Bergen Community College welcomes over 200 international students from over 55 countries around the world. Our beautiful campus offers a safe and welcoming environment just 30 miles away from New York City. Bergen’s open admissions, strong student support services, excellent academic environment, and seamless transfer to public and private universities make it a great place for international students to start their American college experience.

Why come to Bergen Community College?

  • Opportunities to meet other au pairs, international and American college/university student
  • Convenient class times to meet your schedule (early morning/afternoons/night time and Saturday)
  • English as a Second Language classes
  • Affordable tuition
  • Small classes
  • Excellent faculty
  • State-of-the-art computer facilities
  • Outstanding academic/certificate programs
  • An International Student Center dedicated to student success
  • An active International Student Association (ISA) Club and Student Life

Admission Requirements

  • An application (online)
  • Copies of J-1 immigration documents (visa, passport, DS-2019)
  • A letter from the sponsoring au pair agency stating the au pair’s name and placement

Frequently Asked Questions

How many courses is an Au Pair allowed to take?

An au pair can take as many courses as long as they register for a minimum of 6 credits during the year.

I understand that au pairs working for a family living in Bergen County receive a special “in county rate”. What if I am an Au Pair working outside of Bergen County?

Au pairs working outside of Bergen County are welcome to attend BCC. Au pairs that working outside Bergen County will not be eligible for the special “in county rate” and will pay the regular visa rate. See the Bursar Office for current rates.

I would like to take a class at BCC, but I don’t want to receive a grade in the course. May I do this at Bergen Community College?

Yes! This is called “auditing” a class. Au pairs should ask their sponsoring agency if auditing is allowed. It is the au pair’s responsibility to make sure that auditing a class is permitted. The cost to audit a class is the same as taking the class for a grade.

Can I earn a Certificate or Degree at BCC?

Absolutely! Some certificates can be achieved in as little as one year.

When is the deadline for applying to BCC?

Au pairs should apply to the College as close to the semester start date as possible. Classes fill up quickly and the earlier an application is submitted, the better! To view the semester start dates, please refer to the Registration Calendar.

Are there certain classes I cannot take at BCC?

Generally, au pairs can register for most classes at BCC. Students must take a basic skills test before registering for English or Mathematics. Students who want to take classes in the American Language Program (ALP) need to take the Levels of English Proficiency Test. Tests are free of charge and offered on campus for your convenience. All testing information can be found at bergen.edu/testing.

How can I get more information?

Please call us at 201.689.7601 or e-mail us at [email protected]. You may also stop by the International Student Center which is located in Room SC-110 of the Pitkin Education Center.