Au Pair Year [Application, Schedule, Resources]

Each year, the U.S. welcomes thousands of au pairs from around the world. They live with host families, gain childcare experience, and immerse themselves in American culture. And thanks to AuPairCare, you could join them!

An au pair year isn’t just about work; it’s a cultural exchange that combines learning, travel, and personal growth. You’ll attend family events, celebrate American holidays, make friends from around the globe, and explore new cities, all while earning an au pair salary for your efforts!

In this guide, we’ll explain how to apply, what daily life is really like as an au pair, and what to expect from this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Read on for the details, or start your AuPairCare application here!

What to Expect During Your Au Pair Year in the U.S.

An au pair year is a 12-month cultural exchange program that allows you to live with an American host family, care for their children, and experience everyday life in the U.S. You’ll gain skills for your resume, improve your English, and make new friends for life.

Defining “Au Pair”

The term “au pair” comes from French. It means “on equal terms,” and it perfectly captures the spirit of the program. Au pairs are part of their host family, not a guest or employee, but a trusted family member who helps with childcare and light household duties. 

As an au pair in America, you’ll typically care for your host family’s children by: 

• Helping them get ready for school or daycare
• Preparing simple meals or snacks for the kids
• Driving them to school, lessons, or playdates 
• Playing educational games and organizing fun activities
• Helping with homework or reading practice
• Keeping their rooms and play areas tidy
• Assisting with kids’ laundry or organizing their belongings

In return, you receive accommodation, meals, a contribution to your education, weekly pay (called a stipend), and the chance to explore America for a whole year.

How Long Is an Au Pair Year?

An au pair year in the U.S. typically lasts 12 months, giving you plenty of time to settle in, build strong relationships with your host family, and explore different parts of the country.

At the end of the first year, many au pairs choose to extend their stay for an additional 6, 9, or 12 months. If your host family agrees, you can continue your arrangement with them, or we can often find a placement with a different family

You’ll have both work and vacation periods built into your au pair year. Most au pairs receive at least two weeks of paid vacation during the year, plus one full weekend off each month, and other scheduled days off each week. That gives you plenty of opportunities to travel around the U.S., meet other au pairs, and experience everything from small-town life to big-city adventures!

Top Reasons to Choose an Au Pair Year in the U.S.

There are so many reasons to do an au pair year in the U.S., including:

• Cultural immersion: Living with a host family lets you experience American culture firsthand, from breakfast routines to national holidays like Thanksgiving and Independence Day. You’ll also share your own traditions, which helps your host family learn about your culture, too.
• Personal growth: Work experience abroad builds confidence, independence, and resilience. Many au pairs return home feeling like a completely different person! You’ll likely become more mature, self-reliant, and ready to take on new challenges.
• Language improvement: There’s no better way to improve your English than by using it every day with native speakers. You might even start to dream in English by the end of your au pair year!
• Travel opportunities: During your free time and vacation days, you’ll have the chance to explore U.S. cities, landmarks, and national parks, from New York City to the Grand Canyon. It’s the ultimate chance to work and travel in the USA!
• Meaningful connections: You’ll form close bonds with your host family, and your AuPairCare Area Director will connect you to other au pairs from around the world to share your journey and experiences with.

Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for an Au Pair Year

The application process might seem complicated at first, but with AuPairCare, you’ll have support at every stage. Here’s how to be an au pair in the United States with AuPairCare: 

1. Make sure you meet the program eligibility requirements
2. Complete your AuPairCare application
3. Match with a host family
4. Secure your visa and travel documents
5. Complete your online training
6. Pack your bags and get ready for an amazing year!

Let’s dive into each of these steps in more detail. 

Step 1: Check Eligibility Requirements

Before applying, it’s important to make sure you meet the basic eligibility criteria set by the U.S. Department of State and AuPairCare. These requirements are designed to ensure that participants are well-prepared and qualified for the cultural immersion experience.

To qualify for your au pair year, you must generally:

• Be between 18 and 26 years old at the time of your application
• Have at least 200 hours of verified childcare experience (babysitting, tutoring, camp counseling, etc.)
• Have a good command of English so you can communicate comfortably with your host family
• Be a secondary school graduate (or equivalent)
• Be in good health and pass a background and medical check
• Hold a valid driver’s license 

Different countries may have slight variations in eligibility, but these are the core standards. 

Complete Your AuPairCare Application

Once you confirm that you’re eligible, the next step is to complete your AuPairCare application. This is your opportunity to introduce yourself to potential host families, so think of it as both a resume and a personal story.

Your application should include:

• Personal information and your childcare background
• Photos and a short introduction video to help families get to know you
• Your motivations for joining a travel and work abroad program
• Letters of recommendation or references from previous childcare experiences
• Details about your hobbies, interests, and reasons for becoming an au pair

Take your time to make your application authentic and engaging. Host families often look for candidates who are responsible, warm, and genuinely interested in cultural exchange programs, so let your personality shine through!

Interview with Host Families

After your application is approved, you’ll enter the matching phase, which is one of the most exciting parts of the process! This is when host families review your profile and reach out for interviews to get to know you and see if you might be the right fit for their family. During these video interviews, you’ll discuss things like:

• The children’s ages, routines, and personalities
• Your childcare style and experience
• Household expectations, schedule, and responsibilities
• Family traditions, lifestyle, and hobbies

It’s a two-way conversation, and we want to make sure you match with a family you’re comfortable with. Be honest about your preferences, ask questions, and make sure you feel good about the decision. When both sides agree, you’ll receive a formal match confirmation through AuPairCare. 

Secure Your Visa and Travel Documents

Once you’ve matched with your host family, we’ll guide you through the J-1 visa process. That’s the official au pair visa that allows you to participate in your au pair year in the United States. Here’s how it typically works:

1. We issue your DS-2019 form (your official Certificate of Eligibility)
2. You pay the SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) fee
3. You schedule an interview at your nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate
4. During the interview, a visa officer will ask about your plans and reasons for participating
5. Once approved, you’ll receive your J-1 visa in your passport

You’ll also need to ensure your passport is valid, gather any required documents, and check your flight details. We’ll help you every step of the way!

Complete Your Online Training

As you’re waiting for your visa to be approved, you can work your way through our online training modules. These give you an introduction to the au pair program, life in the U.S., and also cover childcare and first aid basics. Once you complete your online training sessions, you’ll be much more prepared for your au pair year ahead.

Prepare for Departure and Our In-Person Orientation Event

With your visa approved and travel booked, it’s time to get ready for your adventure! Before beginning your au pair year, you’ll attend AuPairCare’s in-person orientation: AuPairCare Connect in New York City.

You’ll meet au pairs from all over the world, as well as members of our team who can answer your questions and help you prepare for your journey ahead. There will be games, activities, and a tour of the sights and sounds of one of the world’s most iconic cities.

Once orientation wraps up, it’s time to finally meet your host family and start your au pair year!

What to Expect During Your Au Pair Year

While no two experiences are exactly alike, most au pairs share similar routines and responsibilities. Here’s an idea of what you can expect during your au pair year.

Life With a Host Family

One of the best parts of being an au pair is becoming part of a real American family. Most au pairs describe their host families as their “home away from home.” You’ll likely have your own private room, but you’ll spend a lot of time getting to know the family you’re living with. 

Of course, living with another family also means learning to adapt to their lifestyle and rules. Every household is different, so open communication is key. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, express your needs, and discuss expectations early on. Remember, your host family is excited to learn from you, too! Here’s a testimonial from Clemence covering their host family experience: 

“My experience is really great because my host family does everything to make me feel at home here, for example, before I arrived, my host mother asked me what I was eating for breakfast and to buy everything before I arrived. She showed me around the whole neighborhood, involved me in everything and gave me the choice. My host mother also pushes me to live my adventure to the fullest. She wants me to meet people and go out. She trusts me from the first day I arrived. We had discussed things and I was aware of the rules of the house, so I had no surprises when I arrived. We were very honest from the beginning of our discussions.”

Your Weekly Schedule

Every host family’s routine is different, but most au pairs find that their days follow a comfortable rhythm. Here’s an example of what a typical weekday might look like:

• Morning: Help the children get ready for school (making breakfast, packing lunches, and doing the school drop-off)
• Midday: Free time for you if your family has school-aged kids! Many au pairs use this time to take classes, exercise, meet friends, or relax.
• Afternoon: Pick the children up from school, prepare snacks, and plan fun activities or playtime.
• Evening: Help with homework or dinner preparation, then enjoy family time before bedtime.

Weekends often include time off to explore your city, hang out with other au pairs, or travel to different destinations. Since your work schedule will vary depending on your host family’s needs, flexibility and good communication will help you maintain a healthy balance between your work and personal life.

You’ll have plenty of time for adventures, as AuPairCare au pairs soon discover: 

“This month I went on vacation with my host family to the mountains in Colorado. It was incredible to see each a beautiful place thanks to them!!” - Joaquina

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“My host family is great they make me feel like another family member, they are so spontaneous and kind, they invite me to their trips and they are always amazing! I can’t believe that, Tennessee is my favorite state so far, it makes me feel like a cowboy movie and I love it!!” - Ivanna

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“Last week, we had the opportunity to travel to Miami and it was a trip I will never forget. My little adventurer was excited to explore the city and, above all, to play on the beach and in the water.” - Elizabeth

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Adjusting to Cultural Differences

Like any gap year program, it’s completely normal to experience a bit of culture shock, especially in your first few weeks as an au pair. Small things like food, social habits, or communication styles may feel unfamiliar, but here are a few tips to help you adjust smoothly:

• Be open-minded: Try new foods, join family activities, and ask questions about traditions or customs. You never know what you’ll end up loving!
• Share your own culture: Host families love learning about your country. Maybe you can cook a favorite dish or teach the children a few words in your language?
• Communicate openly: If you’re confused or uncomfortable about something, talk to your host parents. Clear, respectful communication builds trust.
• Reach out for support: AuPairCare provides local Area Directors who check in with you regularly and are available if you ever need guidance or help resolving an issue.

Remember, cultural exchange is at the heart of the au pair year. Every difference you experience helps you grow more adaptable, empathetic, and aware of the world around you.

Education and Travel Opportunities

In addition to childcare, the J-1 Au Pair Program includes an educational component. During your au pair year, you’re required to complete at least six semester hours (or the equivalent) of academic credit at a U.S. college or university.

Many au pairs take classes in subjects like English, photography, child development, or even travel and tourism. Your host family will contribute up to $500 toward your coursework, and your AuPairCare Area Director can help you find nearby schools that fit your schedule.

Plus, at the end of your au pair year, your J-1 au pair visa gives you a 30-day “grace period,” during which you can travel within the U.S. before you need to return to your home country. That’s a lot of time to see a Broadway show in New York City, relax on a beach in California, or get your heart racing at a theme park in Florida!

Frequently Asked Questions About the Au Pair Year

It’s completely normal to have lots of questions before starting your au pair year in the U.S.; after all, it’s a big step! Hopefully, these answers will give you a clearer picture of what to expect throughout your experience.

How much does it cost to become an au pair?

The cost to join the au pair program varies by country, but you can expect to pay a fee that covers application processing, English testing and interviews, DiSC personality assessment, and preparing your J-1 visa.

Once you arrive in the U.S., most of your major expenses are covered. Your host family provides free room and board, pays you an au pair salary, and contributes up to $500 toward your education courses. You won’t have to worry about rent, groceries, or transportation, which makes this program an affordable way to live abroad for a year.

Is it safe to be an au pair in the U.S.?

Yes, it is. Au Pair Safety is a top concern for us at AuPairCare, and we ensure your safety throughout the program. Our host families are fully vetted and screened, and all adults must pass a criminal background check. 

How much free time will I have?

The program includes clear rules about hours and time off to make sure every au pair has a healthy work-life balance. You’re guaranteed time off each week, and two weeks of paid vacation during your au pair year.

Is it hard to get an au pair visa to the U.S. at the moment?

We haven’t seen any recent change in visa approval rates. We provide dedicated support to applicants throughout the visa process, and give you all the support and information you need for the visa interview. Au pairs aren’t being turned away at U.S. borders, and visa wait times are no longer than usual. 

What if I don’t get along with my host family?

It’s normal to experience some challenges as you adjust to a new household and culture. Communication is key, as many small issues can be resolved by having an open, respectful conversation with your host parents.

Remember, each au pair is assigned a local Area Director who checks in regularly and can help mediate if any problems arise. We’re with you every step of the way!

Can I extend my au pair year?

Yes! Many au pairs love their experience so much that they choose to extend their stay. Once you complete your first 12 months, you may be eligible to extend your au pair program for an additional 6, 9, or 12 months. AuPairCare will guide you through the extension process, including any necessary paperwork or visa updates.

Is there an age limit?

Yes, there is. To qualify for the U.S. J-1 Au Pair Program, you must be between 18 and 26 years old at the time of your application.

Do I need to speak fluent English?

You don’t need to be fluent, but you should have a good level of conversational English before applying. You’ll need to understand au pair safety instructions, communicate with your host family, and take part in daily conversations with ease. Most au pairs notice a big difference in their language skills within just a few months of living in the U.S.

Start Your Au Pair Year Today With AuPairCare!

An au pair year gives you the chance to combine work experience abroad with unforgettable adventures. At AuPairCare, we’re here to make your experience as smooth and rewarding as possible. You’ll have access to training, dedicated local support, and a network of fellow au pairs who share your excitement about life in the United States.

Ready to start your au pair adventure? Apply with AuPairCare today and take the first step toward an incredible year of learning, travel, and connection in the U.S.