Strong experience
Childcare experience that makes you special
Spending a year caring for children full-time in a family setting builds real, practical experience that employers value. You’ll finish the program with:
A strong childcare track record supported by references
The ability to manage routines, safety and emotional care
Confidence working with children of different needs and cultures
A deeper understanding of childhood development and communication
Many former au pairs go on to work in education, teaching, childcare, nursing, or social care. Others use the experience to support their applications for university courses in their home country.
Building skills
Transferable skills
Being an au pair helps you develop childcare skills and more. After a year in the USA, you’ll have:
Improved English fluency through daily use
Stronger communication and intercultural understanding
Time-management and problem-solving skills
Experience travelling, and navigating new places and communities
A wider perspective and improved self-confidence
These are exactly the qualities that employers, universities and childcare providers look for.
A career working with children
University or vocational training
Travelling more before settling into work or study
Job opportunities that value global experience
Returner program
Stay connected; come back again
Once you’ve completed your year, you’ll join a growing network of thousands of APIA alumni around the world. Many stay in touch with their host families, visit their new international friends in other countries and even apply to come back as a returner au pair.
