Au Pair education requirement: credits, classes and the money explained
Every au pair in the USA must take classes during their year. A standard au pair completes at least 6 academic credits, and an EduCare au pair at least 12, through an accredited US education provider. The host family pays toward the cost (up to $500 for a standard au pair, up to $1.000 for EduCare), and the au pair pays anything above that. Here is the whole education requirement explained simply, with honest tips from someone who did it.
What is the au pair education requirement?
The US au pair program is a cultural exchange, so taking classes is part of the deal, not an extra. The rules are set by the US government:
- Standard au pair: at least 6 semester credits during your 12-month year.
- EduCare au pair: at least 12 semester credits (that is why EduCare works fewer hours, to leave more time to study).
- The classes must be run by an accredited US education provider. That can be a college or university, but it does not have to be. There are accredited organizations made just for au pairs, including weekend-class companies, and their credits count too. The key is that the provider is accredited, not just any random class at a gym or hobby club.
How much does it cost, and who pays?
Your host family must help pay for your classes, up to a limit:
- Up to $500 for a standard au pair.
- Up to $1.000 for an EduCare au pair.
If your classes cost more than that, you pay the difference. This is where many au pairs get a surprise, so plan your budget with care.
I took Business and Marketing at a local college, three credits each, with classes in the morning four times a week for one semester. I loved it. I was in class with Americans, which was a great way to live the culture for real.
But here is the honest truth about the money: it was not nearly enough. Each course cost around $500, plus about $100 for the book, so the allowance covered only about half. I did not have over a thousand dollars extra to spend, so I ended up completing fewer credits than I was supposed to. Please do not do what I did. Plan your budget from the start, pick affordable classes, and make sure you can finish all your credits.
Céline, founder of Aupairtrip and former au pair in Chicago
This matters more than people think. If you do not finish your credits, you cannot extend your program, and most agencies will only pay for your flight home if you complete your program in good standing, which includes finishing your classes. If you do not, you may have to pay your own way home. Always check what your own contract says.
Where and what can you study?
You can take classes at community colleges, universities, their adult or continuing-education programs, and accredited course organizations made for au pairs (including weekend-class companies), as long as the provider is accredited. Popular choices with au pairs include:
- English or ESL classes.
- Business and marketing.
- Photography, art or music.
- US culture, communication or wellness.
Some au pairs take part of their classes online, but the rules on online courses depend on your sponsor and your school, so always check with your agency first.
Do the classes count as work hours?
No. Time in class is not part of your childcare hours. Your host family must also help you attend: they agree to help you register, work out a schedule that fits your classes, and get you to and from school. If your family makes it hard for you to study, that is not okay.
Why the education part actually matters
It is easy to see the classes as just a rule to tick off, but they give you real things:
- You need it to extend, and to protect your flight home. If you want to stay a second period (6, 9 or 12 more months), you must finish your first-year credits. And with most agencies, not completing your program can even mean you lose your paid return flight, so check your contract.
- You meet new people. Class is a great place to meet Americans and other au pairs.
- You grow. You learn something new, in English, in the USA.
Tips to make the most of it
My best advice: look into all the different ways to take your classes before you sign up, and go for weekend classes if you can, because they are much easier to fit around your childcare hours. Also compare prices, ask what the books cost, and pick classes that fit both your budget and your interests.
Céline, founder of Aupairtrip and former au pair in Chicago
Start early too. Research and register in your first few months, so you are never rushing to finish your credits at the end of the year.
Frequently asked questions
How many credits does an au pair need?
A standard au pair needs at least 6 semester credits during the year, and an EduCare au pair needs at least 12. The classes must be run by an accredited US education provider.
How much does the host family pay for classes?
The host family pays up to $500 for a standard au pair and up to $1.000 for an EduCare au pair. If your classes cost more, you pay the difference, and remember that books can cost extra.
Where do au pairs take their classes?
At any accredited US education provider. That can be a community college or university, but it can also be an accredited organization made for au pairs, like the weekend-class companies. Just make sure the provider is accredited and the credits count for the J-1 requirement before you enrol.
Can au pairs take online classes?
Sometimes, but it depends on your sponsor and your school. The government rule does not clearly cover online-only classes, so always check with your agency before you enrol.
Do you have to finish the classes?
Yes, and it matters more than people think. You need to complete your credits to stay in good standing and to extend your program. If you do not finish, most agencies will also not pay for your flight home, so always check your contract. Budget for your classes from the start so you can complete them.
Getting ready for your au pair year? Learn how to become an au pair in the USA, and once you arrive, meet au pairs near you (including in your classes) on the Aupairtrip app.
