Get ready for the best year of your life! AuPairCare is excited to welcome you on program and to be with you each step of the way. Our affordability, mutual matching and constant support have made AuPairCare a top-rated, and most respected agency within the au pair community.
The needs of our au pairs are just as important as those of our families, which is why we do mutual matching. Ready to learn more? Let's start with the interview and matching process:
After you register and complete your application, you will be added to our online matching system where host families will be able to view your au pair profile.
When families are interested in learning more about you, they'll schedule an interview over the phone or through Skype. You'll have a chance to ask each family questions and learn about each other's lifestyle and expectations. You can talk with many families, and typically you’ll speak with a family two or more times before deciding to match.
The choice is yours! After you and a host family both agree to a match and decide on an ideal arrival date, AuPairCare will book your flight to the United States.
Welcome to the United States! Your program begins with a four or five day training seminar at our Au Pair Academy in greater New York City. After the long journey you will be able to enjoy a modern and comfortable hotel where you will meet other au pairs from all over the world. You will take your first steps as au pairs together and can visit the Big Apple!
While you have already proven yourself to have quality childcare experience, it is during this orientation where you receive your CPR and first aid training, review safety and childcare principles, and get an introduction to life in the U.S. Those au pairs that were selected during their application process to care for infants will receive special training that focuses specifically on the needs and milestones of babies. Au Pairs participating in our Toddler Care Program will recieve special training on caring for children ages 1-3 years. You will also spend time learning about America and make great new friends.
Once you arrive at your host family’s home, you will meet your local Area Director, who will support you and your host family for the entire program. Your Area Director lives near you and is there to make sure you are safe and happy. They will be the first person you contact with any questions or issues that arise during your year abroad.
Your Area Director will also:
Introduce you to other au pairs in your area and coordinate fun monthly events
Provide you with information on your new city, such as local universities where you can take classes
Answer all of your questions about travel and official documents
But their most important role is to help both you and your host family have a successful and enjoyable year together!
The cost to join the au pair program varies by country, but you can expect to pay a fee between $225 - $2,550 which covers application processing, English testing and interviews, DiSC personality assessment and J-1 Visa Preparation. Once you fill out our form to begin your application, you will be contacted by a knowledgeable AuPairCare representative in your country who will provide you with more detailed information about program costs.
You will also need to plan on a few additional costs that are not included in the program, such as Visa charges ($160 USD at the time of writing), transportation to/from your personal interview and Embassy appointment, any fees incurred for acquiring a basic police check, medical records, international driving license or a passport.
As an au pair, you will earn a minimum weekly stipend of $195.75. The U.S. Department of State calculation of the minimum weekly stipend is based on the federal minimum wage with a 40% deduction for room and board in exchange for childcare services. Host families and au pairs are free to agree to compensation higher than the legally applicable minimum.
