www.akhlah.com/jewish-holidays/roshhashanah/

Want to try cooking for the holiday? Find out how to make Challah, Honey Cakes…and lots more here:

http://www.aish.com/h/hh/r/

Au Pair Education Options

Photo: Oteo (Flickr)

Photo: Oteo (Flickr)

For a summary of State Department education requirements, click on this link.

The following DC-area classes are approved for our cluster and count towards your State Department education requirement.

Language Classes

  • American University’s English Language Program (ELP) (Business Communication and TOEFL Prep classes)
  • California University of Management and Sciences (CalUMS) English Language Development  program (Earn 72 hours in a 12-week course); Arlington, VA near metro; $500 Au Pair Scholarship; must qualify through free placement exam
  • Georgetown University’s Continuing Studies English program (Intermediate English, Advanced Business Communication and Writing, and TOEFL Prep classes)
  • International Language Institute’s English Programs (Intensive, Semi-intensive, and TOEFL Prep classes) & other foreign languages; 10% tuition discount for APIA au pairs
  • LADO International Institute’s English courses (Intensive, Semi-intensive, and TOEFL Prep classes and Business English and Idioms Workshops) and Spanish courses; 10% tuition discount for APIA au pairs
  • Mentora College’s Intensive ESL Program and others; 30% scholarship discount for APIA au pairs
  • Virginia International University’s Non-Intensive ESL classes (includes one-day Museum Trip classes held most Saturdays for 0.5 CEUs each class)

General Interest Classes

Online Class

Current Semester: January 4th-May 9th (Registration closes January 8th)

Upcoming Semester: March 28th-August 15th (Registration opens February 1st)

Course cost = $500     Course credits = 6

Note: This is the only on-line class approved by the State Department. It is only open to APIA Au Pairs.

The following programs are considered “weekend/travel” classes* by the State Department. Only one can count towards your education requirement. Read the program descriptions carefully; some do not include housing and/or transportation.