online COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
All of our online and virtual courses are accredited through University of California Los Angeles Extension (UCLA) and fulfill educational requirements for J-1 visa holders!
We offer 36 hour options (equivalent to 3 credits), as well as 72 hour options (e.g. One 72 hour course or two 36 hour courses).
Please note: Effective September 1, 2022 online classes will no longer be accepted by some agencies. Please contact your agency for permission in order to move forward with your online course selection.
General courses include: Arts & Entertainment, Discover The U.S., Explore our Environment, and Make a Difference.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Take courses from professional artists & performers!
36 hours (equivalent of 3 credits)

The Arts and Entertainment (A&E) Online Course will help you build your creative skills and get you in touch with your inner artist! This course gives you an in-depth look at visual and performing arts in the U.S., and provides the unique opportunity for you to meet and take interactive classes from professionals in the field. Our activities and classes, including artist-led workshops, will teach you about photography, art, acting, dance and music. You will learn about the important role the arts play in social change, and hear valuable tips from professionals about how to pursue a career in this industry, including an exclusive interview with an Emmy award winning director and producer!
The course includes a combination of pre-recorded classes and workshops, projects, and assignments that can be completed independently. Already have experience in the arts? Deepen your skills with this course! No background in arts and entertainment? That's okay! We focus on the creative process and how to use creativity in your personal and professional life, no matter what your background or interests are.
This course is Open Enrollment, meaning students can register at any time. Once registered a student will receive an invitation to start their course within 48 business hours. Our Arts & Entertainment course is self-paced. Students can work on their assignments when it best fits their schedule. You will have up to 6 weeks to complete the course, but can finish sooner if you'd like.
Click here to register! After registering for this course, you’ll get a link to join Canvas within 48 hours (between Monday - Friday).
Make a Difference
Grow as a person and get involved in your community!
36 hours (equivalent of 3 credits)

Learn the skills you need to make a positive difference in your community and in your own personal life! Through a combination of pre-recorded lecture classes, engaging activities and online discussions with fellow students, this course teaches how you can be the change you want to see in the world.
You will learn how to better cope with challenging situations through mindfulness and conflict resolution classes. Share your cultural background and experiences with fellow au pairs, and learn about the rich cultural diversity present in U.S. communities.
Build your cultural awareness skills and learn techniques about how to successfully collaborate with people who are different from you. You will also share ways to stay connected to and volunteer in your community through using an online platform. Make a positive change within yourself and in your community today!
This course is Open Enrollment, meaning students can register at any time. Once registered a student will receive an invitation to start their course within 48 business hours. This Self-Paced course is flexible and allows students to work on their assignments when it best fits their schedule. Work at your own pace! You will have up to 6 weeks to complete the course, but can finish sooner if you'd like.
Click here to register! After registering for this course, you’ll get a link to join Canvas within 48 hours (between Monday - Friday).
discover the u.s.
See what the U.S. has to offer without leaving home!
36 hours (equivalent of 3 credits)

Our combination of pre-recorded lecture classes, virtual tours, online discussions, and assignments are designed to help you make the most of your time here in the States. In this course, you will learn key facts about American history and culture, and examine how these have influenced the American Dream. You will gain in depth knowledge of U.S. geography, history, politics and government, as well as U.S. rituals and traditions. You will learn about cowboy culture and the history of the Southwest region of the U.S., and virtually discover America’s most beautiful landscapes and national parks!
In addition to gaining a greater understanding of the United States, you will also have the opportunity to share your home country’s culture with other students and compare it to key aspects of American life.
This course is Open Enrollment, meaning students can register at any time. Once registered a student will receive an invitation to start their course within 48 business hours. This Self-Paced course is flexible and allows students to work on their assignments when it best fits their schedule. Work at your own pace! You will have up to 6 weeks to complete the course, but can finish sooner if you'd like.
Click here to register! After registering for this course, you’ll get a link to join Canvas within 48 hours (between Monday - Friday).
combo MAKE A DIFFERENCE
& discover the u.s.
Make your time in the States as meaningful and enjoyable as possible!
60 or 72 hours (equivalent of 6 credits)

In the Make a Difference online course, you will learn the skills you need to make a positive difference in your community and in your own personal life! Through a combination of pre-recorded lecture classes, engaging activities and online discussions with fellow students, this course teaches how you can be the change you want to see in the world. You will learn how to better cope with challenging situations through mindfulness and conflict resolution classes. Share your cultural background and experiences with fellow au pairs, and learn about the rich cultural diversity present in U.S. communities.
Build your cultural awareness skills and learn techniques about how to successfully collaborate with people who are different from you. You will also share ways to stay connected to and volunteer in your community through using an online platform. Make a positive change within yourself and in your community today!
In our Discover the U.S. course, you will discover and explore what the United States has to offer! Our combination of pre-recorded lecture classes, virtual tours, online student discussions, and assignments are designed to help you make the most of your time here in the States. In this course, you will learn key facts about American history and culture, and examine how these have influenced the American Dream, including newly updated Current Events coursework. You will gain in depth knowledge of U.S. geography, history, politics and government, as well as U.S. rituals and traditions. You will learn about cowboy culture and the history of the Southwest region of the U.S., and virtually discover America’s most beautiful landscapes and national parks! In addition to gaining a greater understanding of the United States, you will also have the opportunity to share your home country’s culture with other students and compare it to key aspects of American life.
This course is Open Enrollment, meaning students can register at any time. Once registered a student will receive an invitation to start their course within 48 business hours. This Self-Paced course is flexible and allows students to work on their assignments when it best fits their schedule. Work at your own pace! You will have up to 12 weeks to complete the course, but can finish sooner if you'd like.
Click here to register! After registering for this course, you’ll get a link to join Canvas within 48 hours (between Monday - Friday).
EXPLORE OUR ENVIRONMENT
Learn about the environment!
36 hours (equivalent of 3 credits)

Would you like to learn more about our environment, the exciting field of environmental science, or how to help solve environmental problems? Then this Explore Our Environment Online Course is for you! The Explore Our Environment Online Course provides an introduction to the field of environmental science. Assignments and activities in the course are designed to allow you to explore the environment in a way that promotes critical thinking, research, and creative problem solving skills.
You will also participate in interactive online discussions with fellow students where we will discuss environmental concerns and solutions related to your host community, the United States, your home country and globally. You will learn about important topics within the field of environmental science, such as climate change, natural disasters, sustainability, careers in the environmental science field, and creating environmental policy. This self-paced course is ideal for students with all levels of experience in the field of environmental science, from beginner to advanced!
This course is Open Enrollment, meaning students can register at any time. Once registered a student will receive an invitation to start their course within 48 business hours. This Self-Paced course is flexible and allows students to work on their assignments when it best fits their schedule. Work at your own pace! You will have up to 6 weeks to complete the course, but can finish sooner if you'd like.
Click here to register! After registering for this course, you’ll get a link to join Canvas within 48 hours (between Monday - Friday).
General courses include: Arts & Entertainment, Discover The U.S., Explore our Environment, and Make a Difference.