Au Pair Education Requirement Explained
Au pairs are required to complete 6 credits or 7.2 CEUs or 72 or more hours.
Credit and non-credit classes are both acceptable as long as they are through an accredited U.S.-based college or university. Look on the “Education Options” tab for accredited schools in our cluster area. If you want to take a class at a school not listed here on our blog, please check with your counselor 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. 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. Typically au pairs will contribute some of their own money ($200+) towards their education.
Au pairs should finish their classes 7 weeks before their visa ends, to apply for a visa extension.
A certificate, letter, or transcript from the school is required as proof of completion.
Online classes: All classes must be in-person or hybrid (a combination of in-person and online) to count for the education requirement. The UCLA Extension American Studies Course is the only State Dept. approved class with an online component. No other online classes will be accepted without a reason to request an exception.
If you are having a very difficult time finding a class, please contact your counselor to discuss options.
Note: ESL refers to English as a Second Language, classes intended to help non-native speakers learn English.
Education Options
Local Options
- Columbia College – Vienna, VA
- Georgetown University – Washington, DC
- Inlingua – Arlington, VA
- International Language Academy of Washington D.C
- International Language Institute
- Lado International College – Vienna, VA
- Northern Virginia Community College – Alexandria campus
- Northern Virginia Community College – Annandale campus
- Trinity Washington University – DC
- UCEDA Falls Church,VA
Study & Travel and Weekend Classes
- Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC-CUNY
- Au Pair Weekend Class
- BMCC – Learning Across America
- Classroom Au Pair
The Only State Dept. Approved Online Class
- UCLA Extension APIA American Studies Course – Check your email for class dates and information.
ESL Resources (Not for your Education Requirement)
The websites below do NOT count towards the Education Requirement but are good practice and/or other English as a Second Language resources.
- FREE ESL CLASSES (Not for education requirement)
- Free ESL Classes through Arlington County Public Library (Not for education requirement)
- FREE Meet-Up ESL Classes at Arlington Libraries (Not for education requirement)
- TOEFL English Language Tests and Practice Test
Photo: CollegeDegrees360