FINDING YOUR AU PAIR SCHOOL JUST GOT EASIER
An independent resource by Au Pair Adventures
Explore 17 schools and programs offering courses designed for au pairs. Use this guide to compare current prices, credits or equivalent academic hours, course format, and complete time commitment, all in one place.
For au pairs in the U.S.
The State Department’s regulation says standard au pair participants must complete:
“au pair participants complete not less than six semester hours (or their equivalent) of academic credit in formal educational settings at accredited U.S. post-secondary institutions.”
22 CFR § 62.31(k)(1) · Initial program year
EduCare participants and extension periods have different requirements. Check your sponsor’s rules before enrolling.
About this guide
This guide brings together 17 schools and programs offering courses specifically designed for au pairs and their educational requirements. We’ve organized the programs into four categories for easy browsing: online, in-person and residential, weekend/destination-based, and cruise ship-based. Compare prices, credits or hours, course length, location, and format. This guide focuses on programs marketed specifically to au pairs. Other local courses may also qualify, and your sponsoring agency must approve your choice before you enroll.
Information comes from schools’ and course providers’ public websites. Prices, schedules, locations, formats, included expenses, and educational-credit eligibility can change. We review the guide regularly, but cannot guarantee that every detail is current or complete.
Confirm details directly with the provider and your sponsoring agency. If you notice anything missing or out of date, please let us know, email us: info@aupairadventures.com
Hundreds of community colleges and universities across the U.S. offer credit and continuing-education courses that may count toward your au pair educational requirement. English and other language classes are popular choices, alongside courses in art, business, and many other subjects.
This guide focuses on programs marketed specifically to au pairs, so there are many additional local options to explore. Ask your sponsoring agency for recommendations and confirm the school, course, and eligible credits or hours before registering or paying.
Good to know
During a standard 12-month program, au pairs must complete at least 6 semester credits or their equivalent through an accredited U.S. college or university. Some courses award college credits; others provide a certificate showing completed education hours. Many agencies accept 72 education hours as equivalent to 6 credits. Confirm your agency’s requirements before enrolling.
3 credits ≈ 36 hours of academic study
6 credits ≈ 72 hours of academic study
Browse the guide
Filter the 17 schools by category, then click to expand any row for coursework, accommodation, and additional cost details.
Teacher-led city exploration in New York City, Washington, DC, Miami, and New Orleans. Required live online sessions, and independent coursework before and/or after the destination component. Students must attend all required sessions and complete all assignments to receive credit. Online schedules vary by course.
Lodging is not provided. Students arrange and pay for their own accommodation, including any extra nights needed for travel. BMCC may help students connect before the course so they can coordinate accommodation independently.
Budget separately for travel, lodging, meals, and airport transfers. The course pages reviewed do not clearly specify meal inclusions or whether local transit and admission tickets are covered; confirm these details with BMCC before booking.
Self-paced online lessons, videos, and discussions, with opportunities to interact with professors and other au pairs through discussion posts and office hours. Subjects include business, marketing, communication, and wellbeing. Students can log in on their own schedule.
Not applicable; the course is completed entirely online.
Six months of Coursera Plus access is included. No additional course fees are specified on the public page
The course explores wellness travel, mindfulness, and photography through scheduled activities in Miami and the Everglades, followed by a cruise visiting Nassau and Ocean Cay. Students complete online learning, attend a pre-travel Zoom session, and submit a post-course assignment within three weeks afterward. Successful completion earns a Towson University certificate.
Two nights in a shared four-bed Miami Beach room, followed by three nights in a twin inside cruise cabin. Each participant has their own bed.
Airfare, airport and final port transfers, some Miami meals, optional shore excursions, onboard internet, drinks, and insurance.
Instructor-led classes and group activities cover several subjects, including personal development, child development, American culture, and creative thinking. Weekends take place at the Silver Bay YMCA Conference Center on Lake George or the Century House Hotel and Conference Center in Latham, near Albany; check the selected date’s venue. Required two-part homework can be completed before the weekend or submitted within six weeks afterward.
Two nights of shared accommodation included, generally with two beds per room. Meals, bedding, and towels are provided.
Transportation to and from the venue. A $30 late registration fee may apply.
Courses begin with U.S.-based instruction, activities, and excursions, followed by a cruise extension. The Bahamas option includes two or three days in Miami/Key West, with cruise boarding on the final land day. Other listed routes include New York City and Bermuda, and Tampa and Mexico. Themes include photography, wellness, and leadership. The detailed Bahamas and Bermuda courses require approximately 18 hours of pre-course assignments and 18 hours of post-course assignments through Google Classroom, plus a pre-departure Zoom meeting. Post-course work is due within four weeks. Attendance and successful completion of all assignments are required for a completion certificate.
Included: shared hostel accommodation before departure and a shared inside cruise cabin. Nights vary by itinerary.
Registration-platform and payment-processing fees are added at checkout, airfare, airport transfers, some land-based meals, onboard internet, alcoholic drinks, and personal expenses.
English-language courses covering skills such as grammar, pronunciation, and business communication. Flexible online classes include activities, written work, and audio/video submissions with instructor feedback. Scheduled Zoom courses require live attendance. Students follow the selected course’s start and end dates.
Not applicable; the course is completed entirely online.
An additional $10 out-of-county or $20 out-of-state fee applies. Check the selected course for any required books or materials
Au pairs join noncredit English classes matched to their level. Courses focus on speaking, pronunciation, grammar, writing, vocabulary, reading, or business communication. Students can request a verification letter documenting course completion and education hours.
Not included.
$10 out-of-county fee or $20 out-of-state fee. Transportation and any required books or materials are additional.
Teacher-led classes and destination activities in locations including Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York City, Washington, DC, and Las Vegas/the Southwest. Courses include pre- and post-course assignments. Many 6-credit courses also include self-paced online learning and a live Zoom session before travel. Credit requires attendance, active participation, and successful completion of all course components.
Varies by course. NYC, Washington, DC, and New Orleans exclude lodging; students arrange their own. Miami and Southwest include 3 shared-room nights. Rooms may be mixed gender. Additional nights are booked and paid separately.
Budget for travel to/from the destination, airport transfers unless included, and meals beyond those specifically listed. Included meals vary; NYC and Miami list only one welcome meal. Some Southwest participants also pay a separate park-pass charge.
Classes, workshops, and educational excursions various locations: Boston, Chicago, Colorado, Oahu (Hawaii), Los Angeles, Miami, New York City, North Carolina, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, and Texas. Required online preparation and, depending on the course, post-weekend assignments. Advertised hours include independent work. Some 6-credit packages include a separate 3-credit online course; check the package format before enrolling.
Usually extra, with optional hotel or hostel add-ons in some cities. Texas, Colorado, and North Carolina include 3 nights; Hawaii includes 5. Shared rooms may include bunk beds, and some housing may be mixed gender. Extra nights cost additional.
Budget for airfare, lodging where excluded, meals not specifically included, and airport transfers unless provided. Course activities and transportation during class hours are included. Optional online courses and extra hotel nights cost additional; meal inclusions vary by destination.
Instructor-led courses cover subjects such as English, business communication, photography, psychology, and child development. Some courses include activities around NYC; others focus on classroom instruction. Students complete a pre-assignment, independent coursework, and a final assignment. All required sessions and homework must be completed to receive an education certificate.
Not included.
Transportation, meals, accommodation, and any course-specific expenses.
Zoom sessions during the first weekend, followed by four weeks to complete independent assignments. Readings, videos, and assignments are shared through Google Classroom. Subjects include English, business, marketing, photography, creative writing, and wellness. Students must successfully complete the required coursework to receive a completion certificate. Check the course’s attendance requirements; some explicitly require both Zoom sessions
Not applicable; the course is completed entirely online.
Registration fees apply; check the total before paying.
Instructor-led classes in Alaska, Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Miami, Orlando, Oahu (Hawaii), San Juan, New Orleans, Texas, destination activities, and excursions, plus required online homework before and after the trip. Depending on the course, approximately 28–36 of the advertised 72 hours consist of pre-trip and follow-up assignments. Full attendance and completion of all assignments are required for the certificate.
Typically 3–4 nights of shared hotel or hostel accommodation are included, depending on the package. Rooms may be mixed gender; beds can include bunks or sofa beds. Hotel upgrades and additional nights cost extra where offered.
Airfare, airport transfers, registration/platform and card-processing fees are extra. Budget for meals beyond those specifically included; some courses include breakfasts or one group meal, while Nevada course excludes all meals. Optional extras, such as Disney Lightning Lanes, cost additional.
Instructor-led weekend classes cover subjects such as English, child development, psychology, business, marketing, and American culture. Pre- and post-course assignments are required. Selected courses offer an additional independent project to bring the total to 72 hours. Students must complete all required coursework to receive a completion certificate.
Optional $85 room-and-board package includes two nights in a shared, double-occupancy campus dorm room, linens, and four additional meals.
Transportation and meals outside the selected package.
Self-paced readings, activities, and assignments, with materials and instructor communication provided by email. No scheduled live classes or required login times. Students submit work to their instructors and receive a certificate once all required components are completed and approved.
Not applicable; the course is completed entirely online.
No travel or accommodation costs. No additional online-course fees are specified on the published course page.
Online options include Business English, TOEFL preparation, and ESL: Speaking American I and II. Depending on the course, students practice conversation, listening, pronunciation, professional communication, or exam skills through instructor-led activities and exercises.
Not applicable; the course is completed entirely online.
No additional fees are specified in the online Au Pair Academy course listings.
Instructor-led weekend courses use discussions, practical exercises, and case studies. Listed subjects include social media marketing, educational psychology, personality psychology, and intercultural communication. Availability varies by date. Students receive a completion certificate after their course requirements have been verified.
Not included.
Transportation, parking, meals, and any accommodation needed.
Self-paced English courses use online lessons, videos, quizzes, discussion boards, and assignments to develop language skills. Career courses cover topics such as business communication and the psychology of learning; offerings change by session. Eligible students can complete an additional research assignment for more education hours. Successful completion earns a digital certificate.
Not applicable; the course is completed entirely online.
Optional research assignments cost extra. The self-paced English and career course pages list no registration or testing fee.
Au pairs join English classes alongside other international students. Subjects include conversation, listening, grammar, writing, reading, vocabulary, and American culture. Placement testing determines the appropriate level, and discounted spaces are subject to availability. Students who successfully complete a course receive a digital certificate documenting their education hours.
Not included.
Transportation, meals, any required books, and optional research assignments. No registration or placement-test fee for au pairs.
Au pairs join regular Extension courses alongside other community members. Small, instructor-led classes focus on discussion and participation. Subjects include creative writing, art, photography, psychology, literature, film, and culture. Students receive a completion certificate verifying their education hours.
Not applicable; the course is completed entirely online.
Check the individual course listing for any materials or additional costs.
Au pairs join regular Extension courses alongside community members. Small, instructor-led classes emphasize discussion and participation. Subjects include creative writing, art, photography, psychology, literature, film, and culture. Students receive a completion certificate verifying their education hours.
Not included.
Transportation and any course-specific materials.
Students complete prerecorded lessons and course activities on their own schedule. Topics include American culture and community, intermediate and advanced English, arts and entertainment, environmental science, and wellness. 36- and 72-hour courses require approximately that many hours of study.All required coursework must be completed to receive a completion letter.
Not applicable; the course is completed entirely online.
No additional fees are specified.
Instructor-led English courses develop communication skills through discussions, projects, and presentations. Topics include effective communication, business English, and public speaking. Each course includes six hours of independent online work. A completion certificate requires successful coursework and attendance. Alternatively, au pairs can pay a $250 auditing fee to attend up to two eligible daytime English courses per eight-week session; education hours vary. Students must choose either the evening program or auditing option within a semester.
Not included.
Evening courses add a $30 university ID fee unless the student already has the required card. Textbooks may be required for selected courses.
Students complete 36 academic hours of readings and assignments through Google Classroom and attend required Zoom sessions. Subjects include English, business, marketing, photography, creative writing, personal finance, and wellness. Attendance and successful completion of all assignments are required for a completion certificate.
Not applicable; the course is completed entirely online.
Registration-platform and payment-processing fees are added at checkout.
Placement testing determines the appropriate path. Beginner through high-intermediate students take two Intensive English classes; advanced students take two University Preparatory classes. Highly advanced students can combine one University Preparatory class with an audited undergraduate class. Coursework develops English, academic, and professional skills. Au pairs also participate in cultural activities and have access to American conversation partners.
Not included.
Confirm any textbook, materials, or activity fees with the program. Transportation and accommodation are separate.
Self-paced training to become an English teacher, covering lesson planning, teaching methods, grammar, and classroom management. Students complete online modules, quizzes, and practical teaching scenarios with personal tutor feedback. The larger bundle adds two courses focused on teaching English online.
Not applicable; the course is completed entirely online.
The downloadable certificate is included. Optional printed certificates, notarization/apostille services, and course extensions cost extra. A 3-month extension for the 120-hour course is $175; extensions for specialized courses are $100 each.
Au pairs can choose eligible Continuing Education courses in subjects such as languages, art, writing, cooking, and job skills. The dedicated English for Au Pairs course develops speaking, listening, vocabulary, and grammar through conversations, presentations, activities, and field trips. Students can request a completion certificate after successfully finishing a class.
Not included.
Transportation, parking, and any course-specific books, supplies, or materials fees.
Au pairs enroll as visiting students and join regular undergraduate classes. Eligible options include introductory 100- or 200-level courses without prerequisites. Applicants submit their passport, J-1 visa, and DS-2019 form. Accepted students attend an orientation that includes course registration.
Not included.
Books, course materials, transportation, and any applicable university fees; confirm when registering.
Instructor-led weekend courses combine classroom learning and practical activities. Subjects include cooking, photography, career planning, business, and communication. Courses are offered in partnership with Classroom Au Pair. Students complete assignments through Google Classroom before and after the weekend. Full attendance and successful completion of all assignments are required for a completion certificate.
Not included
Registration and processing fees, transportation, parking, meals, and accommodation. Cooking courses include ingredients and the meals students prepare.
Program details should be confirmed with the provider before enrolling.
This independent guide, published by Au Pair Adventures, brings together publicly available information to help au pairs explore and compare programs for the educational component of their au pair year. Prices, schedules, course formats, and requirements may change. Credit and hour information reflects each school or program’s published descriptions.
Inclusion is not an endorsement or a determination that a course meets federal or sponsoring-agency requirements, and does not guarantee acceptance by your agency. Confirm current details directly with the school or program and obtain your sponsoring agency’s approval before registering or paying.
Public information last verified October 2026.
Au Pair Adventures · Education Guide — program details should be confirmed with the provider before enrolling.
Before you book, please know:
You must have an email address in order to book a tour.
Your plane flight is not included.
Once you pick a trip, fill out the form and we will respond within 1 day or sooner If your trip is a Guaranteed Departure you will get a big information packet with all the tour and payment information via email.
If you are one of the first 5 people to sign up, we will save you a seat, and you don’t need to pay anything now. Once we have 6 people, we guarantee the trip and we’ll send your information packet. If you change your mind after receiving the packet, no problem...please let us know :-)