Weekend courses are an easy, affordable and fun way to complete your educational component. As demand for these classes grows, so do the topics offered! Many of our local au pairs have taken classes at these three locations and have had good things to say, so if you are still looking for ways to complete your program requirements, I encourage you to take a look! Remember to discuss your educational plans with your host family before registering to ensure that any time off you need can be arranged! All classes can be reached by public transportation. See the individual program websites for transportation options. Costs include meals and accommodations in most cases. Why not sign up with a friend or two??
Sojourner Douglass College Weekend Program - Maryland
This program is offered in multiple locations, but the most convenient for our au pairs is the weekend offered in Linthicum, MD, near Baltimore. They offer one-weekend courses for 3 credits and two-weekend courses for 6 credits. Prices vary depending on when you enroll (the earlier, the better!). Topics include Interior Design, Spanish, Psychology, French, American Sign Language, Hospitality & Tourism, American Culture, Language & Tourism, American Culture & Caring for Special Needs Children, Understanding American Language & Government.
Upcoming weekends are listed below. Check the program’s website for topics - note that some of the course offerings are “Two Weekend,” which requires participants to attend both weekends for the 6 credits.
March 3-4
April 14-15
May 5-6
June 2-3
July 14-15
September 8-9
October 6-7
November 3-4
December 1-2
Long Island University - C.W. Post Campus
The C.W. Post campus of Long Island University is located in the town of Brookville, NY. These courses are worth 3 credits per weekend. (Please note the Fashion course is several Saturdays, not an entire weekend!) I have registration forms that I received in a mailing if you wish to register for one of these classes! For course descriptions, visit the website.
Upcoming weekends & topics:
January 20-22: Fashion Through the Decades; History of American Music
February 10-12: Growing Up in America- American Culture; History of American Women
March 2-4: TOEFL/English Preparation Course; History of American Sports; Regional Identities - American Culture
March 9-11: American Government, Politics & Social Issues; Celebration of Holidays - American Culture
April 27-29: Marketing & Social Media; History of American Music; Study, Learn & Speak English
Silver Bay Au Pair Course - College of St. Rose
The Silver Bay Au Pair Course is sponsored by the College of St Rose in Albany, NY. The course itself takes place at the YMCA of the Adirondacks, near Lake George (except in the winter, when it is held in Albany). There are numerous course topics that vary from weekend to weekend. All courses are related to personal development, American culture or will help you in your role as an au pair.
Upcoming weekends:
January 20-22, 2012 in the Albany, NY area
March 16-18, 2012
April 13-15, 2012
May 4-6, 2012
June 8-10, 2012
July 20-22, 2012
Sept 7-9, 2012
Oct 26-28, 2012
Nov 16-18, 2012