Quels frais de subsistance sont pris en charge par les familles d'accueil, et de quelles dépenses devrais-tu t'occuper en tant qu'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.

Quels sont les frais de subsistance pris en charge par ma famille d'accueil ?

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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Quelles sont les dépenses dont je dois m'occuper en tant qu'au pair ?

Tes dépenses personnelles relèvent de ta responsabilité. La plupart des jeunes au pair trouvent que leur allocation hebdomadaire couvre largement ces frais, mais il est toujours utile de s'organiser à l'avance. Voici quelques exemples de dépenses personnelles courantes :

• 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.
• Vêtements et services de personal shopper.

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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Combien vais-je vraiment toucher chaque semaine en tant qu'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.

Comment fonctionne l'avantage « formation » ?

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.

Questions qu'on se pose souvent

Est-ce que je dois payer un loyer ou les charges ?

Non. Ta chambre individuelle et tous les services domestiques sont pris en charge par ta famille d'accueil, sans aucun frais pour toi.

Les repas sont-ils compris pendant mes jours de congé ?

Oui. Tu peux prendre tes repas à la maison pendant toute la durée du programme, y compris les jours de congé et les jours de vacances.

Est-ce que je peux négocier une allocation plus élevée ?

La rémunération hebdomadaire AuPairCare est de 215 $ par semaine, ce qui est supérieur au minimum fixé par le Département d'État américain.*Certaines familles proposent un montant supérieur à ce minimum. Tu peux discuter du montant de cette rémunération pendant le processus de mise en relation, et de nombreuses AuPairCare versent un montant hebdomadaire plus élevé.

Est-ce que je dois souscrire ma propre assurance maladie ?

L'assurance voyage et accident est comprise dans ton programme. Tu es couvert pendant toute la durée de ton séjour. 

Combien d'heures par semaine vais-je travailler pour toucher ma bourse ?

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.

Prêt(e) à travailler comme au pair ? On s'occupe de tout !

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.

Le calcul de l'allocation hebdomadaire minimale effectué par le Département d'État américain se base sur le salaire minimum fédéral, avec une déduction de 40 % pour le logement et les repas en échange des services de garde d'enfants. L'allocation hebdomadaire AuPairCare est de 215 $ par semaine, ce qui est supérieur au minimum fixé par le Département d'État américain. Les familles d'accueil et les jeunes au pair sont libres de convenir d'une allocation hebdomadaire encore plus élevée que le minimum de 215 $ par semaine. L'allocation minimale de l'au pair, le remboursement des frais de formation et les autres options sont susceptibles de changer en fonction des mises à jour de la réglementation fédérale sur les au pairs. Les familles d'accueil sont tenues de verser l'allocation hebdomadaire minimale et celle-ci ne peut être retenue pour aucune raison. En cas de changement, AuPairCare toutes les parties concernées.‍