Additions to Au Pair Education Options
After a lot of discussion with our contacts at the U.S. Department of State, we are happy to say that InterExchange can now allow au pairs to take part in short-term weekend classes as long as they meet all the other program regulations criteria.
What are the criteria?
Acceptable Weekend Classes must be:
1) Run by accredited, post-secondary institutions
2) Must earn the student academic credit
3) Must be academic in nature
Remember, classes should not be recreational in nature (cooking, sewing, exercise). In addition, there are many “gray areas” in what is, and what is not, acceptable education options, such as art and physical education classes. For these to be acceptable, the classes must have a study, lecture, or textbook component that make them “academic”. There are also many “lifestyle classes” that should be avoided. To be safe, au pairs should always look for the most “academic” classes available and should check with their LC to make sure it is ok before signing up.
Here are some of the more popular institutions offering weekend classes:
Sojourner Douglass College: http://weekendprogram.org/
Long Island University: http://www.liu.edu/CWPost/About/Offices/Au-Pair/Course-Descriptions
National Louis University: http://www.nl.edu/aupair/
Long Island University is the closest available option for Brooklyn based au pairs. Options take place over a weekend and are available for around $285 – $350 depending on whether or not you want weekend accommodation. Each counts as 3 credits!
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
LIU POST AU PAIR PROGRAM
*All of these courses are not offered every semester please refer to the registration form for availability*
Child Development – 3 credit course
Children are what make the world “go round.” This course will follow the development of children from birth through adolescence. The students will embrace all the various stages of growth and development that children experience. This course will include the physical, social, emotional, and intellectual growth of children. This experience will be generated through informative lectures, intriguing documentaries, and hands on activities that provoke creativity and sense of what the whole child is comprised of.
American Government, Politics, and Social Issues-3 credit course
Students will have the opportunity to learn about basic American political principles using a variety of educational methods. By using written materials, class participation audio-visual and Internet resources, and taking advantage of their stay with real-life American citizens, students can learn particularly about American understandings the fundamental features of American government and politics. We will discuss various dilemmas of constitutional democracy, including for example the limits of free speech, the tension between security and civil liberties, and the place of morality in politics. Inquiry based instructional methods will be used when investigating American social issues and how they relate to the recent and current government.
Enhancing your Digital Lifestyle – 3 credit course
This hand’s on course will give the students a better understanding of all things digital and how to create your digital footprint. We will help you gain a better understanding of how to present yourself online. This course will also help you recognize and better interpret the use of today’s leading social media sites. Students will learn basic techniques of graphic design, web design, and professional presentations through the Adobe Creative Suite while in the comfort of a state of the art Mac computer lab.
American Fashion through the Decades-History of American Fashion – 3 credit course
Fashion is what has defined America since the beginning of time. This course will follow American fashion through the decades. The students will embrace America’s defining moments through clothing and witness how changes in society allowed for trends to form. This experience will be generated through informative lectures, intriguing documentaries, and hands on activities that provoke creativity and fashion sense.
Marketing and Social Media – 3 credit course
Through discussions, assessments, lectures, interviews, and group projects, this course will allow students to have an overview of basic marketing and consumer behavior concepts with an exploration of how social media is impacting what, when, where and how we shop. We will also be researching companies in responds to customer demands relating to pricing, advertising, selling and servicing products.
Critical Reading and Expository Writing – 3 credit course
This course entails critical reading and analysis of the novel of mice and men and classic short stories. Reading and writing poetry on many levels. Study of new vocabulary infused into our readings.
TOEFL/English Exam Preparation Course – 3 credit course
Improve your chances for success on the TOEFL exam. This course will focus on strategies for succeeding on the English language exam required for admission to universities in the United States (TOEFL). In addition, au pairs will practice skills that are stressed on the exam and will be able to monitor their progress by taking and scoring past exams.
History of American Women: American History – 3 credit course
This course examines the historical development of American women and ideals and the evolution of economic, political, and social processes in the United States from American Indian times to the present, particularly with regard to the history, roles and status of women.
Music That Made America: History of American Music – 3 credit course
This course will discuss music in The United States. We will talk about the history of music from the nineteenth century up through the present day. We will discuss different genres of music, what makes them unique, and what similarities they may have. We will talk about American popular culture and how it has affected and is affected by the popular music of the time. In addition, an objective of this course is to offer some listening techniques that you can take with you to gain a deeper appreciation for music no matter what you listen to.
Cultural Dynamic and the American Society – 3 credit course
This course will look at how the various cultures of Europe, Asia, Africa and the Caribbean influence the diversity present within the American society of today. The course will provide an opportunity for students to share their own experiences of living in America. The instructor will explore the influence of foreign cultures on the cultural diversity within American through lecture, discussion, personal antidote and interactive exercises. Other topics to be explored will include the value of cultural diversity in the creation of new social norms; cultural adaptation and coping with culture-shock.
History of American Sports – 3 credit course
The foundation course for the Sports program is a chronological and topical examination of the history of American sport, beginning in the colonial era and ending in the present. The major events and trends in sports history are analyzed and placed within the broader context of American history, considering how historical processes influenced the rise of sport, and how sport influenced major social and cultural developments.
Growing up in America – 3 credit course
This course will examine the changing perception and experience of growing up in the United States from colonial times to the present, assuming that childhood and adolescence are social constructions that have changed over time. The course will explore the emergence of childhood and adolescence as distinct stages of the life cycle, the evolving role of the family in the process of growing up, and the increasing importance of social institutions other than the family in the lives of children. An overview will be given of the difference between growing up rich or poor, black or white, male or female, and rural or urban. Finally, it will consider the reciprocal relationship between popular culture and the lives of young Americans.
Apply Between Now and 12/31/13 to Save $350!
Complete your application between now and December 31, 2013 to save $350 as a new host family!
The new year has almost arrived, so don’t wait until 2014 gets here to resolve to make your family’s life better! An au pair can help with child care, household tasks, driving the kids to their many activities and bringing back date night!
With InterExchange Au Pair USA, our experienced and caring au pairs bring a new culture – and possibly a new language – to your family while also providing personalized child care that fits your schedule. And most of our families pay an average of $349 per week, no matter how many children they have.
Request more information or contact us at aupair@interexchange.org or 1.800.AU.PAIRS to learn more.
And remember – apply between now and 12/31/13 to save $350!
2014 Learning Across America Classes
Learning Across America, Winter 2014 Schedule – Fulfill the au pair education requirment and travel across the USA & Canada at the same time!
Boston–A Revolutionary City, Sunday Jan 12 – Feb 2
Boston Trip: March 15-16
Hours: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm 45 hours $335
Borough of Manhattan Community College
Learn about Boston through classroom lectures, films, articles and discussions while improving your English comprehension skills. As part of the course, you will participate in a weekend trip to Boston.
Boston–A Revolutionary City, Sunday Feb 9 – Mar 2
Boston Trip: March 15-16
Hours: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm 45 hours $335
Borough of Manhattan Community College
Learn about Boston through classroom lectures, films, articles and discussions while improving your English comprehension skills. As part of the course, you will participate in a weekend trip to Boston
Philadelphia and Amish Country, Sat Mar 1 – Mar 29
Philadelphia and Pennsylvania Amish Country Trip: May 3-4
Hours: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm 35 hours $335
Borough of Manhattan Community College
Learn about Philadelphia through classroom lectures, films, articles and discussions while improving your English comprehension skills. As part of the course, you will participate in a weekend trip to Philadelphia.
Philadelphia and Amish Country, Sun Mar 30 – Apr 13
Philadelphia and Pennsylvania Amish Country Trip: May 3-4
Hours: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm 35 hours $335
Borough of Manhattan Community College
Learn about Philadelphia through classroom lectures, films, articles and discussions while improving your English comprehension skills. As part of the course, you will participate in a weekend trip to Philadelphia.
Montreal-France in America , Sun, Jan 12 – Feb 2
Canada Trip: May 9-11
Hours: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm 45 hours $419
Borough of Manhattan Community College
Learn about Montreal, Canada through classroom lectures, films, articles and discussions while improving your English comprehension skills. As part of the course, you will participate in a weekend trip to Canada.
Montreal-France in America , Sat, Mar 1 – Mar 29
Canada Trip: May 9-11
Hours: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm 45 hours $419
Borough of Manhattan Community College
Learn about Montreal, Canada through classroom lectures, films, articles and discussions while improving your English comprehension skills. As part of the course, you will participate in a weekend trip to Canada.
Montreal-France in America , Sun, Mar 30 – Apr 13
Canada Trip: May 9-11
Hours: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm 45 hours $419
Borough of Manhattan Community College
Learn about Montreal, Canada through classroom lectures, films, articles and discussions while improving your English comprehension skills. As part of the course, you will participate in a weekend trip to Canada.
California-Las Vegas, Sun Feb 9 – Mar 2
California Trip: Chosen based on availability
Hours: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm 45 hours $919
Borough of Manhattan Community College
Learn about California through classroom lectures, films, articles and discussions while improving your English comprehension skills. As part of the course, you will participate in a one-week tou to California! San Francisco, Los Angeles and Las Vegas.
Niagara Falls, Sat Mar 1 – Mar 29
Niagara Falls Trip: June 6-8
Hours: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm 45 hours $419
Borough of Manhattan Community College
Learn about Niagara Falls through classroom lectures, films, articles and discussions. As part of the course, you will participate in a weekend trip to Niagara Falls.
Niagara Falls, Sat Mar 1 – Mar 29
Niagara Falls Trip: June 13-15
Hours: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm 45 hours $419
Borough of Manhattan Community College
Learn about Niagara Falls through classroom lectures, films, articles and discussions. As part of the course, you will participate in a weekend trip to Niagara Falls.
Niagara Falls, Sat Mar 30 – Apr 13
Niagara Falls Trip: June 13-15
Hours: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm 45 hours $419
Borough of Manhattan Community College
Learn about Niagara Falls through classroom lectures, films, articles and discussions. As part of the course, you will participate in a weekend trip to Niagara Falls.
Niagara Falls, Sat Mar 30 – Apr 13
Niagara Falls Trip: June 6-8
Hours: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm 45 hours $419
Borough of Manhattan Community College
Learn about Niagara Falls through classroom lectures, films, articles and discussions. As part of the course, you will participate in a weekend trip to Niagara Falls.
Niagara Falls, Sat Apr 26 – May 17
Niagara Falls Trip: June 13-15
Hours: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm 45 hours $419
Borough of Manhattan Community College
Learn about Niagara Falls through classroom lectures, films, articles and discussions. As part of the course, you will participate in a weekend trip to Niagara Falls.
Niagara Falls, Sun, April 27 – May 18
Niagara Falls Trip: June 6-8
Hours: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm 45 hours $419
Borough of Manhattan Community College
Learn about Niagara Falls through classroom lectures, films, articles and discussions. As part of the course, you will participate in a weekend trip to Niagara Falls.
Niagara Falls, Sat April 26 – May 17
Niagara Falls Trip: June 6-8
Hours: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm 45 hours $419
Borough of Manhattan Community College
Learn about Niagara Falls through classroom lectures, films, articles and discussions. As part of the course, you will participate in a weekend trip to Niagara Falls.
Washington DC, Sunday Jan 12- Feb 2
Washington DC Falls Trip: March 22-23
Hours: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm 45 hours $335
Borough of Manhattan Community College
Washington DC, Sunday Feb 9 – Mar 2
Washington DC Falls Trip: March 22-23
Hours: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm 45 hours $335
Borough of Manhattan Community College
Communicating in American Culture
When you first arrived in the United States, you may have felt a kind of euphoria – everything was new, exciting, and different! However, as you acclimated and settled in to life with your host family, you realized that this is real life with all its struggles and triumphs. It’s undoubtedly different than any experience you’ve had before, because you’re living and working in a new culture! One of the most difficult parts of this can be adjusting to different communication styles.
In your home country, especially in your home community, a certain type of smile or a tone of voice often means something very specific. Here in the States, however, that same smile or tone may mean something completely different. (Remember the Intercultural Communication Workshop at Orientation & Training?) It can be difficult to trust your instincts when they have been fine-tuned to help you survive and operate in YOUR home culture.
Navigating a new culture will take time and effort, but here are a few tips to help smooth out communication:
Make an effort to understand a person’s intentions before making assumptions. People will often have different tones and body language when communicating with you, and it can be difficult to interpret their meaning correctly. We encourage you to keep an open mind and stay neutral before taking action or responding to someone. If your host mom talks quickly and seems to have a harsh tone, don’t assume she’s angry. This may just be her communication style!
Ask for clarification. If you get a sense that your host dad is frustrated and not letting you know, follow up with him. “Is there something I should do differently?” or “Is there anything that you’d like to to talk to me about?” are good ways to get the conversation started. Repeat what your host family says to you in your own words to make sure that you understand.
Be honest with yourself and your hosts. If you don’t know how to get to soccer practice the first time you go, tell your host family that you need additional guidance. If you don’t have time to do the children’s laundry before they come home, tell your host family, and suggest an alternate plan. American families appreciate direct and straightforward communication, and you’ll have more successful experience by being honest (but still tactful).
Have a sense of humor! Living and working in a new culture can be difficult, especially when you’re improving your language skills. But if you can laugh at small misunderstandings and stay positive, this will help you to overcome daily challenges with a smile.
Learning to adapt and communicate across cultures is a challenge, and no one will ever be perfect at communicating, but improving and learning new skills will greatly enrich your life and your understanding of the world. What are some tactics that have helped you become a better communicator? We invite you to share advice and suggestions that have helped you to adapt and share your thoughts more successfully.
Meet the 2013 Au Pair of the Year
Congratulations to the 2013 InterExchange Au Pair USA Au Pair of the Year, Gavin McKay, from Northern Ireland!
Gavin McKays’s determination to make life better for those around him, including his host family, the Schlachters, fellow au pairs and members of his community in Seattle, made him an easy choice for Au Pair of the Year despite numerous other great candidates.
“Gavin’s bright-eyed enthusiasm for new experiences, whether taking a photography class or mastering the bus routes, provides a wonderfully consistent role-model for [my son] Elliot while confirming my belief that he is the best au pair in the world,” said Rebecca Schlachter, Gavin’s host mother.
Gavin’s positive energy was clear from the moment he arrived in New York for the Au Pair USA Orientation and Training Program in March.
“It’s not always easy to be a young man in the au pair world, but when I first met Gavin at the Orientation and Training Program in New York City, he was full of enthusiasm and gusto. You could tell he was making the most of his experience already. He immediately started making friends, getting involved with the group, and participating in class activities. It quickly became apparent, Gavin is a team player,” said Participant Services Manager Kate Ferrin.
Gavin has been a wonderful role model for the Schlachters’ son, who was just two years old when Gavin arrived in Seattle.
“Some au pairs would be daunted by the responsibility of working and living with a single parent. But Gavin has continued to show his positive nature in how he approaches his small host family and seems to thrive with his role as mentor to her young son,” said Tauryn Beeman, Local Coordinator for Gavin and the Schlachter family.
We were very proud to honor Gavin at the annual InterExchange Au Pair USA conference in Chicago on November 15th. Our New York staff, Local Coordinators and International Cooperators recognized him for all his hard work and efforts in building team culture throughout the entire InterExchange Au Pair USA family.
To read Gavin’s winning essay and the essay of his host family, the Schlachters, and to learn more about the positive impact he made this past year click here. You can also read about past au pairs of the year here.
Congrats, Gavin!
Kind Regards,
The InterExchange Au Pair USA Team
Understanding American Holidays
If you can’t feel it in the fall breeze, you can most likely sense it in your host children’s excitement or your local stores’ decorations – the holiday season is upon us! While we realize that many of you celebrate plenty of the same holidays at home, you may or may not be used to the amount of excitement that permeates American life between approximately mid-September to mid-January. This is a time of movies, songs, altruistic activities, gift-giving, food, drink, and shopping! We know that you may be aware of the historic implications of these holidays, so we’re focusing on the aspects that are specifically cultural.
Here’s a quick primer to get you acclimated to some of fall’s main celebrations, American style:
Halloween: October 31st
This holiday gives children the opportunity to dress up in their scariest (or prettiest, or wackiest) outfits, while running around the neighborhood, yelling “trick or treat!” and filling pillowcases with fun-sized Snickers, Skittles, and other sweet treats.
Take note that many people of all ages celebrate Halloween – don’t be surprised if almost everyone on your block is handing out candy, if your children bring costumes for a school event, or if your host parents or even you get invited to a Halloween party!
Thanksgiving: November 28th
Thanksgiving, or “Turkey Day,” as you may hear it referred to, commemorates a feast shared by both indigenous Americans and early Pilgrims to the New World. This day brings American families together to cook a massive feast, eat it together, view a football game, and to remember to give thanks for the food, family, and other good fortune they have.
Many workers are given a day off on both Thursday and Friday. During this holiday, many Americans make the journey back to their hometowns or to the cities where other loved ones live in an effort to share with their family. According to the US Department of Transportation Bureau of Transportation Statistics, Thanksgiving is the most heavily traveled time of year!
Black Friday: November 29th
This recently emerging “holiday” is neither religious nor steeped in history, but it receives a large degree of media attention nonetheless. Per tradition, stores wait until after Thanksgiving to begin officially advertising their Christmas promotions. As soon as Thanksgiving is over, stores offer deep discounts and other special sales to entice customers who are looking for deals on holiday gifts.
Black Friday shoppers often have to battle early mornings, long lines, and crowded stores to get the deals that they’re searching for. About 10 years ago, stores opened around 6:00 AM, but in recent years they’ve started opening at 3:00 or 4:00 AM. Last year, many stores started their sales at 8:00 PM on Thanksgiving Day!
Hanukkah: Sundown November 27th to Sundown December 5th
This eight-day festival of lights commemorates the rededication of the holy Temple in Jerusalem after the reclamation from Greek conquerors.
Jewish families around the States celebrate Hanukkah by lighting the hanukkiah (usually referred to as a menorah). Each night at sundown, another candle is lit until at the end of the celebration all of the eight candles are glowing (the candle in the middle is used to light the others, so there are nine in total).
Families also exchange gifts in the evening and share traditional foods such as potato pancakes, called latkes, and jelly-filled doughnuts. People of all ages, but especially children, love playing dreidel (above) and giving out gelt (below)!
This year, Hanukkah is coming earlier than usual, and actually begins on the same day as Thanksgiving! Some families may be starting off their Hanukkah celebration right after the Thanksgiving turkey!
Christmas: December 25th
While a traditionally Christian holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, the celebration of Christmas has integrated itself into secular United States culture. Don’t be surprised to see garland, bows, fake snow, bells, Santa, and signs wishing everyone a “Merry Christmas!” or “Happy Holidays!” around your city. There are many Americans who do not celebrate Christmas. If you’re not sure if someone celebrates Christmas or not, it’s good form to tell people “Happy Holidays!” rather than “Merry Christmas!”
Christmas is a time for gift-giving and sharing a meal with family. Much like Thanksgiving, this is a big time for travel. Many people do their best to make it “home for Christmas” – even if it is the only time of the year that they see their family. Children will eagerly await the arrival of Santa Claus, who – the story goes – comes down the chimney on Christmas Eve in order to stuff children’s stockings and leave gifts under the Christmas tree!
New Year’s Eve: December 31st
Many Americans make New Year’s resolutions: lose weight, eat healthier, perform better in work/school, etc, etc. With these lofty goals in sight, New Year’s Eve is people’s last chance to live it up!
Even though New Year’s Eve is one of the coldest nights here, many people take advantage of this holiday to “ring in the new year” and celebrate with friends and family. Traditional ways to celebrate include fireworks, banging pots and pans, watching the televised Times Square celebration, counting down to the new year, and clinking a glass of champagne as the new year arrives!
Lock in 2013 Fees!
2014 is almost here. Still haven’t found the best child care for your family? Take the next step to welcome a full-time international au pair into your home. Apply between now and November 30, 2013, and you can lock in 2013 prices with InterExchange Au Pair USA today!
Fall 2013 Host Family Day – Thanks to All!
Thanks to all that turned out for our Fall 2013 Host Family Day event.
Over 75 people donated their time and creativity to decorate “Happy Thanksgiving” bags for God’s Love We Deliver (www.glwd.org) for their Thanksgiving meal deliveries, an amazing organization that delivers meals to people who, because of their illness, are unable to provide or prepare meals for themselves. We ended up decorating 150 bags!
Our next event will be planned for early spring – stay tuned!
Why Choose InterExchange?
Fall Host Family Day Event – October 26th
Mark your calendars for our Fall Host Family Day Event!
The Event: Thanksgiving Gift Bag Decorating Party
We’ll be donating our time and creativity to decorate “Happy Thanksgiving” bags for God’s Love We Deliver (www.glwd.org) for their Thanksgiving meal deliveries.God’s Love We Deliver is an amazing organization that delivers meals to people who, because of their illness, are unable to provide or prepare meals for themselves.
Date: Saturday, October 26th
Time: 1:30-3:30pm
RSVPS REQUESTED. PLEASE INCLUDE NUMBER OF ATTENDEES (adults, children, and au pair)
Au Pair USA Brooklyn 