- Au pairs on the Standard and Extraordinaire programs are required to take 6 credits (or the equivalent of approximately 80 hours in the classroom) over the course of their year. EduCare Au Pairs are required to take 12 credits (approximately 160 hours).
- Standard and Extraordinaire Au Pairs who extend their visa are expected to take an additional 3 credits for a 6-month extension and 6 credits over a 9- or 12-month extension. EduCare Au Pairs must take 6 credits for a 6-month extension and 12 credits over a 9- or 12-month extension.
- Classes must be taken at an approved, accredited program or institution. A local university, college or continuing education program sponsored by a college often qualifies. Schools vary in what courses they offer, but most offer a wide range of choices. ESL is English as a Second Language, which usually includes placement exams.
- Online courses do not meet the educational requirement for au pairs, with a single exception. The UCLA APIA Advantage Course is a 19-week interdisciplinary online course for 6 credits. This course has been specially-approved by the U.S. Department of State to meet the educational requirement for au pairs. Unlike a typical online course, the blended online format of the APIA Advantage course allows au pairs to have face-to-face contact with their local communities. As part of the course, au pairs are required to do a Global Awareness presentation, volunteer at a local organization, and participate in historical and cultural activities. To find out more about the course, please visit UCLA Extension, or ask your local community counselor for details.
- Host families have certain financial obligations regarding their au pair’s educational goals. Host families pay up to $250 toward education for a six-month stay and $500 for a 9- or 12-month extension on the Standard and Extraordinaire programs. EduCare program families will pay $500 toward education for the 6-month extension and $1,000 for a 9- or 12-month extension. Host families reimburse the cost of tuition and related materials (books and supplies) up to $500 for standard and Extraordinaire Au Pairs and up to $1000 for EduCare companions.
- Host families also must provide transportation including gasoline, parking, or public transportation costs (if applicable) to and from the place of instruction. The cost of transportation is in addition to the $500 (or $1,000) allocated to tuition and related fees.
- Please check with your Community Counselor before registering to make sure all the coursework is in compliance with the education requirements. To get more information on education options in your state, please see our Education Links by State.
Being certified in basic first aid and CPR is important for au pairs. Classes are available all over the country in local hospitals and through the Red Cross, adult education centers and local YMCAs. Au Pair in America will pay for the cost of a class providing an au pair has at least six months left on her visa and is taking one of several approved child care/child safety related classes, such as Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED. Au pairs should check with their Community Counselor and your host family before signing up. Au Pair in America will register the au pair directly. To locate a class, visit www.redcross.org/takeaclass.
