Au Pair in America
Parent Zone
Program Length
12 months
Age Requirement
Aged 18-26 years old
Registration Deadline
Open all year
Remuneration
Weekly pocket money
Accommodation
With your Host Family
Bulding a successful future
The Au Pair year is a rewarding opportunity for young people to step outside their comfort zone, experience everyday life in a new country, and build valuable skills for their future.
Through the program, participants can:
Gain Childcare Experience
Grow Your Confidence
Manage Daily Routines
Study Part Time
Travel More Affordably
Make Global Friends
Volunteer Locally Abroad
Safety
A safe, government-regulated program
Au Pair in America is an official sponsor appointed by the US Department of State. That means we are legally responsible for every stage of the program, from screening and matching of Au Pairs and host families, to wellbeing and safety during their stay. Our commitment covers:
Carefully screening all Au Pair applicants and host families
Providing comprehensive training in childcare and first aid
Providing specialised training for driving in the USA
Helping with and approving visa paperwork and pre-departure preparation
Assigning each Au Pair a local community counsellor in the USA, who stays in regular contact and provides monthly social meetings for au pairs in their region
Offering 24/7 support in case of emergency
Ongoing support
Support throughout the program
We provide local support for the application and visa process. We provide practical support throughout the program to ensure everything runs smoothly in the USA. We also provide support to ensure the wellbeing of our participants.
Each Au Pair has a local interviewer appointed who will ask them questions about themselves and help them create their au pair profile. They will also do an official interview to create a report for host families to read. This is a requirement of the program, and will help your daughter or son match with the right host familiy.
In the USA our team of staff recruit and interview all host families to make sure they are suitable for the program. Our tstaff personally visit every host family home to ensure it is suitable for an Au Pair to live there. They meet every adult member of the host family who lives there too.
Community Counsellor
On arrival in the USA, the Au Pair is given a dedicated community counsellor, who:
Organises monthly meetings and social events for all the au pair in the area to meet each other
Meets the Au Pair and host family within two weeks of arrival
Keeps in contact regularly by phone, text message and in person
Is available for advice when needed
Thinking about a year in America?
Book a call with Caitlin, our Au Pair in America insider, and get the real chat on host family life, travel plans and everything you want to know before making the move.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions from parents and guardians
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01How does the application process work?
When someone wants to apply for the programme, they can create an online account for themselves or contact us for assistance
The applicant uses this account to create an online profile detailing their education, work and childcare experience. We ask them to share information about their hobbies and free time too. This is important to try to match au pairs with host families who will share their interests or who want their children to learn these new skills.
Each applicant is given a local interviewer who will meet them and ask them questions about themselves and their motivation for joining the program. The interviewer will also provide us with a report to add to the au pair’s profile.
Once an applicant finishes their online application, our team reviews everything carefully. We may ask for more information or suggest improvements. The applicant needs to upload proof of secondary education, driving and good health. -
02Where do potential au pairs manage their application?
All applicants get access to a secure, password-protected Participant Site. This is where they complete their profile, upload documents, track interested host families and find their visa and travel information.
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03What training do au pairs receive before they travel?
All au pairs complete an online orientation program at home before departure. This includes child development, health and safety, how to adapt to US culture and Red Cross training. It’s a great introduction to prepare them for their au pair placement and life in the USA.
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04How does the matching process work?
After completing their application and interview process, au pair profiles are sent to our team to review. Once complete, their profile can then be viewed by our host families. Families express interest through the Participant Site and applicants can speak to as many families as they like before confirming a match.
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05Who helps with the visa?
Our dedicated visa team supports our au pair with the J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa process. We help prepare paperwork and guide applicants through booking their US Embassy appointment.
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06When is the program fee paid?
The Au Pair in America program fee is paid when a placement is confirmed. Once matched with a family, au pairs can view and pay their invoice through our secure Participant Site. We never request payment by money transfer services like Western Union or MoneyGram.
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07Who books the flights?
We organise return flights to and from the USA once a placement is confirmed. The cost of flights is included in the Au Pair in America program fee.
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08Who supports au pairs while they’re in the USA?
Each au pair will have a local Community Counsellor who is based within one hour’s drive of where the au pair is living. Counsellors meet the family and au pair in person after arrival, organise regular check-ins and host monthly meet-ups and events with other au pairs in the area.
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09Who pays for health insurance?
Insurance is included in the program and covers medical emergencies while in the U.S.
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10How are host families vetted?
Every host family is personally interviewed in their home by a local Au Pair in America representative. They must provide background checks, references a family essay, photos, and full information about the au pair’s role and schedule. We also check that the au pair will have a private bedroom that meets program standards.
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11What if there’s an emergency?
All au pairs are provided with the contact details of our 24/7 emergency support team in the US. Help is always available — day or night.
AIFS Australia
Our Mission & Values
Our Values
We are committed to care, respect and honesty
Our mission is built on exceptional support and care, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of every participant. We’re committed to honest, fair, and inclusive treatment.
Our Mission
Leading cultural exchange opportunities since 1964
AIFS has been a global leader in cultural exchange since 1964, helping over 1.8 million young people explore the world and grow through international experiences.
Our Support
24/7 emergency support for all Au Pairs
Our support starts from the moment you apply. Our experienced team are always on hand to answer questions about the application process and help you find a perfectly matched placement for your experience and preferences. Once your placement begins, we’ll keep in touch to check it’s all going smoothly. Day or night, we are always just a phone call away.
