Education Options
Au pairs are required to complete a minimum of 6 credits, 7.2 CEUs or 72 hours.
Au pairs intending to extend must complete their credits before their 11th month starts.
Below is a list of education options. These are not the only available places to earn your education credits, but they are the closest and the least expensive. If you find another class you are interested in, please contact me to make sure the class will count toward your education requirement.
Your host family will pay an education allowance ($500) to assist you in completing your education requirement. In the Northern Virginia area, classes may be a little more expensive, so plan accordingly.
The APIA Advantage UCLA Course is the only online class approved. No other online classes are accepted. This class is a good option for those with a schedule that changes from week to week. A fairly high English level is best when considering this class as an option.
Note: Au pairs should only take ONE weekend course for their education requirement. Please contact me if you have found a weekend course that is offered in our area. It may be approved by the Stamford office. Always check with Gina first, to obtain approval for the second weekend class, before registering.
Education Options in our area:
- Northern Virginia Community College
- UCLA Extension Program – APIA Advantage
- LADO Language School
- Georgetown University ESL Programs
- Georgetown Free English 1 CEU
- Borough of Manhattan Weekend Courses
- Virginia International University ESL
- Weekend Museum Courses
- University of the Virgin Islands-Weekend Classes and More!
How to Obtain a Virginia Driver’s License
How to get a Driver’s License:
Practice the test at https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/general/#ske_intro.html
Take to the DMV the following items:
Bank Statement, Passport, DS-2019, I-94
What you will do at the DMV:
Take the computer/multiple choice test.
If you pass the written test – you will take the driving test.
If you pass the driving test you will get your VA Driver’s License!
Fun DMV Facts:
You do not need to take the written or practical exam if you hold a valid driver’s license from another U.S. State, Canada,Germany,France,or the Republic of Korea.
The written exam may be taken in the following languages: Amharic,Arabic,American sign language,Chinese,Dari/Farsi,English,French,German,Haitian Creole,Italian,Korean,Punjabi,Russian,Spanish,Urdu, and Vietnamese.
You are allowed to bring a translator if one of the above languages is NOT yours. Call ahead to the DMV location to let them know you plan to bring a translator. Your translator will need to have valid identification.
You may only take the test three times. If you fail all three times, you will be required to attend an expensive and lengthy driver’s education course. So practice and make sure you are ready before you go!
Click here to find a DMV location nearest to you. http://www.dmv.virginia.gov/DMVLocator/
Au Pair Health Insurance
You will need to visit a doctor who is in the CISI Network. Most know CISI by the name First Health, or Coventry.
General Information about Au Pair Health Insurance Coverage may be found here: https://www.aupairinamerica.com/resources/aupairs.asp
Find a provider here: http://www.providerlookuponline.com/coventry/po7/gateway.aspx?plancode=174
Download the CISI APP to your Smartphone! You will always have access to important health insurance information. myCISI – an app for iPhone® and Android®