01ARE THERE OTHER COSTS INVOLVED THAT I SHOULD CONSIDER?
Yes, you should factor in the cost of obtaining the following:
Criminal Record Check
Visa Fee
Medical Report (any costs involved with your doctor)
Transport to and from your Au Pair in America Interview, Embassy appointment and airport
Baggage costs, if there are any
02CAN I STUDY IN THE USA WHEN I AM AN AU PAIR?
Yes you can! In fact studying for at least 3 hours per week is part of the requirements of our program. Your host family will tell you all about where the study opportunities in your area are and help you with choosing a course you like. You could learn a new language, or study marketing, business, photography, psychology and the list goes on… You can experience American college life for real or study online with UCLA.
03CAN I VOLUNTEER IN THE LOCAL COMMUNITY?
Absolutely! We operate a wonderfully unique Global Awareness Program that welcomes volunteers in schools and other locations. It’s a fantastic opportunity to share your culture with young American children.
04DO I GET TO CHOOSE WHERE I WANT TO GO?
Ultimately finding the perfect family should take priority over living in your desired location, so try to keep that in mind. If you are really convinced you want to go to a specific area, we will try and accommodate your needs, but it may mean you do not find a placement.
05HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE ME TO FIND A PLACEMENT WITH A FAMILY?
That depends. The sooner you have completed your application forms and have your interview, the sooner we can review your application and start circulating your profile to host families. On average it can take 2-4 months to find a family but sometimes it’s much quicker and sometimes it takes longer – the key factors involved are your application and your flexibility.
06HOW MUCH IS THE AU PAIR IN AMERICA PROGRAM FEE?
Check the program fee with your local Au Pair in America agency for current prices. You will only pay the program fee when you place with a host family.
07I REALLY WANT TO TRAVEL AND SEE MORE OF THE US – WILL I HAVE THE CHANCE TO TRAVEL?
For sure! You will have 2 weeks of paid vacation during your au pair year as well as at least 1 full weekend off every month. The real chance to travel comes at the end of you year when you get a WHOLE month to discover the USA as you wish.
08WHAT ABOUT THE “POCKET MONEY” I RECEIVE?
Your host family will provide you with a stipend each week, a private furnished bedroom, full board (3 meals per day), a contribution towards your educational courses and other benefits.
Benefits may include home computer, telephone and internet use, personal transportation or use of a family car, recreation and leisure activities, as well as the availability of other household items that you may use.
09WHAT ARE HOST FAMILIES LOOKING FOR IN AN AU PAIR?
Our host families are looking for individuals they can rely on to care for their children in a fun, honest and responsible way. They want someone flexible and motivated with varied, practical childcare experience. Families look for someone who can engage with and interest their children but who is also mature and able to take control in an adult way. If you have special hobbies and interests or if there is a particular sport or musical instrument your enjoy this is also a big plus. Swimming is also important as many families like their au pairs to be able to swim with their kids or supervise swimming activities. Driving is also usually a big part of au pair life so try to gain as much confidence and experience as you can when driving!
10WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS TO BECOME AN AU PAIR?
To apply on our program, you must be aged between 18 -26; have a full driving license; have 200 hours of recent, non-family childcare experience; have finished secondary school; have no criminal record; love caring for kids and can commit to spending a year in the USA.
11WHAT HAPPENS IN A TYPICAL DAY AS AN AU PAIR?
Your daily routine will have a lot to do with the ages of the children you are caring for and the needs of your family. Typically, you’ll be responsible for waking the children, dressing and bathing them, preparing their meals, tidying up after them and making their beds. You will drive the children to school and other activities and be there to help with homework and bedtimes. You may sometimes be asked to babysit in the evening or on the weekends. A lot about being an au pair is having fun with the kids, actively engaging and playing with them!
12WHAT IF I LOVE IT SO MUCH I WANT TO STAY LONGER?
You can! You can extend with the same family for another 6, 9 or 12 months or choose another family in a different area as long as you commit to another 12 months with the new family.
13WHAT IS AU PAIR IN AMERICA?
We are a cultural exchange program offering applicants the chance to live, work and travel in the USA for 12 months. As an au pair you will live with an American Host Family, carefully selected by us, and care for their children for up to 45 hours per week.
14WHAT VISA DO I NEED TO BE AN AU PAIR?
You travel on an Exchange Visitor J1 visa – the only way to legally live, study, work and travel as an Au Pair in America.
15WHERE IN THE USA WILL I BE PLACED?
Our host families are located in the most popular US States including many locations on the East and West coasts of America. There will always be other au pairs living in your area so you can connect with an immediate network of friends and support.
16WHERE WILL I FLY FROM AND WHERE TO?
You will fly to the airport closest to your host family. When it’s time to go home at the end of your year, you can select a key US airport to depart from.
17WHY SHOULD I CHOOSE AU PAIR IN AMERICA?
We were the first legal au pair program to be designated by the US Government in 1989. That means we have over 30 years of experience dealing with cultural exchange and an excellent reputation. We have a strong support network there to help you every step of the way! Spending a year abroad living, studying and caring for children is also a fantastic way to boost your resume/ CV and help you develop as an individual
18WILL I BE ABLE TO MEET OTHER AU PAIRS?
You’ll have an opportunity every month at your “cluster” meetings, which will be arranged by your local Community Counselor. The Community Counselor will live near by and be on hand for you as a mentor and to arrange social activities for you and the other au pairs. Right now, these cluster meetings and activities may need to take place online depending on social distancing rules in your area. We’re getting really creative and working really hard to make sure you get to meet other au pairs, be it virtually or in person!
19WILL I HAVE TO PAY TO STUDY IN THE USA?
Your host family will contribute up to (US$500) towards the cost of your studies. If the courses you choose cost more than US$500 you can use your own money to cover the rest. You will have the choice of courses available so don’t worry, you can choose according to the price if you prefer!
