The Educational Requirement

To determine if your chosen institution meets these requirements, click on the following link to search for your school PRIOR to enrollment: 

U.S. Department of State Database of Accredited Post Secondary Institutions and Programs (DAPIP)

The calculation of one credit is as follows: (1 hour of classroom work + 2 hours of homework) per week x (15 weeks/semester) = 1 credit for that semester.

Non-credit courses are short-term classes offered through the continuing education department. They are intended for students who want to gain general knowledge, learn a new skill, upgrade existing skills or develop personal interests. Upon completion, students may request a certificate of completion from the College.

Au Pair International calculates the value of non-credit courses as follows: 12 classroom hours = 1 credit. Typical classes are 36 hours or 3 credits.

Ideally, in-person class attendance should be prioritized over online course options as they do not offer au pairs the same opportunity for cultural exchange/immersion.  However, per updated guidelines from the Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), au pairs may take a maximum of one online course per semester (3 credits or 36 non-credit hours), for a total of two online classes per year (6 credits or 72 non-credit hours).

! It is important to note that host families cannot require an au pair to take online courses to accommodate their childcare needs.

Hybrid courses combine both in-person instruction with online components. Hybrid courses with primarily in-person instruction will be counted toward in-person attendance toward he educational requirement.

Au pairs can choose to take any credit or non-credit course offered through a U.S. post-secondary institution listed on the following website:

U.S. Department of State Database of Accredited Post Secondary Institutions and Programs (DAPIP)

During the initial 12-month program, host families are responsible for contributing up to $500 toward the educational expenses of their au pair (books, tuition, etc.), in addition to transportation costs to facilitate attendance (gas money, parking expenses, or public transportation, etc.)

! Consider the cost of education before making a final decision. Educational expenses over $500 are the responsibility of the au pair.  For example, if classes cost $750, the au pair will be responsible for paying $250 of the total amount. 

During the extension program, host families are responsible to pay the following toward their au pair’s educational requirement:

12-month extension: $500 plus transportation costs

9-month extension: $500 plus transportation costs

6-month extension: $250 plus transportation costs

12-month extension: 6 credits or 72 non-credit hours

9-month extension: 6 credits or 72 non-credit hours

6-month extension: 3 credits or 36 non-credit hours

Au pairs extending their program for an additional 6, 9, or 12 months must have education completed prior to submitting the extension application. Applications are due no later than 45 days prior to the end of their program year. Late applications are NOT (absolutely no exceptions) accepted by the U.S. Department of State, so be sure to complete the educational requirement and apply on time.

Au pairs completing their program and requesting Au Pair International book their return flight, must have education completed no later than 45 days prior to the end of their program year, to avoid late fees.

The educational component of the Au Pair Program is a requirement for participation. Failure to complete education will affect an au pairs ability to extend or successfully complete the program.