AU PAIR IN AMERICA
For those seeking a perfect combination of childcare, study and travel
As an au pair in America you will live with your carefully selected host family in one of 200 cluster areas around the United States of America. A ‘cluster’ is the area where you live, and at the head of each cluster is a community counselor who is there to ensure that both you and your host family are having a successful time together. Au pairs provide up to 45 hours of childcare assistance per week. Au pairs receive a weekly stipend, are provided with a private room and full board (3 meals per day), and other benefits. As a member of the household, you may appreciate the value of gifts and other benefits that your host family may provide during your time in the United States. 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.
As an equal member of your host family, you will have your own private room and all meals provided with your host family. You will be a role model, friend and companion to your host children so a genuine love for children is important! With 2 weeks paid vacation and at least one full weekend off per month, you will have lots of free time to explore your local area and to travel to new and exciting places! You can go on trips with your friends, join an organized tour with Trek America, or just do it on your own!
One of the great things about being an au pair is the opportunity to study at an American college or University. Your host family will provide you with a maximum annual study allowance of up to US$500 to study a course of your choice. The course you select will depend on the educational opportunities in your community and your work schedule. To meet the educational requirement, it may mean that you will need to supplement the education allowance with your own money, so take the time to plan carefully.
Living with an American host family as an Au Pair in America not only introduces you to American culture and lifestyle. You will get to know so many other cultures through the friends you make during your stay. You will be one of over 4000 au pairs from more than 60 countries who travel to America each year with Au Pair in America. A real cultural exchange experience! Become an au pair in America – the meaningful way to experience a slice of life in the USA.
If you have at least 200 hours of experience with non-family related children under 2 years old, you are considered infant qualified. Many host families specifically look for infant qualified au pairs. If this is you, make sure you include this in your application and you will be likely to match with a host family very quickly!
You can apply if you
- Are between the ages of 18 – 26 years old
- Have 200 hours of non-family childcare experience
- Have gained your experience within the last 3 years
- Have a valid driving license and clean driving record
- Are a secondary school graduate or equivalent
- Have a good standard of spoken English skills
- Have never been convicted of a criminal offence
- Are unmarried with no spouse or dependents
- Want to spend a year living with an American family
- If you are a returning au pair who has successfully completed a year in the USA we are happy to accept your application for a further experience
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“Au Pair in America changed my life completely. It made me stronger and more independent!” Aroa Lopez Olmeda – Spain |
