Embark on an Unforgettable Au Pair Adventure in the USA

One of the joys of the Au Pair experience is becoming part of a new family, forging bonds that cross cultures.

Have you ever dreamed of living abroad, experiencing a new culture firsthand, and making a positive impact on a child’s life? A Au Pair program in the USA offers young adults exactly that opportunity, a chance to live, learn, and grow in one of the most vibrant countries in the world. As an au pair in the United States, you’ll be welcomed into a host family’s home, care for their children, and in return gain invaluable cultural exchange experiences.

Cultural Exchange and Family Life in America

Imagine immersing yourself in American daily life, from weekday family routines to weekend road trips, all while sharing your own culture with others. As a Au Pair, you become an extended member of an American host family, forging deep bonds and exchanging traditions. Your host family will warmly welcome you into their home, eager to share their way of life as you share yours. Whether it’s joining family dinners, celebrating American holidays like Thanksgiving, or exploring local community events, you’ll experience the rich diversity of American culture up close. Every day brings new learning. On weekends or holidays, you might find yourself marveling at natural wonders like the Grand Canyon or enjoying a barbecue at a neighborhood picnic, all while feeling at home.

Equally important, you’ll be making a meaningful contribution to your host family. Au pairs provide loving childcare and become positive role models for the kids in their care. A typical day in the life of an au pair may involve getting the children ready for school, preparing their meals, and driving them to school or activities. You’ll help with homework and projects, plan fun activities, and engage with the kids through play and learning.

Of course, being an au pair isn’t all work and no play. The program ensures you have free time to explore your surroundings and pursue your interests. You’ll typically work a maximum of 45 hours a week and get regular days off. This means you can spend your downtime discovering the hidden gems of your community or traveling to nearby cities. You might unwind by taking a bike ride through a local park, visiting museums, or meeting up with fellow au pairs in your area. By the end of your stay, you’ll have not only a second family in America but also a collection of amazing memories, from seeing famous U.S. landmarks to experiencing everyday American life, that will shape your perspective forever.

Unmatched Support and Program Benefits

One of the standout features of the Au Pair USA program is the comprehensive support and benefits package it provides to participants. From the moment you start your application to the day you return home, A agency guides you every step of the way, ensuring your experience is safe, rewarding, and hassle-free. Here are some of the key benefits and services you can expect as a au pair in the United States:

• Placement with a host family: Match you with a welcoming, carefully screened host family based on your profile and preferences, guaranteeing you a suitable placement before you depart. You won’t have to worry about finding a family on your own, the match is arranged and confirmed for you.

• Flights: Flights are included in the program. From the moment you board your flight, we guarantee unparalleled assistance and continuous support throughout your journey. Sit back, relax, and let us take care of all your travel needs, ensuring a seamless arrival in The States.

• Visa assistance: Bid farewell to the hassles of visa applications! A professional team will provide comprehensive assistance, guiding you through the entire process with ease. Make your dream of exploring The USA a reality without any worry.

• Pre-departure training and orientation: To set you up for success, the program offers an Au Pair Bootcamp, a online training course that covers childcare skills, cultural tips, and practical guidance to prepare you for life in the USA. You’ll also receive an orientation upon arrival, so you feel ready and supported as you settle into your new home.

• Comfortable accommodation and meals: Au pairs live with their host families, which means accommodation and food are provided throughout your stay. You will have a fully furnished private bedroom (often with your own TV and internet access) in the family’s home, and you’ll share meals with the family. This not only saves you living expenses, it also helps you bond with your hosts, sharing everyday life under the same roof.

• Weekly stipend: Receive a federal minimum stipend of $195.75 paid weekly directly by the Host Family, providing you with financial stability while embracing your Au Pair experience in The USA. Explore the captivating sights and flavors of this magnificent country without worrying about financial constraints.

• Educational allowance: Embrace the opportunity to learn and obtain a certificate/diploma as your host family pays $500 contribution towards obtaining College / University credits. Immerse yourself in the American culture, connect with locals, and unlock new doors of communication.

• Support network: You’re never alone on this journey. You benefit from unwavering support both at home and abroad, the team assists you through the entire application and preparation process, and their partner agency in the U.S. provides ongoing support throughout your year.

• Au pair community and activities: Connect with fellow Au Pairs embarking on a similar journey as you. Gain lifelong friends and create unforgettable memories with access to a supportive community of like-minded individuals in your area. Attend Cultural events with Local Area Representative and have monthly meet-ups with your LAR.

As you can see, the Au Pair USA program provides a well-rounded package – covering travel, training, safety nets, and social connections. This robust support structure is one big reason participants feel confident embarking on such a big adventure.

Requirements To Become a Au Pair

Before packing your bags for America, it’s important to know the eligibility requirements for joining the program. Our standards ensure that au pairs are prepared and qualified for the responsibility of childcare abroad. Here are the key requirements you must meet to become an au pair in the USA with WorldVoyage:

• Age: Applicants must be between 18 and 26 years old. This age range aligns with U.S. government rules for the J-1 au pair visa and ensures au pairs are young adults able to fully engage in the cultural exchange.

• Education: You need at least a Grade 12 high school certificate (matric or equivalent), with a satisfactory academic record (in fact, WorldVoyage asks for around a 60% average or higher). This demonstrates that you have completed secondary education, which is a baseline for the program.

• Language skills: Proficiency in English is a must. You should be comfortable speaking and understanding English well, since you’ll be communicating with your host family and caring for children in an English-speaking environment. Strong language skills help you integrate into daily life and ensure the safety and well-being of the kids.

• Childcare experience: You must have at least 400 hours of verifiable childcare experience (approximately equivalent to a few months of full-time experience). Importantly, this experience cannot be just babysitting siblings or family members, it should be non-family experience like babysitting for neighbors, working at a daycare, tutoring, coaching children, or similar roles. You’ll also need to provide at least two references from people (non-relatives) who can attest to your childcare abilities and character. This requirement ensures you have a solid foundation in childcare before being placed with a host family’s children.

• Driving ability: A valid driver’s license is required, and you should be a confident, experienced driver. Many American families need help with school drop-offs, pickups, and errands, which means au pairs often drive the host children. Being comfortable behind the wheel (and meeting the license requirements to drive abroad) is essential for your daily duties and for your own independence on days off.

• Personal qualities: A successful au pair should genuinely love working with children and be ready for the responsibility of childcare. Patience, kindness, and enthusiasm are important. You also must be open-minded, adaptable, and eager to embrace a new culture and family, cultural exchange is at the heart of the program, so being respectful and curious about different ways of life will help you thrive.

• Health and background: Au pairs need to be in good physical and mental health. Candidates who are on certain long-term medications, such as antidepressants for mental health, may not be accepted, this is to ensure you are fully stable and can handle the challenges of a year abroad.) You must also be drug-free and a non-smoker, as host families prefer healthy habits in their home. Additionally, you must have no criminal record or any past convictions, a background check will be conducted to verify this.

  
  

• Family status: The program requires that you are unmarried and have no children of your own. The au pair experience is intensive and involves relocating to a new country for a year, which would be difficult for someone who has a spouse or children at home. This criterion ensures you can fully commit to the program’s cultural exchange without personal obligations pulling you back.

• Commitment: You must be willing to commit to a full 12-month program in the USA. (There is also an option to extend for an additional 6, 9, or 12 months if you and your host family wish to continue, but one year is the minimum.) This one-year commitment is crucial for providing stability to the host family and giving you enough time to truly integrate and benefit from the experience.

Meeting these requirements is essential for your application to be accepted. If you tick all these boxes, then you’re a great candidate to become a au pair!

Start Your Au Pair Journey Today

In a world that’s increasingly interconnected, spending a year as an au pair in the USA is a rewarding way to expand your horizons. The Au Pair program offers a perfect blend of adventure, cultural immersion, and professional support, making it an ideal choice for young adults eager to explore the world safely and meaningfully. You’ll work hard and care deeply for your host children, but in return you’ll receive a second family, countless new experiences, and personal growth that will shape your future.

Click on this link to apply: Apply Here