Au Pair Education Requirement Au Pairs must complete the education component of the program.  The requirement is 6 semester hours of academic credit at a post-secondary accredited school. (6 credits = approximately 80 hours in the classroom)  EduCare au pairs must complete double of the above.  Host families are required to contribute up to $500 (au pair) $1000 (EduCare) for the cost of tuition. An accredited institution is officially recognized by a regional or national accrediting commission of schools.

Host Family Education Requirement The host family is required to pay the cost of up $1000 for EduCare au pairs and $500 for all other au pairs to meet the au pair education requirement.  The host family is also required to provide transportation, including gasoline, parking, or public transportation costs (if applicable) to and from classes in your community. The cost of transportation is in addition to the $500 (au pair) $1000 (EduCare) for tuition.  The host family must provide an appropriate schedule that allows time for the au pair to take classes.

 

Weekend Classes: There are some institutions around the country that offer weekend classes.  A list of these can be found in the education folder in Field Point.  Au Pair in America policy is to allow au pairs to take one weekend course for half their requirement.  If the class is not local, the host family is to  pay for the class and the au pair is to cover the cost for transportation and meals and lodging not included in the class.  Any exceptions or questions about the weekend classes should be directed to our Education Administrator Allison Malino.

UCLA  Advantage Online Course: The University of California at UCLA has created a 19-week online course for 6 credits that meets the educational requirement.  This is the only online option we approve for au pairs.  Any other online class will not be approved as part of the education requirements.  This is a very good option for au pairs who are in areas with limited choices for classes.

The next session for UCLA Advantage will be September 25, 2017  – February 12, 2018. 

Au pairs can enroll here:  http://humanities.uclaextension.edu/amer-studies-online/  Interested au pairs must  register and pay, once payment is made she has secured her spot in the class.  This course is focused on American History and is designed for more serious students with strong English.   In addition to weekly reading and assignments, there is a community involvement piece that requires the au pair to participate in a global awareness presentation, volunteering, and other activities during the course.  The cost of the program is $500, it runs for 19 weeks. It will earn au pairs 6 credits towards their education requirement.  Registration instructions for au pairs are attached.

Au Pairs ~ Extending

Au Pairs who wish to extend must have completed the required credits by the 11^th month of their first year on the program. Please track education carefully, and make sure your au pairs who are interested in extending have enough time to gain the required credits.

Education questions?  Check the education folder in Field Point, we have lots of information for counselors there.  Any other questions, please contact Allison Malino at amalino@aifs.com or your RPM.

Driving

 

·         Make sure you have a clear understanding of the car use rules with your host family, if not talk to them about it or call me

·         Ask your host parents where the insurance and registration documents are in the car.  These documents should always be in any vehicle you are driving. 

·         Make sure you know how everything in the car works! Ask questions, even if you have to ask twice, that’s okay!

·         Find out about areas that may not be considered safe, especially in and around cities, ask your host family or me for guidance if you are not sure

·         Be extra careful at night, park in well lit safe places, avoid empty looking car parks and indoor garages when you are alone

·         Do not use your phone or any electronic devices while driving, pull over in a safe spot if you need to send a text or check your messages

·         Let your host family and/or me know immediately if you get into an accident so we can help you

·         Drinking and driving is extremely dangerous. It puts lives at risk.  If you are arrested for drinking and driving there are very serious consequences.   Be a good friend and don’t let your friends drink and drive.   If you are caught drinking and driving you will go home

·         Reminder! drinking under 21 years of age is illegal in the United States

·         Always lock the car and the trunk when leaving the car unattended

·         If there is public transportation available where you live, find out how to use it and give it a try!

·         Download the apps for Uber or Lyft ~ both taxi services will pick you up and take you anywhere you need to go

 

Be safe and make smart decisions.  We want you to have a wonderful and safe time in the United States.  Call me if you have any questions.

Drive safe!