Get Hired as a Female Au Pair in the United States

For young adults from France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Brazil, and beyond, working as an au pair in the U.S. is a great way to improve English, gain childcare experience, explore America, make new friends, and get paid while you do it! As you help care for your host family’s kids, you’ll develop independence, adaptability, and confidence in a new culture.

With over 30 years of experience, AuPairCare has helped thousands of au pairs from around the world find opportunities in the United States. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about getting hired as a female au pair and how to apply through AuPairCare.

Becoming a Female Au Pair

Au pairs in the U.S. au pair program are usually aged between 18 and 26 and live with a carefully selected American host family. They help care for the family’s children, and in return, receive a weekly stipend, room and board, and the opportunity to study at a U.S. college or university during their stay.

The word au pair comes from French and means “on equal terms.” This reflects the spirit of the program: as an au pair, you’re a temporary family member who shares your culture while learning about American traditions. 

Why Become a Female Au Pair in the U.S.?

For many young women from around the world, the au pair program combines travel, education, childcare, and cultural exchange in a way that few other experiences can match. Here are just a few of the benefits you’ll enjoy being a female au pair:

1. Improving your English
2. Traveling in a new country
3. Building your resume
4. Gaining life skills

Improving Your English

Living with an American host family means full immersion in U.S. culture. As an au pair, you’ll practice English daily, in real-life conversations at the dinner table, during playtime, and out in the community. 

This kind of language learning helps you achieve fluency more quickly and naturally than you ever could in a classroom. You’ll also have the chance to share your own culture, introducing your host children to new foods, traditions, songs, and languages.

Travel and Adventure

From the busy streets of New York City to the sunny beaches of California, the U.S. offers so much to explore! You’ll have two weeks of paid vacation plus pre-arranged free time to travel. As an au pair in America, you can take road trips with friends, visit national parks, or join AuPairCare events with au pairs from around the world.

Personal Growth

Living abroad teaches you independence, adaptability, and resilience. You’ll develop valuable life skills such as: 

• Problem-solving
• Time management
• Communication

These qualities benefit you in any future career or educational path. Plus, you’ll earn an au pair salary while you’re adding important skills to your resume!

Support and Safety with AuPairCare

One of the biggest reasons to choose AuPairCare is the support network. Every host family is carefully screened, and local Area Directors are available for help and guidance. From pre-departure orientation to ongoing check-ins, we make sure you feel supported throughout your journey.

What You Need to Become a Female Au Pair in the U.S.

Before packing your bags to work and travel in the USA, it’s important to understand the official requirements for becoming an au pair in the United States. The U.S. Department of State sets clear rules, and organizations like AuPairCare make sure every applicant meets them. Here’s what you need to know.

General Eligibility Criteria

• Age: You must be between 18 and 26 years old at the time of your application.
• Childcare experience: Previous experience with children is important. This can include babysitting, tutoring, volunteering in schools, or helping care for younger siblings.
• Good health: Au pairs should be non-smokers and in good physical and mental health.
• Clean background: Applicants must not have a criminal record. AuPairCare and other sponsors conduct background checks for everyone’s safety.

Language Skills

While you don’t need perfect English to apply, you should have a conversational level of English, and you will be interviewed in English when you have your visa appointment. This helps you communicate with your host family and adapt to daily life in the U.S. Don’t worry if you’re not fluent; your skills will improve quickly as you travel and work abroad!

Education and Background

At minimum, you’ll need a high school diploma (or equivalent). Many au pairs also have additional education, whether in childcare, teaching, or other fields. This background makes your application more attractive to host families and shows that you’re mature and responsible.

Commitment to the Program

Becoming an au pair requires a 12-month commitment to live with your host family and care for their children. Some au pairs choose to extend their stay for an additional 6, 9, or 12 months, either with their current family or with a new family looking for an au pair.

Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming an Au Pair

Once you meet the eligibility requirements, the next step is to begin the application process. Here’s how to be an au pair in the United States with AuPairCare: 

1. Complete an online application
2. Match with a host family
3. Secure your J-1 visa
4. Undergo online AuPairCare training
5. Fly to the U.S. and start the program

Step 1: Apply Through AuPairCare

First, create an AuPairCare profile that highlights your: 

• Childcare experience
• Personality
• Interests

This is your opportunity to show potential host families who you are, both as a caregiver and a person. We’ll make sure you’re a good fit for the program, then we’ll start the matching process.

Step 2: Match With a Host Family

Once your profile is live, our pre-screened host families in the U.S. can begin reviewing it. Matching is a two-way process; we want to make sure it’s a great fit for both you and the host family. When a family thinks you’d be a good match, they’ll reach out for a video interview. 

You don’t have to match with the first family you interview with, and you can talk to the same family multiple times before making a final decision. As you’re choosing your host family, make sure you use these calls to ask questions about the family’s expectations, values, and lifestyle.

Step 3: Secure Your J-1 Visa

After you match with a host family, AuPairCare provides you with the paperwork and guidance needed to apply for the J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa. This visa is specifically designed for cultural exchange programs like the au pair program. 

While the au pair visa application involves forms and an interview at your local U.S. Embassy or Consulate, AuPairCare supports you through every step to make the process as simple and stress-free as possible..

Step 4: Pre-Departure Training

Before you travel to the U.S., AuPairCare has some training materials for you to work through online. You’ll learn about: 

• American culture
• Childcare safety
• First aid basics
• What to expect in your host family’s home

Once you complete the training, you’ll feel confident and ready to start your year as an au pair.

What to Expect as a Female Au Pair

You’ll live with a host family, care for their children, gain work experience abroad, earn a stipend, and spend your free time exploring a new country. Here’s what you can expect from day-to-day life as a female au pair:

Living With a Host Family

Your host family becomes your home base in the U.S. You’ll share meals and family time with them, and might experience everything from 4th of July parties to Thanksgiving dinners. Many au pairs say their host families become like a second family, which is certainly how AuPairCare au pair Clemence felt: 

“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.”

Childcare Responsibilities

Your main role as an au pair is providing childcare. Depending on the children’s ages, this could include: 

• Preparing meals
• Helping with homework
• Driving them to school or activities
• Playing together and keeping them entertained

Like most jobs working with kids, the goal is not just to supervise them, but to help them grow and develop. 

Cultural Exchange Opportunities

One of the best parts of the au pair program is the chance to experience American culture first-hand, by: 

• Practicing your English daily
• Trying new foods
• Exploring your local city
• Making amazing new friends

You’re also encouraged to share your own culture with your host family, whether that’s cooking one of your favorite meals from home or teaching them how to say a few things in your native language. Cultural immersion is what the au pair program is all about!

Education Credits

One of the au pair program benefits is that you’ll have the opportunity to take classes at your local college or university. This could be anything from improving your English to studying business, art, or childcare. Host families pay tuition fees of up to $500 for college courses, which gives you a chance to follow a passion or develop new skills for your resume.

Free Time and Travel

Au pairs also enjoy plenty of free time to travel and explore. On your days off or holidays, you might: 

• Take short trips to nearby cities
• Visit local museums or galleries 
• Go hiking
• Spend time at the beach 
• Just relax with your host family

Plus, your AuPairCare Area Director will set up fun activities and events for you and other au pairs in your region!

At the end of your program, you’ll even have the option to travel in the U.S. for 30 days before returning to your home country. This gives you the opportunity to explore incredible American destinations like national parks, iconic cities, or stunning beaches. 

Your Support Network: Why AuPairCare Stands Out

When you decide to become an au pair in the U.S., the agency you choose matters. Your experience will be shaped by the guidance, safety measures, and opportunities provided by your program sponsor. Here’s what you should look for, and why AuPairCare stands out as an unforgettable gap year program in the U.S.

A Trusted and Experienced Program

With more than 30 years of experience, AuPairCare has helped thousands of young adults successfully become au pairs in the United States. As a U.S. Department of State–designated sponsor, we’ve helped organize J-1 visas for au pairs from Germany, Spain, France, Japan, Italy, and beyond. 

Au pairs like Sofia really value working with a trusted program like AuPairCare: 

“My experience with AuPairCare has been truly wonderful. The agency has been supportive and responsive every time I had a question or needed guidance. Both of my LCCs have been absolutely incredible, always attentive, kind, and present throughout my journey. I’m very grateful for the care and dedication they’ve shown. AuPairCare has made me feel safe, supported, and confident during this important chapter of my life.”

Comprehensive Safety and Support

Your safety is our top priority. We carefully screen host families, make sure you have all the support you need, and offer 24/7 emergency support. Your local Area Director will check in regularly, so you’re never navigating your au pair journey alone.

Training to Set You Up for Success

As well as our online pre-departure training, you’ll also have the chance to participate in AuPairCare Connect, our in-person orientation event in New York City. This is your opportunity to meet other au pairs, chat with our team about the au pair experience, and learn more about life in America. You’ll even have time to tour NYC before meeting your host family and settling into your new role.

A Community of Au Pairs

One of the highlights of the AuPairCare program is the strong community we build. This community starts with your local Area Director, who is there to support you throughout the cultural exchange program. They’ll make sure you’re settling in, answer your questions or concerns, and set up fun events for you and other local au pairs, to help you grow your community in the U.S. 

Au pairs like Mekayla really appreciate having a supportive Area Director:

“AuPair Care has been an amazing company to work with! They make the whole experience so much easier by setting you up with an Area Director who is always there to support you. Because of them, I’ve been able to meet lots of friends in my area, which has made the experience so much more fun and less lonely. Having an Area Director also makes me feel a lot safer and more confident knowing that I have someone to turn to if I ever need help. I’m really grateful for everything they’ve done to make my time here such a positive experience!”

A Balance of Work and Travel

AuPairCare helps ensure you have a balanced schedule, giving you time to travel, make friends, and explore American culture. Many au pairs use their time in the U.S. to visit famous landmarks, try new activities, and experience life in different parts of the country.

Frequently Asked Questions About Being an Au Pair

Below are some of the most common questions applicants ask us before beginning their journey with AuPairCare.

Do Female Au Pairs Earn the Same as Male Au Pairs?

Yes. Au pairs in the U.S., regardless of gender, receive the same stipend, benefits, and educational opportunities. The U.S. Department of State regulates the au pair program, which means your au pair pay and work conditions are fair and standardized.

Is It Safe to Be a Female Au Pair in the U.S.?

Au pair safety is a top concern for many applicants, and we take it very seriously. Host families are carefully screened, and you’ll always have access to support from local staff. You’ll also receive training on safety and cultural adjustment, to help you feel secure and confident during your stay.

Can Au Pairs Travel and Have Free Time?

Absolutely! While you’ll have childcare responsibilities each week, you’ll also enjoy plenty of free time. Au pairs usually have 1.5 days off each week, and a full weekend off each month. Plus, at the end of your program, you’ll have a 30-day travel period to explore the U.S. before returning home.

What if I Don’t Get Along With My Host Family?

Sometimes, even with the best efforts, a match may not feel like the right fit. If this happens, AuPairCare provides support to help you navigate the situation. In some cases, you may be rematched with a new host family to ensure your experience is positive.

Do I Need Prior Childcare Experience to Apply?

Yes, but it doesn’t need to be professional experience. Babysitting, volunteering at a daycare, helping with younger siblings, or coaching children’s activities can all count toward your childcare hours. AuPairCare will guide you through documenting this experience during your application.

How Long Does the Au Pair Program Last?

Au pairs commit to 12 months, with the option to extend their stay for 6, 9, or 12 more months if they and their host family agree. This gives you plenty of time to dive into American culture and build strong bonds with your host family.

Start Your Journey With AuPairCare

Working as a female au pair in the U.S. gives you valuable childcare experience, better English skills, and a chance to explore iconic American destinations. Plus, you’ll bond with your host family and other au pairs, and get paid through all of it! 

With over 30 years of experience, AuPairCare is here to guide you every step of the way. From matching you with the right host family to offering 24/7 support, training, and a welcoming community of au pairs, AuPairCare ensures your year in the U.S. is safe and unforgettable. 

Ready to start your adventure as a female au pair in the U.S.? Apply with AuPairCare today and let us guide you every step of the way!

Start your AuPairCare application today!