Education Opportunities for Au Pairs

Our au pair courses are open to current J-1 visa au pairs living anywhere in the United States. You do not need to be enrolled as a Sarah Lawrence College student.

Yes. Sarah Lawrence College is a regionally accredited institution, and our non-credit Extension Courses meet the U.S. Department of State J-1 education requirement. Each 6-week course equals 12 hours of instruction, and you’ll receive a certificate verifying your completed hours.

No. Sarah Lawrence courses are not ESL. They are college-level enrichment courses in the arts, humanities, and social sciences, taught in clear, accessible English and open to learners of all backgrounds.

You can choose between:

• In-person classes (lecture + discussion) on our Bronxville, NY campus (just 30 minutes from Manhattan by train)
• Live online classes via Zoom

Both formats feature small class sizes, interactive discussions, and direct engagement with instructors.

Each course meets for 6 weeks, 2 hours per week, for a total of 12 instructional hours. You can take more than one course per term if you need additional hours for your J-1 requirement.

Most au pairs are required by their agencies to complete at least six credits or 72 hours of educational coursework during their stay in the U.S. Because each Sarah Lawrence course equals 12 hours, you can meet this requirement by enrolling in six courses.

Always confirm the exact number of hours required with your sponsoring agency.

Au pairs receive a special discounted rate. Tuition varies by term, but each six-week course is typically $120 per class for au pairs.

New courses begin throughout the year, in spring, summer, and fall terms. Each term features a variety of topics and flexible schedules, including evenings and weekends.

Au pairs can enroll in any Sarah Lawrence Extension Course that fits their schedule and interests. Popular topics include:

• Early Childhood Development and Child Psychology
• Creative Writing and Storytelling
• Art, Design, and Photography
• Literature and Culture
• Psychology and Human Behavior

Most courses are led by current and former Sarah Lawrence faculty. Some courses are taught by guest artists, graduate students, and subject-matter experts. Instructors are often practicing professionals passionate about sharing their work in an engaging, discussion-based format.

Classes are intentionally small to encourage discussion and personalized learning. This is one of the hallmarks of a Sarah Lawrence education.

You’ll receive a Certificate of Completion that verifies the total number of hours you earned. You can submit this certificate directly to your au pair agency to document your educational progress.

Registration is easy:

1. Email ExtensionCourses@sarahlawrence.edu and tell us who your au pair coordinator is. We will email you a special Coupon Code.
2. Browse upcoming courses on our Extension Program site.
3. Select “Have a coupon?” on the billing screen and enter your code to receive the special au pair price.
4. Attend your chosen class — either in person or online!

Students who withdraw from a course 14 days or more prior to the start of the first or only class will receive a coupon code that they can use towards a future course or a credit card refund, minus a $50 administrative fee. Cancellation requests must be received in writing at ExtensionCourses@sarahlawrence.edu.

Students who cancel a course, lecture, workshop, or event less than 14 days but more than 72 hours prior to the first or only class will receive a 50% refund, minus a $50 administrative fee. Cancellation requests must be received in writing at ExtensionCourses@sarahlawrence.edu.

No refunds are available for cancellations made 72 hours or less before the start of the first or only class.

Because they're available immediately upon purchase, no refunds are available for On Demand Courses after purchase.

If Sarah Lawrence cancels a course, you’ll receive a full refund.

If you’re taking an in-person class, our campus is located at:

Sarah Lawrence College
1 Mead Way
Bronxville, NY 10708

We’re a short walk or free shuttle ride from the Bronxville Metro-North train station, about 30 minutes north of New York City.

Absolutely. Many au pairs continue taking new courses across multiple terms to earn additional hours or explore new interests. You’re welcome to stay connected to the Sarah Lawrence learning community as long as you’re in the U.S.