Dreaming of living abroad, improving your English and experiencing American culture firsthand? Becoming an au pair could be the perfect opportunity. As an au pair, you'll live with a host family, provide childcare and become part of a cultural exchange programme that helps you grow personally and professionally.
If you're wondering how to become an au pair, here's everything you need to know.
What is an au pair?
An au pair is a young adult who travels to another country to provide childcare while experiencing a new culture. In the United States, au pairs live with a host family, receive a weekly stipend and have the opportunity to study, travel and build lifelong connections.
Unlike a traditional childcare job, being an au pair is a cultural exchange experience designed to help both families and participants learn from one another.
Before applying, make sure you meet the programme requirements. While specific qualifications may vary by country, most au pair programmes require participants to:
Childcare experience is one of the most important parts of your application.
You can gain experience through:
The more experience you have with children of different ages, the more attractive your profile will be to host families. To find out more about experience required, click here.
Working with a trusted agency can make the process much easier. Agencies help guide you through the application, matching process, visa requirements and your year abroad.
Look for an agency that offers:
Most applications include:
Take time to create a strong profile. Host families want to learn about your personality, interests, childcare experience and why you want to become an au pair.
Step 5: Interview with host families
Once your profile is approved, you'll begin connecting with potential host families. With Au Pair in America, you will use our Mutual Matching process meaning you have control over the family you match with.
During interviews, be prepared to discuss:
Don't be afraid to ask questions. Finding the right match is important for both you and the family.
Choosing a host family is one of the most exciting parts of the journey.
Consider factors such as:
A successful au pair experience starts with a strong relationship built on communication, trust and mutual respect.
After matching with a host family, you'll complete the final steps before departure.
These may include:
This is also a great time to learn more about American culture and connect with other future au pairs.
What are the benefits of being an au pair?
Becoming an au pair offers much more than childcare experience. Benefits often include:
Many former au pairs say the experience helped them become more independent, confident and adaptable.
If you love working with children, enjoy meeting new people and want to experience life in another country, becoming an au pair could be an incredible opportunity.
From gaining childcare experience to exploring new places and cultures, an au pair year can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life.
Ready to start your journey? The first step is learning about the requirements and creating a profile that showcases who you are and what makes you a great future au pair.