Can Au Pairs Earn All Their Education Credits
in One Weekend?

Many au pairs ask the same question:

“Can I earn my education credits in one weekend?”

The answer is yes — in many cases, you can.

This guide explains how it works, what to expect, and whether a weekend course is the right choice for you.

Understanding the Au Pair Education Requirement

All au pairs in the United States must complete:

6 education credits or about 60 to 72 hours of coursework

These credits must be earned though an approved educational program.

If you haven’t yet chosen how to complete your credits, you can read our guide: How Au Pairs Earn Education Credits in the United States.

So, Can You Earn All Your Credits in One Weekend?

Yes — some programs are designed specifically to allow au pairs to complete their education credits over a short, intensive period, often in a long weekend.

These are commonly called:

weekend courses
intensive courses
travel-based learning programs

They combine structured learning hours with guided experiences.

How Weekend Courses Work

Weekend courses are typically organized like this:

Pre-course work
In-person learning during the weekend
Activities, discussions, and guided experiences

Together, these components add up to the required number of hours.

What You Can Expect During the Weekend

Most weekend courses include:

guided exploration of a city or destination
group discussions and reflection
hands-on learning experiences
time to connect with other au pairs

For example, courses may take place in:

New York City
Miami
Los Angeles
Washington, DC
U.S. National Parks

Why Many Au Pairs Choose Weekend Courses

Weekend courses are popular because they allow au pairs to: