¿Qué gastos de manutención cubren las familias de acogida y de qué gastos me haría cargo yo como au pair?

our host family covers the major costs of your au pair year: a private room, weekly stipend, and up to $500 toward your education. You are responsible for personal spending like your phone plan, social outings, personal travel, and any coursework costs beyond the family's contribution.

AuPairCare purchases travel and accident insurance policies for all au pairs while on program, as well as flight arrival to the U.S. to AuPairCare Connect, the New York City Adventure, flights to your host family, and your return flight home after completing your program.

The U.S. Department of State sets the framework for what host families must provide through the J-1 visa au pair program. These requirements exist so you can focus on your cultural exchange experience without worrying about basic living expenses. Here is a full breakdown of what is covered and what you should budget for on your own.

¿Qué gastos de manutención cubre mi familia de acogida?

Host families are required to provide several core benefits as part of the program costs they pay, which total roughly $21,500 per year. Your covered expenses include:

• Private room in the family's home. You will have your own furnished bedroom at no cost to you.
• Meals. You have access to food in the home or a meal allowance when the family is away.
• Weekly stipend. The Department of State minimum is $195.75 per week. AuPairCare minimum weekly stipend is $215 per week, which is higher than the U.S. Department of State minimum.*
• Round-trip airfare. Your flight to and from the U.S. is arranged and paid for by the program.
• Education contribution. Host families contribute up to $500 per year toward your required coursework, which includes 6 semester hours of academic credit at an accredited U.S. institution.
• Regarding health insurance: travel and accident insurance policies are purchased by AuPairCare and provide coverage for the duration of your program year.

You can review all of these benefits in more detail on our benefits of becoming an au pair page.

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¿De qué gastos me tengo que hacer cargo como au pair?

Tus gastos personales son responsabilidad tuya. La mayoría de los au pairs consideran que el sueldo semanal les alcanza de sobra para cubrir estos gastos, pero es bueno planificarlos con antelación. Entre los gastos personales más habituales se incluyen:

• Cell phone plan. While some families may cover their au pair’s phone plan, a prepaid or monthly plan typically runs $30 to $50 per month.
• Personal travel. Weekend trips, vacation travel, and sightseeing costs are on you, though you do receive two weeks of paid vacation per year.
• Social activities. Dining out, entertainment, and outings with friends.
• Toiletries and personal care items. Shampoo, cosmetics, and similar products.
• Coursework costs beyond $500. If your tuition or fees exceed the host family's $500 contribution, you cover the difference.
• Ropa y compras personalizadas.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Expenditure Survey, the average young adult in the U.S. spends roughly $200 to $400 per month on these categories. With room, board, and travel and accident insurance already covered, your stipend goes further. To better understand how compensation fits into the program overall, explore au pair salary and benefits.

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¿Cuánto me llevaré realmente a casa cada semana como au pair?

The federal minimum stipend is $195.75 per week, set by the Department of State. AuPairCare minimum weekly stipend is $215 per week, which is higher than the U.S. Department of State minimum.* Use the au pair salary calculator to estimate your annual take-home amount.

Keep in mind that J-1 visa holders may have tax obligations on stipend income. The IRS provides guidance on how J-1 visa participants are taxed. Most au pairs fall below the standard deduction threshold, but you should review your specific situation. If you want to better understand the program side of this requirement, learn more about the au pair visa.

¿Cómo funciona la ayuda para estudios?

Host families contribute up to $500 per year toward the six semester hours of coursework required by the J-1 visa program. You choose your classes at an accredited U.S. post-secondary institution. Many au pairs select English language courses, early childhood education, or other subjects that interest them. If your total tuition exceeds $500, you pay the remaining balance. Full details are available in our au pair program requirements.

Preguntas frecuentes

¿Tengo que pagar el alquiler o los servicios públicos?

No. Tu familia de acogida te proporciona una habitación privada y todos los servicios domésticos sin coste alguno para ti.

¿La comida está incluida en mis días libres?

Sí. Tendrás acceso a las comidas en la casa durante todo el programa, incluidos los días libres y las vacaciones.

¿Puedo negociar un sueldo más alto?

El salario AuPairCare semanal AuPairCare es de 215 dólares a la semana, una cifra superior al mínimo establecido por el Departamento de Estado de EE. UU.* Algunas familias ofrecen una cantidad superior a este mínimo. Puedes hablar sobre el importe del salario durante el proceso de selección, y muchas AuPairCare pagan más a la semana.

¿Tengo que contratar mi propio seguro médico?

El seguro de viaje y de accidentes está incluido en tu programa. Estás cubierto durante toda la estancia del programa. 

¿Cuántas horas a la semana tendré que trabajar para cobrar mi beca?

Au pairs work a maximum of 45 hours per week and receive two weeks of paid vacation per year. See the full scheduling details for more information.

¿Listo para trabajar como au pair? ¡Te ayudamos!

At AuPairCare, we handle the logistics so you can focus on your experience. Visit our au pair program overview to learn how the program works, or apply to become an au pair to take the first step toward your year in the U.S.

El cálculo del Departamento de Estado de EE. UU. sobre el estipendio mínimo semanal se basa en el salario mínimo federal, con una deducción del 40 % en concepto de alojamiento y manutención a cambio de los servicios de cuidado de niños. El estipendio AuPairCare semanal AuPairCare es de 215 $ a la semana, una cantidad superior al mínimo establecido por el Departamento de Estado de EE. UU. Las familias de acogida y las au pairs son libres de acordar un estipendio semanal incluso superior al mínimo de 215 $ a la semana. El estipendio mínimo para au pairs, el reembolso de gastos educativos y otras opciones están sujetos a cambios según las actualizaciones de la normativa federal sobre au pairs. Las familias de acogida están obligadas a pagar el estipendio semanal mínimo y no pueden retenerlo por ningún motivo. Si se produjera algún cambio, AuPairCare todas las partes afectadas.‍