For 35 years, Au Pair USA has been matching au pairs with families in the USA. As an accredited sponsor of the U.S. Department of State Exchange Visitor Programs, we specialize in fostering secure, economical, and transformative cultural exchange opportunities.
If you love children and enjoy caring for them, being an au pair is a great way to experience American culture. Being an au pair in the USA has so much to offer!
Au Pair USA programs expand the worldviews of participants and hosts alike. Participants experience personal and professional growth, while hosts enjoy the intercultural value that these young people bring to their homes.
Since 1989, Au Pair USA has connected international au pairs with American families to create life-changing, cultural exchange experiences. We are proud to have been among the first group of USA Department of State-designated sponsors of this amazing program, as well as a founding member of the International Au Pair Association (IAPA).
The au pair program requires an initial 12-month commitment. If you successfully complete your first 12-months, you have the option of requesting a program extension for an additional 6, 9 or 12 months.
Yes, we place both male and female au pairs on our program.
Almost all host families need someone who can drive and has at least one year of driving experience. If you are a safe, experienced driver, then it will be easier for you to match with a host family. In most American cities, driving is the primary method of transportation.
Au Pair USA carefully screens each host family participating in our program. The applying family completes a detailed application, provides references, and is interviewed in person by our Local Coordinator. Host families are educated about the program and must agree to follow program rules and regulations. Additionally, all adult family members must pass a criminal background check.
Yes! You and the host family make the decision to match together. Once you’ve completed your application, your profile will be available to families. Our placement team will work with you to introduce you to compatible host families. You’ll have an opportunity to interview via phone or video with prospective families. This is a great way to learn about the family’s care needs, lifestyle, and personality.
The length of time it takes to match depends on your qualifications and experience. We have many different types of host families who participate in our program with varying needs and requirements. Typically it takes a few weeks to a few months to place.
Au Pair USA is here to support you. If you have a problem, your Local Coordinator, Regional Supervisor and/or our corporate team will be there to help you. In the event of an emergency situation, a member of the Au Pair USA team is always on call to assist you when you need help.
We have many different types of families participating in our program - from big cities like Boston and San Francisco to smaller, more suburban towns. No matter where your new host family lives, you can be sure it’s a comfortable home where you will have your own room and plenty to see and do in your community.
Au pairs are only allowed work for their host family and may not accept outside employment. Also, au pairs cannot work beyond the maximum daily or weekly work hour limits for extra money.
Before traveling to the USA you will attend Au Pair USA’s Online Academy. Our program includes courses in Child Development, First Aid and CPR training, American Culture, Life as an Au Pair, Personal Safety and other important topics. We use a variety of training methods including live sessions with Au Pair USA staff, videos, online courses, and offline activities. The Online Academy meets the Department of State’s training requirements.
In general, the United States is a very safe place. However, it is always a good idea to keep security and safety in mind. You are likely to find the USA full of warm, friendly people who will enjoy meeting you, share their culture with you and learn about yours.
Yes, you may travel freely within the United States during your time as an au pair. If you plan to travel outside of the United States during your program, your J-1 visa must still be valid, and you must follow the specific visa rules and regulations of your destination country.
When you complete the program, you can remain in the USA for 30 days after your program end date. Many au pairs use this time to travel and see a new part of the country.
No, the Au Pair USA program requires a 12-month commitment, giving you plenty of time to make the most of your program in the USA.
Yes! You can extend for an additional 6, 9 or 12 months, once you have successfully completed the initial 12-month program.
Yes! You can return to the USA as a repeat au pair. To qualify, you must be no older than 26, have successfully completed your original au pair program, and have resided outside of the USA for a period of two years. You must also meet all the other admission qualifications.
Please reach out to our team for more information on becoming an Au Pair: call 021 4279190 or 01 2689775, or email j1visa@sayit.ie.
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