What Is An Au Pair?

An au pair is a young person who moves to a foreign country for a specific period of time to live with a host family and assist with childcare. Read more to learn why this is such a unique and gratifying experience, and how it differs from other childcare options. 

In exchange for their services, the au pair receives housing, meals, and a weekly stipend. Being an au pair isn’t just a job, though. The au pair program is designed to promote cultural exchange, providing both the au pair and the host family with opportunities to learn about each other’s cultures and ways of life. 

That’s important to remember: While many people think of au pairs simply as live-in nannies, cultural exchange is at the heart of the program. Being an au pair gives young people a chance to immerse themselves in a foreign culture, often in a more authentic way than traditional travel allows. By living with a host family, au pairs become part of the family's daily life, experiencing local traditions, food, holidays, and language in ways that tourists rarely do.

The au pair program in the United States was officially established in 1989 under the U.S. Department of State’s J-1 visa program. Since then, tens of thousands of au pairs have participated and gained a deeper understanding of American culture. 

The U.S. au pair program operates under specific guidelines to ensure the safety and well-being of both the au pairs and the host families. These guidelines are in place to ensure that the program remains a positive experience for everyone involved, with a strong focus on cultural exchange and childcare.

Why Should You Become An Au Pair?

If you’re thinking about becoming an au pair, you should know that the benefits go beyond just gaining childcare experience!

Spending time as an au pair is a unique opportunity to develop life skills, independence, and resilience while building lifelong relationships across cultures. You’ll also be immersed in a new environment, allowing you to enhance your language abilities and gain a deeper understanding of different traditions, customs, and perspectives. Some benefits of the au pair program include: 

3. Professional and Personal Development: Beyond language skills and cultural understanding, being an au pair provides valuable work experience.

Taking care of children teaches responsibility, patience, and leadership. Au pairs learn how to manage tasks, resolve conflicts, and navigate the complexities of childcare. All of these skills can be valuable in future careers, especially in education, healthcare, or any role that requires strong interpersonal skills. If you’d like an extra boost in your career, we offer many Au Pair Weekend courses that can help you build these skills.

4. Building a Global Network: The relationships formed during an au pair stay often last a lifetime. Not only do au pairs often develop strong bonds with their host families, but also create friendships with other au pairs and local people they meet around the U.S.. This network can be a source of personal and professional support long after the au pair experience ends.

This cultural exchange can broaden your worldview, make you more adaptable, and open doors to future international opportunities. Plus, the experience often leads to lasting friendships, professional growth, and the chance to explore a new country in a meaningful way. 

Who Can Become an Au Pair?

In the United States, prospective au pairs must meet the following basic criteria to qualify for the program:

• Age: The U.S. au pair program accepts individuals between the ages of 18 and 26. This age range is set to ensure that au pairs are mature enough to handle the responsibilities of childcare, while still being young enough to benefit from the cultural exchange aspects of the program.
  
  
• English Skills: Since au pairs in the U.S. are expected to communicate effectively with their host families, it’s required that they have some English language proficiency. This doesn't mean au pairs must be fluent, but they should have a strong enough command of the language to communicate clearly and understand instructions.
  
  
• Education: Au pairs must have completed secondary education, which is equivalent to a high school diploma in the United States. This ensures that they have a certain level of academic achievement before entering the program.
  
  
• Health and Background Checks: To ensure the safety of host families, potential au pairs must pass a physical examination and undergo a background check. They are also required to participate in an interview, which helps assess their suitability for the program and their readiness to work with children.

Are There Male Au Pairs?

Yes! While the majority of au pairs are women, the program is open to men as well. Male au pairs, sometimes referred to as “bro pairs,” participate in the same cultural exchange and childcare responsibilities as their female counterparts. 

What Does An Au Pair Do?

The primary role of an au pair is to assist with childcare. Au pairs in the U.S. can work up to 45 hours per week, with specific tasks often depending on the age of the children and the needs of the family. Common responsibilities include:

• Morning Routine: Help wake up the children, assist with dressing them, and prepare them for the day.
• Meals and Snacks: Prepare simple meals and snacks for the children, ensuring they are well-nourished throughout the day.
• School and Activities: Many au pairs are responsible for school drop- offs and pickups, as well as taking children to extracurricular activities or playdates. It is not required for au pairs to have a driver’s license, but many host families prefer it. 
• Childcare: Depending on the children’s ages, au pairs may be responsible for diaper changes, helping with homework, and supervising playtime.
• Outings: Au pairs often take children on excursions, such as trips to the park, the library, or local museums.

What An Au Pair Should Not Be Asked To Do

While au pairs play an essential role in the daily life of their host families, there are clear guidelines that define the scope of their duties. Au pairs should not be treated as housekeepers or expected to perform tasks unrelated to childcare. For example:

• Household Chores: Au pairs are not responsible for tasks like yard work, pet care, or cleaning up after the host parents.
• Excessive Hours: Au pairs are limited to 45 hours of work per week, ensuring they have ample time for personal activities, socializing, and exploring their host country. It is important that this time is set aside so that au pairs can engage in cultural immersion outside the family home. 

How Long Can You Be An Au Pair?

Most au pairs initially sign up for a one-year commitment, though they have the option to extend their stay.

At the end of the first year, au pairs can extend their J-1 visa for an additional 6, 9, or 12 months. This extension allows au pairs to continue their cultural adventures. They can stay with their current host family to build deeper relationships, or choose life with a new host family. The second option can be a great way to experience a different part of the U.S. 

Are You Ready For The Au Pair Program?

For many young people, becoming an au pair is a transformative experience. It allows them to step outside their comfort zone, challenge themselves, and gain a new perspective on the world. Host families, in turn, benefit from the care and companionship the au pair provides, as well as the chance to learn about another culture.

Whether you're considering becoming an au pair or hosting one, the au pair program offers a unique opportunity to foster understanding and connection across cultures. It’s not just a job—it’s an experience that enriches both parties, creating memories and friendships that last long after the program ends.

Meet your J-1 visa requirements with Au Pair Weekend's educational courses. Click here for more details! Use code "1BLOG25" during registration for $25 off any course. 

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