Tag Archives: Education requirement

Education Requirements

Due to COVID-19, Au Pair in America has temporarily given approval for online/virtual classes, with a few conditions. Classes must be offered by an accredited school and the class must conclude by the end of 2020. Au pairs must still produce certificates or other acceptable documentation confirming the completion of the class.

If in doubt, ask your counselor to check if the school is accredited. All class hours must be completed by the end of your 11th month in the program if you wish to extend.

The following schools are offering online or virtual classes as of July 28, 2020.

ESL Specific Schools

Community Colleges

Other Languages

Weekend/U.S. Culture/Travel Courses

Online Class Websites – These platforms will list online courses all over the country. These courses come from a variety of sources and some are NOT accredited and not a US post secondary institution. You must be sure you are selecting a course that is from an accredited university. Always send the info to your Community Counselor to review before signing up. You must purchase a certificate to show completion of the course. If you intend to enroll in a course offered by one of these sources, please discuss it with your Community Counselor in advance of registering.

All Things American *NEW*

Click HERE for a great list of online courses on a variety of topics related to American culture and history. They are available through Coursera and are being taught by accredited colleges and universities. They range from 9-80 hours towards your education requirement and the cost is typically $49.

Photo: Ivan Radic

Temporary Changes to Au Pair Education Requirement Due to COVID-19

Due to COVID-19, Au Pair in America has approved online classes from accredited schools when the class begins before May 30th. Schools must still be accredited and au pairs must still produce certificates or other acceptable documentation confirming completion of the class.

If in doubt, ask your counselor to check if the school is accredited. All class hours must be completed by the end of your 11th month in the program if you wish to extend.

ESL Specific Schools

Community Colleges

Other Languages

Weekend/U.S. Culture/Travel Courses

Online Class Websites – These platforms will list online courses all over the country. These courses come from a variety of sources and some are not accredited. You must be sure you are selecting a course that is from an accredited university.

*This class would be great for au pairs who have already taken or plan to take a PGCC Transition ESL class when things go back to normal. Those classes usually earn 50-60 hours, so this could be enough to complete your education requirement, in combination with one of those classes.

Photo: Ivan Radic

Education Requirement

Au pairs are required to complete 6 credits or 8 CEUs or 72 or more hours. We will work with each au pair to ensure that she earns the appropriate amount.

An au pair may take credit or non-credit classes from an accredited college.  If you want to take a class at a school not listed here on our blog, please check with us first to make sure it is accredited. Otherwise, it would not count toward your education requirement.

Your host family will pay an education allowance to assist you in completing your education requirement. They will also ensure your transportation to class (access to a car and gas expense will be covered). The education allowance is $500.

There are ways to get your credits for close to  your education allowance, but it will not give you a lot of choices. Normally au pairs will contribute some of their own money ($200+) towards their education. We can help you plan out your year of classes to make it fun, interesting and educational!  CollegeDegrees360

The APIA Advantage UCLA Course is the only State Dept. approved class with an online component. No other online classes are accepted.

Photo Credit: CollegeDegrees360 (flickr)

Education Requirement Explained

Au pairs are required to complete 6 credits or 8 CEUs or 72 or more hours. We will work with each au pair to ensure that she earns the appropriate amount.

An au pair may take credit or non-credit classes from an accredited college.  If you want to take a class at a school not listed here on our blog, please check with us first to make sure it is accredited. Otherwise, it would not count toward your education requirement.

Your host family will pay an education allowance to assist you in completing your education requirement. They will also ensure your transportation to class (access to a car and gas expense will be covered). The education allowance is $500.

There are ways to get your credits for close to  your education allowance, but it will not give you a lot of choices. Normally au pairs will contribute some of their own money ($200+) towards their education. We can help you plan out your year of classes to make it fun, interesting and educational!  CollegeDegrees360

The APIA Advantage UCLA Course is the only State Dept. approved class with an online component. No other online classes are accepted.

  • NOTE – Au pairs are allowed to take one weekend course for up to half their education requirement per contract year.  The Department of State views our program as a cultural exchange experience and an au pair going to a campus over the length of a semester alongside her American Peers facilitates this while promoting the spirit of the program.  

Photo Credit: CollegeDegrees360 (flickr)

Education Requirement – Explained

Au pairs are required to complete 6 credits or 8 CEUs or 72 or more hours.

EduCare Companions are required to complete 12 credits or 16 CEUs or 144 or more hours.

You may take credit or non-credit classes from an accredited college. Look under Resources toward the top of this page, then under “Education Options” for accredited schools in our cluster area. If you want to take a class at a school not listed here on my blog, please check with me first to make sure it is accredited. Otherwise, it would not count toward your education requirement.   education-icons

Your host family will pay an education allowance to assist you in completing your education requirement. They will also ensure your transportation to class (access to a car and gas expense will be covered). Au Pairs education allowance – $500, EduCare education allowance – $1000

There are ways to get your credits for just your education allowance, but it will not give you a lot of choices. Normally au pairs will contribute some of their own money ($200+) towards their education. I can help you plan out your year of classes to make it fun, interesting and educational!

The APIA Advantage UCLA Course is the only State Dept. approved class with an online component. No other online classes are accepted.

Note: Au pairs should only take one weekend course for their education requirement. Using only weekend courses to meet your education requirement could result in the denial of your extension application (should you decide to extend.)