J-1 Au Pair Language & Culture
The Au Pair Language & Culture Program is designed to help au pairs fulfill the English instruction requirement for a J-1 visa. Each course provides 36 hours of instruction and au pairs can take two courses 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 confidence in English
- Receive a certificate of completion
Please note: Au pairs may only enroll in one of these programs per session (you cannot audit the IEP and take the Evening Program at the same time).
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) is a federal law that protects the privacy of student education records.
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, you 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.
Please verify your English language proficiency before registering for a course using the CEFR Self-Assessment grid below.
U N D E R S T A N D I N G S P E A K I N G
W R I T I N G | A1 | A2 | B1 | B2 | C1 | C2
| |
| Listening | I can recognize familiar words and very basic phrases concerning myself, my family and immediate concrete surroundings when people speak slowly and clearly. | I can understand phrases and the highest frequency vocabulary related to areas of most immediate personal relevance (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, local area, employment). I can catch the main point in short, clear, simple messages and announcements. | I can understand the main points of clear standard speech on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. I can understand the main point of many radio or TV programmes on current affairs or topics of personal or professional interest when the delivery is relatively slow and clear. | I can understand extended speech and lectures and follow even complex lines of argument provided the topic is reasonably familiar. I can understand most TV news and current affairs programmes. I can understand the majority of films in standard dialect. | I can understand extended speech even when it is not clearly structured and when relationships are only implied and not signalled explicitly. I can understand television programmes and films without too much effort. | I have no difficulty in understanding any kind of spoken language, whether live or broadcast, even when delivered at fast native speed, provided I have some time to get familiar with the accent. | |
| Reading | I can understand familiar names, words and very simple sentences, for example on notices and posters or in catalogues. | I can read very short, simple texts. I can find specific, predictable information in simple everyday material such as advertisements, prospectuses, menus and timetables and I can understand short simple personal letters. | I can understand texts that consist mainly of high frequency everyday or job-related language. I can understand the description of events, feelings and wishes in personal letters. | I can read articles and reports concerned with contemporary problems in which the writers adopt particular attitudes or viewpoints. I can understand contemporary literary prose. | I can understand long and complex factual and literary texts, appreciating distinctions of style. I can understand specialised articles and longer technical instructions, even when they do not relate to my field. | I can read with ease virtually all forms of the written language, including abstract, structurally or linguistically complex texts such as manuals, specialised articles and literary works. | |
Spoken Interaction | I can interact in a simple way provided the other person is prepared to repeat or rephrase things at a slower rate of speech and help me formulate what I'm trying to say. I can ask and answer simple questions in areas of immediate need or on very familiar topics. | I can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar topics and activities. I can handle very short social exchanges, even though I can't usually understand enough to keep the conversation going myself. | I can deal with most situations likely to arise whilst travelling in an area where the language is spoken. I can enter unprepared into conversation on topics that are familiar, of personal interest or pertinent to everyday life (e.g. family, hobbies, work, travel and current events). | I can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible. I can take an active part in discussion in familiar contexts, accounting for and sustaining my views. | I can express myself fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions. I can use language flexibly and effectively for social and professional purposes. I can formulate ideas and opinions with precision and relate my contribution skilfully to those of other speakers. | I can take part effortlessly in any conversation or discussion and have a good familiarity with idiomatic expressions and colloquialisms. I can express myself fluently and convey finer shades of meaning precisely. If I do have a problem I can backtrack and restructure around the difficulty so smoothly that other people are hardly aware of it. | |
Spoken Production | I can use simple phrases and sentences to describe where I live and people I know. | I can use a series of phrases and sentences to describe in simple terms my family and other people, living conditions, my educational background and my present or most recent job. | I can connect phrases in a simple way in order to describe experiences and events, my dreams, hopes and ambitions. I can briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans. I can narrate a story or relate the plot of a book or film and describe my reactions. | I can present clear, detailed descriptions on a wide range of subjects related to my field of interest. I can explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options. | I can present clear, detailed descriptions of complex subjects integrating sub-themes, developing particular points and rounding off with an appropriate conclusion. | I can present a clear, smoothly-flowing description or argument in a style appropriate to the context and with an effective logical structure which helps the recipient to notice and remember significant points. | |
| Writing | I can write a short, simple postcard, for example sending holiday greetings. I can fill in forms with personal details, for example entering my name, nationality and address on a hotel registration form. | I can write short, simple notes and messages relating to matters in areas of immediate needs. I can write a very simple personal letter, for example thanking someone for something. | I can write simple connected text on topics which are familiar or of personal interest. I can write personal letters describing experiences and impressions. | I can write clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects related to my interests. I can write an essay or report, passing on information or giving reasons in support of or against a particular point of view. I can write letters highlighting the personal significance of events and experiences. | I can express myself in clear, well structured text, expressing points of view at some length. I can write about complex subjects in a letter, an essay or a report, underlining what I consider to be the salient issues. I can select style appropriate to the reader in mind. | I can write clear, smoothly-flowing text in an appropriate style. I can write complex letters, reports or articles which present a case with an effective logical structure which helps the recipient to notice and remember significant points. I can write summaries and reviews of professional or literary works. |
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, but the learning of all students in the class is affected. Class attendance and participation is extremely important, so please try to arrive on time and be prepared to contribute. If you must miss a class, please inform your instructor prior to the class if possible. Students make up missed coursework online.
The IEC requires a minimum of 80% 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.
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 ABSENT. 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.
Make friends and join our community of English language learners
We are offering a new opportunity for our local au pairs to study English, make friends, and make the most of their time Colorado. For a single $250 auditing fee, au pair students can audit up to 2 high-quality academic English courses offered through the International English Center’s Intensive English Program. Click Course Descriptions to view available courses.
How to Apply
- Step 1: Complete and submit the Continuing Education Community Auditor Application (Available August 1, 2026)
- Step 2: Email ieccu@colorado.edu and let us know which course(s) and terms (8 weeks, first 4 weeks, or last 4 weeks) you are interested in auditing
- Step 3: We will email instructions for taking the online placement test
- Step 4: Once you finish the online placement test, we will email you the registration/permission to audit form. As soon as you complete and submit it, we will process your request and issue your invoice. At that point, your $250 fee will be ready for payment either online or in person.
Dates
| Session | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|
| (8-week) Fall | August 20 | October 9 |
| (4-week) Summer 1 | August 20 | September 11 |
| (4-week) Summer 2 | September 14 | October 9 |
Price
$250.00
*Students must purchase a Buff OneCard (university ID) for a one-time $30 fee to access classroom buildings.
Purchasing a Buff OneCard for the summer is completely optional. * Students are not required to buy a Buff OneCard for the summer term unless they choose to.
Course Descriptions
Writing
6 hours per week
This course provides students with the skills needed for effective academic writing. The writing process is emphasized, with a particular focus on paragraph and essay development, as well as error correction. Students gain practice in writing clear, concise, well-supported, and accurate communication using summary writing, paraphrasing, quoting, and synthesis. Reading materials provide a basis for developing ideas and models for writing.
Listening and Speaking
6 hours per week
This course helps students improve their oral communication skills in various social and academic settings. Students develop their conversation skills through role-plays, discussions, and vocabulary-building exercises. Lectures, debates, and formal discussions enable students to improve their note-taking skills, listening comprehension, and critical thinking. Oral presentations allow students to develop public speaking skills, effective body language, and pronunciation.
Reading
4 hours per week
This course is designed to assist students in becoming more confident and proficient readers in English. Students explore a variety of reading genres, including newspaper and magazine articles, websites, short stories, novels, university textbooks, and other non-fiction books. Reading skills, such as predicting, skimming, scanning, reading for details, vocabulary-building, inferencing, summarizing, and critical thinking are emphasized. Classroom discussions and exercises allow students to share and discuss their ideas about texts.
Sports & Nutrition
4 hours per week
Students develop their English fluency in a fun and interactive way. They learn about healthy eating and fitness through videos, readings, and guest speakers. Students explore Boulder actively while learning new vocabulary related to fitness and health. They also play indoor or outdoor sports such as volleyball, soccer, Frisbee, basketball, hiking or cycling.
| Subject | Days | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Writing | Monday, Wednesday, Friday | (Level 6, 7 & 8) 1:20 PM - 3:10 PM |
| Listening & Speaking | Monday, Wednesday, Friday | 10:40 AM - 12:30 PM |
| Reading | Tuesday, Thursday | 8:30 AM - 10:20 AM |
| Elective: Sports & Nutrition | Tuesday, Thursday | 10:40 AM - 12:30 PM |
Fall 1 2026
Dates: August 20, 2026 - October 9, 2026
Tentative Evening Schedule
| Course | English Proficiency | Day(s) | Time | Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English for Effective Communication 1 | Intermediate (CEFR B1-B2) | Tu/Th | 6:30 - 8:30 PM | $300* |
*In addition, students must purchase a Buff OneCard (university ID) for a one-time $30 fee to access classroom buildings.
- Each course includes 6 hours of asynchronous work
- 3 credits toward your J1 visa education requirement
- All courses include an online component
- Tuition is due on the first day of class unless otherwise noted.
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) is a federal law that protects the privacy of student education records.
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, you 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.
Applying to the program is simple.
- Complete the online application form.
- 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
- Completed Au Pair Language & Culture Program Application Form
- Photocopy of the identification page of your passport
- Passport style photo for your Buff OneCard
Business English
This course will teach you how to write and speak effectively in U.S. business situations. You will gain practice in writing clear, concise, accurate, and persuasive texts, emails, memos, and short reports. Learn the art of small talk and conduct short presentations, conference calls, and simulated meetings. You will gain confidence as they develop their ability to target communication for managers, colleagues, direct reports, and clients.
Effective Communication in English 1 & 2
In this course, you will develop your English writing, reading, listening, speaking, and grammar skills in interactive and engaging lessons. Through meaningful and authentic activities, you will expand your language skills, helping you to communicate confidently with your U.S. families, peers, and community.
Intercultural Communication
Gain valuable and necessary intercultural skills for your academic or professional career. You will examine and discuss cultures similar to your own as well as those that are radically different. Use a variety of English language and critical thinking skills to explore complex relationships between culture and communication.
Public Speaking: Clear and Confident Communication
In this course, you will gain confidence as you polish your public speaking skills in discussions, short and formal presentations, and impromptu speaking based on your 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.
TOEFL Test Preparation
This course will provide you with strategies and test-taking practice for the TOEFL iBT. You will review test format and scoring, and practice with actual tests, in addition to refining your underlying academic skills in vocabulary, grammar, reading, listening, speaking, and writing. You will be required to purchase a TOEFL test preparation textbook for use in the class.
Vocabulary & Idioms
Expand your vocabulary and learn strategies for understanding the meanings of new words. Using digital media, film, TV shows, songs and readings, you will focus on comprehension, recognition, and the application of new words and phrases. Learn how to make your speech clearer, more varied, and more native-like.
Please verify your English language proficiency before registering for a course using the CEFR Self-Assessment grid below.
U N D E R S T A N D I N G
S P E A K I N G
W R I T I N G | A1 | A2 | B1 | B2 | C1 | C2
| |
| Listening | I can recognize familiar words and very basic phrases concerning myself, my family and immediate concrete surroundings when people speak slowly and clearly. | I can understand phrases and the highest frequency vocabulary related to areas of most immediate personal relevance (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, local area, employment). I can catch the main point in short, clear, simple messages and announcements. | I can understand the main points of clear standard speech on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. I can understand the main point of many radio or TV programmes on current affairs or topics of personal or professional interest when the delivery is relatively slow and clear. | I can understand extended speech and lectures and follow even complex lines of argument provided the topic is reasonably familiar. I can understand most TV news and current affairs programmes. I can understand the majority of films in standard dialect. | I can understand extended speech even when it is not clearly structured and when relationships are only implied and not signalled explicitly. I can understand television programmes and films without too much effort. | I have no difficulty in understanding any kind of spoken language, whether live or broadcast, even when delivered at fast native speed, provided I have some time to get familiar with the accent. | |
| Reading | I can understand familiar names, words and very simple sentences, for example on notices and posters or in catalogues. | I can read very short, simple texts. I can find specific, predictable information in simple everyday material such as advertisements, prospectuses, menus and timetables and I can understand short simple personal letters. | I can understand texts that consist mainly of high frequency everyday or job-related language. I can understand the description of events, feelings and wishes in personal letters. | I can read articles and reports concerned with contemporary problems in which the writers adopt particular attitudes or viewpoints. I can understand contemporary literary prose. | I can understand long and complex factual and literary texts, appreciating distinctions of style. I can understand specialised articles and longer technical instructions, even when they do not relate to my field. | I can read with ease virtually all forms of the written language, including abstract, structurally or linguistically complex texts such as manuals, specialised articles and literary works. | |
Spoken Interaction | I can interact in a simple way provided the other person is prepared to repeat or rephrase things at a slower rate of speech and help me formulate what I'm trying to say. I can ask and answer simple questions in areas of immediate need or on very familiar topics. | I can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar topics and activities. I can handle very short social exchanges, even though I can't usually understand enough to keep the conversation going myself. | I can deal with most situations likely to arise whilst travelling in an area where the language is spoken. I can enter unprepared into conversation on topics that are familiar, of personal interest or pertinent to everyday life (e.g. family, hobbies, work, travel and current events). | I can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible. I can take an active part in discussion in familiar contexts, accounting for and sustaining my views. | I can express myself fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions. I can use language flexibly and effectively for social and professional purposes. I can formulate ideas and opinions with precision and relate my contribution skilfully to those of other speakers. | I can take part effortlessly in any conversation or discussion and have a good familiarity with idiomatic expressions and colloquialisms. I can express myself fluently and convey finer shades of meaning precisely. If I do have a problem I can backtrack and restructure around the difficulty so smoothly that other people are hardly aware of it. | |
Spoken Production | I can use simple phrases and sentences to describe where I live and people I know. | I can use a series of phrases and sentences to describe in simple terms my family and other people, living conditions, my educational background and my present or most recent job. | I can connect phrases in a simple way in order to describe experiences and events, my dreams, hopes and ambitions. I can briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans. I can narrate a story or relate the plot of a book or film and describe my reactions. | I can present clear, detailed descriptions on a wide range of subjects related to my field of interest. I can explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options. | I can present clear, detailed descriptions of complex subjects integrating sub-themes, developing particular points and rounding off with an appropriate conclusion. | I can present a clear, smoothly-flowing description or argument in a style appropriate to the context and with an effective logical structure which helps the recipient to notice and remember significant points. | |
| Writing | I can write a short, simple postcard, for example sending holiday greetings. I can fill in forms with personal details, for example entering my name, nationality and address on a hotel registration form. | I can write short, simple notes and messages relating to matters in areas of immediate needs. I can write a very simple personal letter, for example thanking someone for something. | I can write simple connected text on topics which are familiar or of personal interest. I can write personal letters describing experiences and impressions. | I can write clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects related to my interests. I can write an essay or report, passing on information or giving reasons in support of or against a particular point of view. I can write letters highlighting the personal significance of events and experiences. | I can express myself in clear, well structured text, expressing points of view at some length. I can write about complex subjects in a letter, an essay or a report, underlining what I consider to be the salient issues. I can select style appropriate to the reader in mind. | I can write clear, smoothly-flowing text in an appropriate style. I can write complex letters, reports or articles which present a case with an effective logical structure which helps the recipient to notice and remember significant points. I can write summaries and reviews of professional or literary works. |
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, but the learning of all students in the class is affected. Class attendance and participation is extremely important, so please try to arrive on time and be prepared to contribute. If you must miss a class, please inform your instructor prior to the class if possible. Students make 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.
NOTE: A certificate will only be awarded to students who successfully complete the course – this includes both coursework and classroom hours.
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 ABSENT. 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.