Au Pair Language & Culture
Program Facts
Ìý36 Hours/Course
Ìý ÌýIntermediate to Advanced Levels, CEFR B1-C2
Ìý ÌýIn-person instruction on the Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ Boulder campus
Ìý ÌýJ-1 from a Sponsoring Au Pair Agency
The Au Pair Language & Culture Program is designed to help au pairsÌýfulfill the English instruction requirement for a J-1 visa. EachÌýcourseÌýprovidesÌý36 hoursÌýof instruction and au pairs can take twoÌýcourses to meet the 72-hour requirement. Courses are designed for intermediate to advanced level speakers of English.
- Engage with other au pairs
- Polish your writing, reading, listening, speaking, grammar, pronunciation, and presentation skills
- Expand your understanding of US culture
- Collaborate on projects and presentations
- Gain confidenceÌýin English
- Receive a certificate of completion
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Application Deadline: January 6, 2025
Spring 1Ìý2025
| Course | English Proficiency | Dates | Day(s) | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English for Effective Communication 1 | Intermediate (CEFR B1-B2) | January 14 - March 4 | Tu/Th | 6:45 - 8:45 PM |
| Public Speaking | High Intermediate (CEFR B2 -C1) | January 14 - March 4 | Tu/Th | 6:45Ìý- 8:45 PMÌý |
- Tuition = $300ÌýUSD
- Each course includes 6 hours of asynchronous work
- 3 credits toward your J1 visa education requirement
- All courses include an online component
- All dates, course offerings, andÌýprices are subject to change without notice.
- Tuition is due on the first day of class unless otherwise noted.​
- Students mustÌýpurchase a Buff OneCard (university ID) for a one-timeÌý$30 fee to access classroom buildings (a second course does not require the purchase of the Buff OneCard).ÌýÌýThe Buff OneCard can also be used to obtain a variety of student discounts.
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The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) is a federal law that protects the privacy of student education records.
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In the U.S., a student’s education record is considered confidential and will not be released, with certain exceptions, without the student’s written permission. For instance, if your au pair agency or LCC contacts the IEC to confirm that you are taking a course, the IEC will not be able to respond without your written permission. By signing the Release of Non-Directory Information from the Student Education Record,Ìýyou give the IEC permission to respond to your au pair agency or LCC’s inquiries about your education record.
If you want to give such permission, please sign the form and indicate who may receive this information.
No. Your instructor will give you a diagnostic assignment on the first day of class to identify your strengths and areas of improvement. Before enrolling in a course, please verify your English proficiency using the Self-Assessment in the tab below.
Yes. You will receive a certificate if you successfully complete all course work and meet attendance requirements.
Most au pair courses do not require you to purchase a textbook. The TOEFL Preparation course is the only course that requires a textbook purchase at this time. We will use Express to the TOEFL iBT Test.
Bring a notebook, a pen or pencil, the textbook, and a folder to all classes.
Please email your instructor if you will be late to class or will miss a class. Students who are in good academic standing are allowed to make up missed coursework online with no loss of hours.
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Applying to the programÌýis simple.
- Complete the
- Make sure you have the application documents needed to apply. Standard application materials are listed below.
- You must be 18 years of age (from your date of birth) by the first day of the course for which you are applying.
Standard Application Materials
- CompletedÌýAu Pair Language & Culture Program Application Form
- Photocopy of the identification page of your passport
- Passport style photo for your Buff OneCard
Business EnglishÌý
This course teaches students how to write and speak effectively in U.S. business situations. Students gain practice in writing clear, concise, accurate, and persuasive texts, emails, memos, and short reports. They learn the art of small talk and conduct short presentations, conference calls, and simulated meetings. Students gain confidence as they develop their ability to target communication for managers, colleagues, direct reports, and clients. Ìý
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Effective Communication in English 1 & 2Ìý
In this course, students develop their English writing, reading, listening, speaking, and grammar skills in interactive and engaging lessons. Through meaningful and authentic activities, students expand their language skills, helping them to communicate confidently with their U.S. families, peers, and community.Ìý
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Public Speaking
In this course, students gain confidence as they polish their public speaking skills in discussions, short and formal presentations, and impromptu speeches based on their topics of interest. The course includes work on discussion leadership, pronunciation, and all aspects of delivering effective presentations: body language, eye contact, framing language, and responding to questions.Ìý
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TOEFL Test Preparation
This course provides students with strategies and test-taking practice for the TOEFL iBT. Students will review test format and scoring, and practice with actual tests, in addition to refining their underlying academic skills in vocabulary, grammar, reading, listening, speaking, and writing. Students are required to purchase a TOEFL test preparation textbook for use in the class.
Please verify your English language proficiency before registering for a course using the CEFR Self-Assessment grid below.Ìý
Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý UÌý NÌý DÌý EÌý RÌýÌý SÌý TÌý AÌý NÌý DÌý IÌý NÌý G Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý SÌý PÌý EÌý AÌý KÌý IÌý NÌý G Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý WÌý RÌý IÌý TÌý IÌý NÌý G | Ìý | A1Ìý | A2Ìý | B1Ìý | B2Ìý | C1Ìý | C2Ìý
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| ListeningÌý | I can recognise familiar wordsÌý and very basic phrasesÌýÌý concerning myself, my familyÌý and immediate concreteÌýÌý surroundings when people speakÌý slowly and clearly. | I can understand phrases and theÌý highest frequency vocabularyÌý related to areas of mostÌýÌý immediate personal relevanceÌý (e.g. very basic personal andÌý family information, shopping,Ìý local area, employment). I canÌý catch the main point in short,Ìý clear, simple messages andÌýÌý announcements. | I can understand the main points ofÌý clear standard speech on familiarÌý matters regularly encountered in work,Ìý school, leisure, etc. I can understandÌý the main point of many radio or TVÌý programmes on current affairs orÌý topics of personal or professionalÌý interest when the delivery isÌýÌý relatively slow and clear. | I can understand extended speech andÌý lectures and follow even complex linesÌý of argument provided the topic isÌýÌý reasonably familiar. I can understandÌý most TV news and current affairsÌý programmes. I can understand theÌý majority of films in standard dialect. | I can understand extended speech evenÌý when it is not clearly structured andÌý when relationships are only impliedÌý and not signalled explicitly. I canÌý understand television programmes andÌý films without too much effort. | I have no difficulty in understanding anyÌý kind of spoken language, whether live orÌý broadcast, even when delivered at fastÌý native speed, provided I have some timeÌý to get familiar with the accent. | |
| ReadingÌý | I can understand familiar names,Ìý words and very simple sentences,Ìý for example on notices andÌýÌý posters or in catalogues. | I can read very short, simpleÌý texts. I can find specific,ÌýÌý predictable information inÌýÌý simple everyday material such asÌý advertisements, prospectuses,Ìý menus and timetables and I canÌý understand short simple personalÌý letters. | I can understand texts that consistÌý mainly of high frequency everyday orÌý job-related language. I can understandÌý the description of events, feelings andÌý wishes in personal letters. | I can read articles and reports concernedÌý with contemporary problems in whichÌý the writers adopt particular attitudes orÌý viewpoints. I can understandÌýÌý contemporary literary prose. | I can understand long and complexÌý factual and literary texts, appreciatingÌý distinctions of style. I can understandÌý specialised articles and longer technicalÌý instructions, even when they do notÌý relate to my field. | I can read with ease virtually all forms ofÌý the written language, including abstract,Ìý structurally or linguistically complex textsÌý such as manuals, specialised articles andÌý literary works.Ìý | |
SpokenÌýÌý Interaction | I can interact in a simple wayÌý provided the other person isÌý prepared to repeat or rephraseÌý things at a slower rate of speechÌý and help me formulate what I'mÌý trying to say. I can ask andÌýÌý answer simple questions in areasÌý of immediate need or on veryÌý familiar topics. | I can communicate in simple andÌý routine tasks requiring a simpleÌý and direct exchange ofÌýÌý information on familiar topicsÌý and activities. I can handle veryÌý short social exchanges, evenÌý though I can't usually understandÌý enough to keep the conversationÌý going myself. | I can deal with most situations likelyÌý to arise whilst travelling in an areaÌý where the language is spoken. I canÌý enter unprepared into conversation onÌý topics that are familiar, of personalÌý interest or pertinent to everyday lifeÌý (e.g. family, hobbies, work, travel andÌý current events). | I can interact with a degree of fluencyÌý and spontaneity that makes regularÌý interaction with native speakers quiteÌý possible. I can take an active part inÌý discussion in familiar contexts,ÌýÌý accounting for and sustaining my views. | I can express myself fluently andÌý spontaneously without much obviousÌý searching for expressions. I can useÌý language flexibly and effectively forÌý social and professional purposes. I canÌý formulate ideas and opinions withÌý precision and relate my contributionÌý skilfully to those of other speakers. | I can take part effortlessly in anyÌýÌý conversation or discussion and have aÌý good familiarity with idiomaticÌýÌý expressions and colloquialisms. I canÌý express myself fluently and convey finerÌý shades of meaning precisely. If I do haveÌý a problem I can backtrack and restructureÌý around the difficulty so smoothly thatÌý other people are hardly aware of it.Ìý | |
SpokenÌýÌý Production | I can use simple phrases andÌý sentences to describe where I liveÌý and people I know. | I can use a series of phrases andÌý sentences to describe in simpleÌý terms my family and otherÌýÌý people, living conditions, myÌý educational background and myÌý present or most recent job. | I can connect phrases in a simple wayÌý in order to describe experiences andÌý events, my dreams, hopes andÌýÌý ambitions. I can briefly give reasonsÌý and explanations for opinions andÌý plans. I can narrate a story or relate the plot of a book or film and describe myÌý reactions. | I can present clear, detailed descriptionsÌý on a wide range of subjects related to myÌý field of interest. I can explain aÌýÌý viewpoint on a topical issue giving theÌý advantages and disadvantages of variousÌý options. | I can present clear, detailedÌýÌý descriptions of complex subjectsÌý integrating sub-themes, developingÌý particular points and rounding off withÌý an appropriate conclusion. | I can present a clear, smoothly-flowingÌý description or argument in a styleÌýÌý appropriate to the context and with anÌý effective logical structure which helps theÌý recipient to notice and rememberÌýÌý significant points.Ìý | |
| WritingÌý | I can write a short, simpleÌýÌý postcard, for example sendingÌý holiday greetings. I can fill inÌý forms with personal details, forÌý example entering my name,ÌýÌý nationality and address on a hotelÌý registration form. | I can write short, simple notesÌý and messages relating to mattersÌý in areas of immediate needs. IÌý can write a very simple personalÌý letter, for example thankingÌý someone for something. | I can write simple connected text onÌý topics which are familiar or ofÌýÌý personal interest. I can write personalÌý letters describing experiences andÌý impressions. | I can write clear, detailed text on a wideÌý range of subjects related to my interests.Ìý I can write an essay or report, passing onÌý information or giving reasons in supportÌý of or against a particular point of view. IÌý can write letters highlighting theÌýÌý personal significance of events andÌý experiences. | I can express myself in clear, well structured text, expressing points ofÌý view at some length. I can write aboutÌý complex subjects in a letter, an essay orÌý a report, underlining what I consider toÌý be the salient issues. I can select styleÌý appropriate to the reader in mind. | I can write clear, smoothly-flowing text inÌý an appropriate style. I can write complexÌý letters, reports or articles which present aÌý case with an effective logical structureÌý which helps the recipient to notice andÌý remember significant points. I can writeÌý summaries and reviews of professional orÌý literary works. |
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Students may add or withdraw from a course one of two ways:
- Via email to Program Manager Carolyn Allen carolyn.allen@colorado.edu
- ÌýIn person at:
International English Center
1030 13 th Street, Boulder
The last day to drop the course and receive a full refund is SeptemberÌý3, 2024.
We understand that au pairs’ work obligations may sometimes conflict with class time. However, when students are absent from class, not only is the learning of the absent student affected, butÌýthe learning of all students in the class is affected. Class attendance and participation isÌýextremely important, so please try to arrive on time and be prepared to contribute.ÌýIf you must miss a class, please inform your instructor prior to the class if possible. StudentsÌýmake up missed coursework online.
The IEC requires a minimum of 85% attendance. For any missed session, students are encouraged to make up coursework. Below describes the limits of acceptable absences for the two courses offered:
Students may miss two class meetings and still meet the minimum attendance requirement. After the second absence, students are required to complete online makeup coursework to receive credit for missed classroom hours.
Students may miss one class session and still meet the minimum attendance requirement. After the first absence, students are required to complete online makeup coursework to receive credit for missed classroom hours.
ÌýNOTE: A certificate will only be awarded to students who successfully complete theÌýcourse – this includes both coursework and classroom hours.
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We understand that your work situation may cause you to be late from time to time. However, please try to arrive to class on time. If you arrive between 15-45 minutes after the start time of the class, you are considered late.
If you are late 3 times, that counts as 1 absence. If you are more than 45 minutes late to class, you are considered רSENT. We strongly encourage you to come to class, even though you are considered absent, so you are prepared to complete homework and other required assignments Leaving class early will have the same consequences as arriving late.
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