(800) 928-7247State Information
Au Pair in America in Indiana
Regional Update
Regional Presence:
Region 5 encompasses the four states of Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana. The clusters in the 4 states vary in size, with Michigan having the largest contingent of Au Pairs and host families. There are 10 Community Counselors in Michigan, primarily located in the northern suburbs of Detroit, with another grouping in Ann Arbor, home of the University of Michigan and Lansing, the State Capital. Kentucky is home to two clusters in Lexington and Louisville and Indiana has a group in the Indianapolis region. Ohio accounts for the second largest grouping of families and au pairs with 8 community counselors spread across the entire state, with Cincinnati and Cleveland having the biggest presence.
The community counselors have, for the most part, been with the organization for over 5 years, which makes them seasoned veterans, and knowledgeable in both cultural diversity and counseling. They are also some of the most fun and spirited of 'social directors' and hold numerous events and activities for their groups. They have diverse educational and life experiences and bring those to bear in relating to both young adult and family issues.
The Midwest region is home to a special quality of people and values, and the host families, with support and encouragement from their community counselors, are open, warm, and giving to the au pairs who live in the area for their year in the program. With the rolling hills and horse farms of Kentucky, the famous Indy 500 car race, the car capitol of the world in Detroit and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and art museums of Cleveland, the region offers a wonderful opportunity for au pairs to learn and live the American way of life.
Quarterly Message:
October 2009
Fall is a busy time in the states comprising Region 5.
Most of the clusters in the 4 state area of Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana, look forward to Halloween activities. Corn mazes hayrides and pumpkin carving continue to be annual favorites with a Halloween costume contest thrown in for good measure!
At this time of year when the emphasis is on ‘food’, some clusters enjoy international dinners that are truly representative of the diversity within the au pair program---Indian rice -hot, hot, hot!, Mexican tamales, mate tea sipped from the communal tea spout from Argentina, fantastic napoleons from France, pretzels from Germany, to name a few!
When November arrives it is time for au pairs to learn about Thanksgiving and many of the counselors open their homes for the girls to sample a traditional Thanksgiving dinner.
Au pairs join in the Christmas, Chanukah, Kwanzaa and New Year celebrations and teach their host families how these and other holidays are celebrated in their home countries.
This last quarter of the year provides something for everyone and sees the au pairs and host families celebrating throughout these months in ‘thanksgiving’ for the program and each other!
Regional Representative:
Donna Hanley Crudder has been part of the Au Pair in America family almost from its inception. She was the second Community Counselor hired in Michigan and from a base of 4 families in 1987 organized and managed a cluster of 50+ in the Ann Arbor, MI area.
Donna has a great deal of experience working with cultural diversity, problem solving techniques and commiunication strategies. She became the Regional Representative of Midwest Region 5, which encompasses Michigan, Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky, after serving in the community counselor role for 13 years.
She has held numerous other positions with both community based non-profits, as well as large manufacturing companies, where she led organizational learning and change management strategies to a global workforce. She has traveled extensively with her jobs to Europe, Japan, India, and South America and feels that these opportunities have afforded her insights and information into the different perspectives and cultures that make up the Au Pair world.
Driving Information for Au Pairs
Visit the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles website for information about driving in Indiana.
Educational Information for Au Pairs
The information listed here is your starting point to fulfilling the education requirement. Your community counselor will have the most popular and affordable choices in your area.
- The schools listed here are not all reasonable options. Ask your community counselor for the schools closest to you.
- Continuing Education (also Adult Education or Lifelong Learning) classes are generally the most affordable options for au pairs.
- Review the cost, class schedule, and transportation needed for the classes you are interested in with your host family. You need to be responsible about selecting courses that meet at times that will not conflict with your work schedule. Take into consideration the time it will take to travel between home and the campus. Your host family must approve your plans.
- Host families reimburse tuition costs and costs of related materials (books and supplies) up to $500 ($1000 for EduCare) for you to complete your six semester hours (12 for EduCare), or the equivalent. You are responsible for all payments for tuition, fees, books and materials that exceed the host family’s contribution. Education money is not paid to you in cash if you do not use the complete amount.
- For more detailed information about the education requirement and education in the US, click here to see the ABCs of Education.
Butler University Concordia University Heritage Baptist University IUPUI-Indiana University-Purdue University at Indianapolis Indiana Wesleyan University |
Ivy Tech State College J. Everett Light Career Center Marian College University of Indianapolis |
Tourist and Other Information
For events around central Indiana and activities to do with children: centralindiana.babyzone.com
Indy.com....our city, our world! www.indy.com/
Print this Page
Bookmark & Share:
Login to your Account
Connect with Us
Special Promotion
Apply by April 15th
for FREE - a savings of $350!
View details & discounts.
