Skills you'll gain during your au pair year 

Being an au pair is about much more than looking after children. It is a chance to live in America, experience a new culture and learn skills that will help you for the rest of your life.

During your au pair year, you will grow both personally and professionally. Here are some of the most valuable skills you can gain.

1. Communication skills

As an au pair, you will speak with your host family every day.

You will learn how to:

• Communicate clearly
• Listen carefully
• Build strong relationships
• Speak English with more confidence

These skills will help you in any future job.

2. Independence

Living in another country helps you become more independent.

You will learn how to:

• Solve problems on your own
• Make decisions
• Manage your daily life
• Feel more confident away from home

Many au pairs say this is one of the biggest changes they notice.

3. Time management

Being an au pair teaches you how to organise your time.

You will learn how to:

• Plan your day
• Balance work and free time
• Stay organised
• Manage your responsibilities

These are useful skills for both work and everyday life.

4. Responsibility

Looking after children is an important job.

As an au pair, you will:

• Keep children safe
• Help with daily routines
• Plan fun activities
• Support children's learning and development

You will become someone families can trust.

5. Adaptability

Every day is different when you live in a new country.

You will learn how to:

• Adapt to new situations
• Try new things
• Solve unexpected problems
• Stay positive when plans change

Being flexible is an important life skill.

6. Cultural awareness

Living with an American family gives you a new way of seeing the world.

You will:

• Experience American culture
• Celebrate American holidays
• Share your own traditions
• Learn from people with different backgrounds

This helps you become more open-minded and understanding.

7. Childcare skills

Every day, you will gain valuable childcare experience.

You will learn how to:

• Care for children of different ages
• Plan activities
• Encourage learning through play
• Support children's growth

These skills are valuable if you want to work with children in the future.

8. Confidence

Trying something new helps you grow.

During your au pair year, you will:

• Meet new people
• Travel to new places
• Overcome challenges
• Achieve things you never thought possible

Many au pairs return home feeling more confident than ever before.

9. Career skills

An au pair year can help you stand out when applying for university or future jobs.

Employers value people who are:

• Responsible
• Independent
• Adaptable
• Good communicators
• Confident
• Experienced in another culture

These skills are useful in almost every career.

10. Friendships for life

Many au pairs make friends from all over the world.

You may:

• Meet other au pairs
• Build a close relationship with your host family
• Stay in touch for many years
• Create memories that last a lifetime

For many people, these friendships are one of the best parts of the experience.

Final thoughts

An au pair year is much more than a year abroad. It is a chance to grow, learn new skills, improve your English, and experience life in America.

The skills you gain will help you in your future career, your education and your everyday life.

Ready to start your journey?

At Au Pair in America, you'll have the chance to live with an American host family, improve your English, make lifelong friends and develop skills that will stay with you forever!

If you're wondering how to become an au pair, click here for everything you need to know. If you are ready to apply now, click here to take the first step start your au pair experience.