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).
Sign up for one 36 hour course for $295 and add an additional course for $250! Or choose a Combo course just $500!
General courses include: Arts & Entertainment, Discover The U.S., Explore our Environment, and Make a Difference.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE SKILLS FOR AU PAIRS
Improve your English skills in a positive, fun environment!
36 hours (equivalent of 3 credits)
72 hours (equivalent of 6 credits)
Make friends and improve your English without ever leaving home! Our online courses are perfect for busy au pairs. Some coursework will be completed at your own pace, and for entirely online courses you will join your au pair classmates for live Zoom sessions twice a week for 6 weeks. Zoom classes are 90 minutes in length. Our English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) program is designed to provide au pairs the opportunity to improve their English language proficiency. These courses are fully accredited through UCLA Extension and approved for the Au Pair J-1 visa category.
Choose the days of the week that best suit your schedule!
Level 1 Live Session Times:
Every Monday & Wednesday, 5:00 p.m. PST / 8:00 p.m. EST
or
Every Tuesday & Thursday, 5:00 p.m. PST / 8:00 p.m. EST
Level 2 Live Session Times:
Every Monday & Wednesday, 5:00 p.m. PST / 8:00 p.m. EST
or
Every Tuesday & Thursday, 5:00 p.m. PST / 8:00 p.m. EST
Not sure which level to sign up for? Review this article to decide which is best for you.
If you have any questions or concerns about the live session times please contact us.
Click here to register! After registering for this course, you’ll get a link to join Canvas the day the pre-assignments become available.
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!
Please note, there will be one required live session for this course. All additional coursework will be self-paced and you can finish the course in as little as two weeks. The course includes a combination of pre-recorded classes and workshops, projects and assignments that can be completed independently, and live sessions with artists. 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 also mostly self-paced. Students can work on their assignments when it best fits their schedule and only need to attend one Live Zoom Workshop. Work at your own pace! You will have up to 6 weeks to complete the course, but can finish sooner if you'd like.
A&E Live Session Times:
Every other Sunday at 9 am PST/12 pm EST
Every other Thursday at 5 pm PST/8 pm EST
Every other Tuesday at 5 pm PST/8 pm EST
If you have any questions or concerns about the live session times please contact us.
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).
COURSEWORK REQUIREMENTS
Select from a variety of classes, activities, and assignments to earn the equivalent of 3 or 6 credits!
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Coursework includes pre-weekend assignments, classroom hours, activities in and out of the classroom, excursions, and may include post-weekend assignments. Each day of your weekend class will be packed full of engaging classes, activities, and exploring your city.
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Pre-weekend assignments help prepare you for class. The assignments vary by course, but may include student discussion boards, quizzes, and presentations to be shared during the course. Assignment details will be sent to you after you register.
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Post-weekend assignments strengthen what you've learned over the weekend. These include written reflections based on weekend classes and activities, and other activities designed to help you make the most of your experience in the U.S. Note: Arts & Entertainment and Explore Our Aquatic Environment do not require post-weekend assignments.
Check with your au pair agency concerning hours and credits, as requirements may vary.
General courses include: Arts & Entertainment, Discover The U.S., Explore our Environment, and Make a Difference.