WHO ARE OUR AU PAIRS?
Those who apply to become au pairs or companions with Au Pair in America represent diverse social, economic, educational and cultural backgrounds. They hold a common interest in traveling abroad to expand their cultural awareness.
Au pairs pay fees that vary by country and may include fees for the interview, placement, flight surcharge, upgrade insurance and visa processing.
Many applicants are students taking a “year out” from their university studies, while others have been employed or are entering the work force. Applicants must demonstrate a desire to care for children and have an appropriate level of child care experience.
All candidates for the program:
- are between the ages of 18 and 26.
- have at least 200 hours of recent, practical child care experience such as regular babysitting for non-family members or assisting at a local school or youth group. Au pairs who care for children under the age of two will have a minimum of 200 hours of documented experience with children under the age of two.
- speak English to an acceptable standard.
- have earned a secondary school diploma or equivalent. Some may have completed university-level coursework.
- submit a medical report prior to entering the U.S.
- possess a valid driver’s license. In countries where attainable, we request applicants secure an international driver’s license. They may also be required to obtain a license in your state.
- have successfully passed a background investigation, which includes verification of schooling, references, psychometric test and a criminal record check (where available within the scope of the laws of a given country).
Au pairs and companions generally have no formal child care training. For au pairs with formal training or two years of full-time child care experience, refer to our Au Pair Extraordinaire program.
