English Skills and American Culture
A Course for Au Pairs
EnglishLanguageCenter
OldDominionUniversity
Course: A 7-week language and culture course designed to meet the educational requirement for au pairs on J-1 visas. Each 7-week session will be equivalent to 3 semester hours.
Participants:The course is open to all Au Pairs working in the Hampton Roads area
Provider: The EnglishLanguageCenter at OldDominionUniversity
Academic Program Overview: The content and schedule for this 7-week course will consist of two concurrent components: a specially designed curriculum delivered in the traditional classroom format and a series of activities where participants will have an opportunity to observe American culture, use everyday English, and interact with their American and international peers in informal settings.
Classroom Instruction:
The culture and English language component of the program will be held each Tuesday and Thursday evening from 7:00-9:00pm. Each of the classes will be organized around a central topic, such as American Communication Styles, Music and Sports in America, American Values, or Diversity and American Immigration. Skill area instruction will focus on reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Course materials and assignments will be related to the day’s topic. Depending on the interests of the participants, a brief overview of the TOEFL could be included in the classroom component.
Supplementary Informal Activities:
The following opportunities will be available to all participants:
Participate in Conversation Partner program with an ODU Student
Complete Independent Language Lab Assignments
Attend an ELC Mid-session Activity
Be a Culture Informant in ODU’s Cross-Cultural Communication Class
Participate as a Native Speaker in an ODU Foreign Language Class
Contribute an Article to the ELC Newsletter
Attend a Weekend Field Trip
Participants will meet with the program coordinator or classroom instructor to determine a program of activities that will satisfy course requirements and be compatible with the au pair’s scheduled home responsibilities.
Program Dates: October 25-December 8, 2005.
Estimated Cost: The tuition for the 7-week course is $350.00 A minimum of five participants is required to run the course.
Registration: Contact Anne Geyer at or call 757-683-4424.
Provider Profile:
The EnglishLanguageCenter:
- Is experienced in the design and delivery of special programs to address the specific needs and interests of a wide variety of clients.
- Has provided special programs for diverse groups including young adult dependents of Korean Fulbright Alumni and German and Brazilian university students.
- Employs experienced and highly qualified faculty
- Holds membership in UCIEP and AAIEP, two professional organizations committed to the support and advancement of professional standards and quality instruction in Intensive English Programs at universities and colleges in the United States.