Earn Your J-1 Educational Credits through Engaging In-Person or Online Classes
Sarah Lawrence College welcomes au pairs seeking to fulfill their U.S. Department of State J-1 visa education requirement through high-quality, non-credit courses. Our Extension Program offers engaging, discussion-based classes that reflect Sarah Lawrence’s signature liberal arts approach: creative, interdisciplinary, and deeply personal.
Program Overview
- Number of credits: 12 hours for each course
- Course Length: 6 weeks
- Meeting Time: 2 hours per week (12 hours total per course)
- Format: In person (Bronxville campus) or live online (Zoom)
- Schedule: New courses offered throughout the year in fall, winter, spring, and summer terms. Courses are held in the mornings and evenings to fit au pair's schedules.
- Tuition: Special au pair discount of 75% off regular Extension courses. Most courses are therefore $120, but check the Courses page as tuition may vary. Email ExtensionCourses@sarahlawrence.edu for coupon code to apply at checkout.
- Registration: Open to all au pairs currently residing in the U.S. on a valid J-1 visa.
Why Choose Sarah Lawrence College?
- Accredited & Recognized: Sarah Lawrence College is an accredited liberal arts institution recognized by the U.S. Department of State for J-1 educational credit hours.
- Flexible Format: Choose from in-person classes on our beautiful Bronxville, NY campus or live online courses you can join from anywhere.
- Engaging Curriculum: Au pairs don’t take special au pair courses. Instead, you’ll join our regular Extension Program courses, learning alongside community members in small lecture, conversation-based settings.
- Discounted Tuition: Au pairs receive a special discounted rate to make completing your required hours affordable and accessible.
- Personal Enrichment: Learn something that genuinely interests you — creative writing, psychology, child development, art, culture, and more — while earning your education hours.
Course Options
Sarah Lawrence Extension Courses
Join our wide range of non-credit short courses in the arts, humanities, and social sciences. Topics include:
- Creative Writing and Storytelling
- Art, Design, and Photography
- Psychology and Human Behavior
- Film, Culture, and Media
- Ecology and the Natural World
- Literature and Ideas
Each class is small, interactive, and guided by practicing professionals and faculty.
Courses in Early Childhood Development
Explore topics related to growth, learning, and creativity in early childhood — ideal for au pairs who want to deepen their understanding of children and families.
Sample courses may include:
- Foundations of Early Childhood Development
- The Creative Child: Learning Through Art and Play
- Introduction to Child Psychology
- Storytelling and Imagination in Early Childhood
These courses combine theory with practical insights you can apply in your childcare work.
Coming soon!
How the Hours Work
Each Sarah Lawrence course equals 12 educational hours (6 weeks × 2 hours per week).
Au pairs may:
- Take multiple courses during a term to complete the total hours required by their sponsoring agency.
- Register for additional terms if they need more hours or want to explore new subjects.
- Receive a Certificate of Completion verifying the number of instructional hours earned.
How to Register
- Email ExtensionCourses@sarahlawrence.edu and tell us who your au pair coordinator is. We will email you a special Coupon Code.
- Browse upcoming courses on our Extension Program site.
- Select “Have a coupon?” on the billing screen and enter your code to receive the special au pair price.
- Attend your chosen class either in person or online.
- Receive your completion certificate once you’ve finished the required hours!
Please check with your au pair agency to confirm how many hours you need to fulfill your J-1 requirement.
Location & Access
Our blend of in-person and online classes are designed to meet your scheduling needs.
In-Person classes take place on campus:
Sarah Lawrence College
1 Mead Way
Bronxville, NY 10708
Campus is easily accessible from New York City by Metro-North train to Bronxville Station. It's an easy walk to campus from the train station, but a free shuttle service is also available between the train station and campus on a fixed schedule.
Online Classes take place via Zoom. Join from anywhere in the U.S.!
Frequently Asked Questions About Classes for Au Pairs
Who can take au pair courses at Sarah Lawrence College?
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.
Are these classes approved for J-1 educational hours?
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.
Are these English language classes (ESL)?
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.
What is the course format?
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.
How long are the courses?
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.
How many hours do au pairs need to complete?
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.
How much do the courses cost?
Au pairs receive a special discounted rate. Tuition varies by term, but each six-week course is typically $120 per class for au pairs.
When do the courses take place?
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.
What subjects can I study?
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
Who teaches the classes?
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.
How big are the classes?
Classes are intentionally small to encourage discussion and personalized learning. This is one of the hallmarks of a Sarah Lawrence education.
What will I receive after completing a course?
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.
How do I register?
Registration is easy:
- Email ExtensionCourses@sarahlawrence.edu and tell us who your au pair coordinator is. We will email you a special Coupon Code.
- Browse upcoming courses on our Extension Program site.
- Select “Have a coupon?” on the billing screen and enter your code to receive the special au pair price.
- Attend your chosen class — either in person or online!
Are refunds available if I can’t attend?
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.
How do I get to campus?
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.
Can I take classes more than once?
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.
Questions?
We’re happy to help you select the right course and confirm your educational hours. Get in touch any time!
ExtensionCourses@sarahlawrence.edu
(914) 395-2659