Thinking about becoming an au pair in the USA? You’re probably excited, curious… and maybe a little overwhelmed. Totally normal. Between visas, host families and the big move abroad, there are a lot of questions.
Good news: you’re not alone and we’ve got answers. Below are the most common Au Pair in America FAQs, explained in a real, honest and fun way, so you can decide if this next step is right for you.
What is an au pair, really?🤔
An au pair is a young adult who lives with an American host family and helps care for their children. In exchange, you receive:
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A place to live
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Meals with your host family
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Weekly stipend (aka pocket money 💸)
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Up to $500 toward college-level courses in the U.S.
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And the experience of living in America for up to 2 years
Think of it as part cultural exchange, part childcare and part once‑in‑a‑lifetime journey.
What will I actually do as an au pair?👧
Your main role is childcare—but that can look different depending on the family. Typical tasks include:
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Getting kids ready for school
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Playing games, doing crafts or going to the park
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Helping with homework
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Preparing simple meals for the children
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Tidying up after kid-related activities
No cleaning the whole house. No being a personal assistant. Childcare comes first, always.
How many hours do au pairs work?⏲️
Au pairs can work up to 45 hours per week, with:
Work schedules are agreed on before you arrive, so there are no surprises.
How much do au pairs get paid?💵
Au pairs receive a weekly stipend, set by the U.S. Department of State. While this is more of a cultural exchange, remember:
It’s about the experience as much as the paycheck.
Who are host families? 🏠
Host families are American families who open their homes to au pairs and treat them as part of the family.
Families go through:
And you get to choose your host family. If the match doesn’t feel right, you don’t have to say yes. You can learn more about how our matching process works and take your time finding the right fit.
Do au pairs really study in the US? 🎓
Yes! As part of the programme, au pairs must complete college-level coursework—and Au Pair in America provides up to $500 to help pay for it. This can be done online or in-person and around your own schedule
Popular choices include:
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English classes
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Photography
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Business
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Child development
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Cooking (yes, really 🍳)
Learning + living abroad = win‑win.
How long can I stay in the US?👜
That’s up to 2 years in the US, plus 30 days to travel after your programme ends.
Will I meet other au pairs?🌏
Absolutely. You’ll meet au pairs from all over the world through:
Many au pairs say the friendships they make are just as important as the time in the US
Is the Au Pair in America programme right for me?💙
This programme is perfect if you:
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Love working with children
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Want to live abroad (not just visit)
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Are open-minded and adaptable
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Want real cultural exchange—not a tourist bubble
If you’re ready to grow, explore and challenge yourself, this might be your sign.
✨ Ready to start your American journey?
Becoming an au pair is more than a programme —it’s a story you’ll tell for the rest of your life.
If you still have questions, Au Pair in America is here to help every step of the way. 🇺🇸💫
Your journey starts with one brave decision.
To find out more about becoming an au pair, click here.
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