If you love working with children, you may be wondering whether becoming an au pair or a nanny is the better fit for you. While both roles involve childcare, the experience, lifestyle and opportunities can be very different.
For young people interested in travel, cultural exchange and personal growth, becoming an au pair in America offers much more than just a childcare job, it’s a chance to experience life in the United States while becoming part of a host family.
Here’s what makes being an au pair different from being a nanny.
What is an au pair?
Au pairs participate in a cultural exchange program regulated by the US Department of State Au Pair Programme, that allows young adults from other countries to live with an American host family while helping care for their children.
As an au pair, you:
Many au pairs describe the experience as gaining a second family while exploring a new country.
A nanny is usually a professional childcare provider hired as an employee. Nannies may work full-time or part-time and often have more traditional work arrangements.
As a nanny, you:
Some nannies build long-term careers in childcare, while others work temporarily for families.
One of the biggest benefits of being an au pair is the chance to live in America and experience a new culture while caring for children.
The main difference is that an au pair program combines childcare with cultural exchange, while nanny positions focus mainly on professional childcare experience.
2. Living situation
One of the biggest differences between being an au pair and a nanny is the living arrangement.
For many au pairs, the opportunity to become part of a family while living abroad is one of the most rewarding parts of the experience.
3. Flexibility and lifestyle
Both au pairs and nannies have time outside of their childcare responsibilities, but their experiences can be quite different.
4. Personal growth opportunities
Both au pairs and nannies develop valuable skills through working with children, but the experiences can be different.
Both roles can help you grow personally and professionally, but an au pair programme also offers the opportunity to experience life in another country and culture.
For many young people, becoming an au pair is also about exploring America.
During their program, au pairs often visit:
The au pair program allows participants to combine childcare experience with travel and cultural discovery.
Becoming an au pair may be the right fit if you:
A nanny role may be a better fit if you:
Both au pairs and nannies play an important role in children's lives, but the experiences they offer are very different.
For young people looking for more than just professional childcare experience, becoming an au pair can be an incredible opportunity. It's a chance to live in America, improve your English, experience a new culture, build lifelong friendships, and gain valuable skills that can benefit you long after your programme ends.
Many former au pairs say their year abroad helped them become more confident, independent, and open-minded while creating memories they will never forget. Click here to hear from our former au pair, Summer
At Au Pair in America, au pairs from around the world have the opportunity to experience life in the United States, connect with host families and embark on an adventure that can shape their future in ways they never expected.
Turn your childcare experience into a life-changing opportunity.
Whether you're looking to improve your English, gain international experience or develop skills that will benefit your future career, an au pair year can open doors you never expected.
Explore the Au Pair in America programme and see where your journey could take you.
Learn more about life as an au pair here!