Au Pair Resources

Education

You must take 6 credits for the year (between 72-80 hours of class time). These hours can be completed in any combination of courses. No Online or Blended learning classes.  Only ONE weekend course (3 credits) is allowed for au pairs with a local educational option.   The courses do not need to be academic, for example you could take dance or art classes. They DO have to be from an accredited institution. Check the database below if you are unsure about your school’s accreditation:

Facts about the education requirement

The au pair requirement is 6 semester hours of academic credit or the equivalent. EduCare Companions must complete twice the requirement of au pairs, and year2 au pairs are expected to take an additional 3 credits for a 6-month extension and 6 credits for a 9- or 12-month extension.

Generally, a 3-credit college course is 45 hours, and a 4-CEU (continuing education units) course is 40 hours. Non-credit and audit courses are counted by the number of hours spent in the classroom.

6 credits = approx. 72-80 hours in the classroom = approx. 8 CEUs

You can use any combination of hours, credits, or CEUs as long as they add up to the required number of hours. I can advise you on what is possible in your area, put you in touch with other au pairs to share what they have done (many sign up for continuing education courses with a local community college as these tend to have more space and are more cost effective than matriculating as a part time student) and you can also review your options by reviewing the educational listings on this blog.

One weekend course for 3 credits is allowed.  Not two.

No online classes are counted except the blended learning course with UCLA listed below.

American Studies Online is a 19-week media-rich, mostly self-paced online course of study. Designed specifically in cooperation with the American Institute For Foreign Study’s “Au Pair in America” program, UCLA Extension’s course offers successful participants 6 quarter units (4 semester units) and a certificate of completion from UCLA Extension

Participants will read lessons, engage in activities, write, share resources, network with one another, and even collaborate on special projects – all designed to further their understanding of US culture.

The Community Involvement segment of the program takes the au pairs into face-to-face contact with the community. Au pairs will relate these experiences to their academic coursework in American Studies Online.

The interdisciplinary course of study will include:
• US History
• Arts in the US
• US literature
• Career counseling
• English language study (optional)

Each group is assigned a “Course Manager” who acts as an “online concierge” to provide high levels of service to ensure a rewarding and trouble-free educational experience.

For course descriptions and current schedule, visit www.uclaextension.edu/aupairs
For further information call (310) 206-6671 or email online@uclaextension.edu

Information on Social Security and Taxes

  • I-94 Card Website (Click on “Get Most Recent I-94” at the top of the page)
  • Global Awareness
  • Social Security Office Locator

    Taxes

  • The law in the United States requires most nonresident individuals who earn income above the threshold of $4,050 in the calendar year 2016 to file a federal tax return, and depending on the state in which you earned the income you may be subject to state tax filing. If you don’t file, you risk incurring costly interest and penalties, and it may be difficult to obtain a U.S. visa in the future.H&R Block Expat Tax Services offers an easy and affordable way to prepare tax returns for au pairs. What is the cost? Promotional pricing of $99 for the preparation of your U.S. tax return applies if your tax documents are uploaded no later than February 15, 2017. Regular price of $125 will apply after February 15. Our tax advisors are trained on the unique tax issues for au pairs working in the United States on a visa.

    See the link below for more info

  • Expat Tax Services and Frequently Asked Questions – HR Block

Medical & Dental Information

Travel Links for Au Pairs