Education Options

Au pairs are here on an J1 Visa which includes an educational requirement, it is important that they meet their commitment or they will lose their deposit.  Here is some information of local educational opportunities. 


Tidewater Community College - classes can run students $400 per credit for a 4 credit ESL course.  If you are interested in this option, discuss it with Tanya to see if you can get it for $200 per credit. However, at this time because of the cost, it is recommended you consider their adult learning program or TOEFL weekend course.

TOEFL PREP CLASSES AT TCC There is a TOEFL prep class at TCC on Saturday mornings for 2 months.   AU PAIRS DO NOT HAVE TO REGISTER FOR TCC OR TAKE ENGLISH CLASSES TO ATTEND.  This is through workforce development.. you do NOT need to come to me to get special forms.  Below is the contact person if you want to find out the exact cost and dates.

Susan Boland
Assistant Professor
Assistant to the Dean, ESL
Pungo (F) 120
757-822-7286

WEEKEND CLASSES

Richmond College - This course is in Richmond, cost $325 per weekend for 3 credits.  It includes 4 meals, but does not include nor arrange a place to stay. http://spcs.richmond.edu/personal/cultural.html

Weekend in DC - This class is held a few times a year in DC.  Lodging is NOT included in the price and au pairs are responsible for their own transportation and lodging if they select this option.  Here is the link for more details. http://www.nl.edu/aupair/washingtondc.cfm



Weekend in Maryland - This is a weekend of courses in Maryland.  www.aupairweekend.org    The cost is $250 - $350 for the weekend, which includes room and board, not transportation.  The price differs based on how early you sign up.  It is only one weekend per month.  Go to the website for the schedule and to sign up. 

Long Island University - CW Post This is weekend school on Long Island.  Here is the main site: http://www.liu.edu/cwis/cwp/aupair/

Virginia Beach Adult Learning Center:
The CEU's at the VB Adult Learning Center are sponsored by Old Dominion University, which is accredited so they will count for your credits.  However, the ESL classes are NOT for CEUs and DO NOT count.  The classes are very affordable though and a good option if you want to improve your English.  http://www.adultlearning.vbschools.com/

IMPORTANT:  If you take a class at the Adult Learning Center, YOU MUST pay the extra $20 per class to get the CEU certificate from ODU.  The class will NOT be accepted by Cultural Care or the State Department without the ODU certificate.