South African Au Pair Named Au Pair of the Year by International Au Pair Association

Rozelle Botes, a South African au pair with Au Pair in America, has been awarded the Au Pair of the Year Award by the International Au Pair Association (IAPA).

The award provides recognition for one outstanding au pair each year while also enhancing the awareness of the popular cultural exchange program.

Living with her host family in Solon, Ohio, Rozelle provides child care for Alana, their 10-year-old daughter with significant special needs. Hosting Rozelle has helped her family immensely, explains host mother Elaine Eisner.

“When you’re told that your daughter has significant special needs and may not ever walk, talk or eat you have no idea where to turn,” states Eisner. “Since deciding to host au pairs five years ago, our lives changed. I have the complete honor of being the host mom to one of the most amazing women. We’re so grateful to have found an au pair who brought out the best in our amazing child.”

Additionally, Eisner confirms that Rozelle “loves Alana like a sister, works with her like a therapist and protects her like a mother,” adding that she can’t imagine “any au pair more worthy of this honor.”

When asked what the award means to her, Rozelle reflects on her relationship with her host child. “There is truly no better feeling than seeing Alana overcome her everyday challenges and advance towards her goals,” says Rozelle. “How can I ask for any better experience than joining the Au Pair in America program?”

After being forced to give up a career in sports due to health issues of her own, Rozelle decided to change her direction in life and dedicated herself to helping children. Living in a rural area of South Africa where traveling abroad is not the norm, she took a brave leap and began her rewarding journey as an au pair in the United States.

Au pairs are nominated for the prestigious IAPA award by their host families, who are asked to submit an essay describing why their au pair is extraordinary.

Accompanied by Eisner and Au Pair in America staff, Rozelle accepted the award on March 16, 2019 at IAPA’s annual Work Experience Travel Market and IAPA Annual Conference (WETM-IAC) in Luxembourg.

Young women from around the world have the opportunity to participate on the au pair program in the United States for one year, with the ability to extend up to another year. In exchange for a private room and full board, transportation, health insurance, and an educational stipend, au pairs provide up to 45 hours per week of intercultural care to the host’s children. They become full-fledged family members, sharing a cultural exchange experience that often leads to a life-long relationship with their host family.