Education

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