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 6 weeks before their visa ends, in order 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.
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
- Piedmont Community College Continuing Education
- Piedmont Community College ESL (English classes) (popular local option)
- UVA English Language Programs (their courses count toward the education requirement, the ESL groups do not, but are great practice and a chance to meet people)
Weekend Classes (Study & Travel Options)
- Au Pair Weekend Class
- BMCC – Learning Across America
- Classroom Au Pair
- University of Virgin Islands (UVI) (Popular weekend classes in DC area)
The Only State Dept. Approved Online Class
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.
Photo: CollegeDegrees360