Being an Au Pair in the USA has so many personal and financial benefits. The Au Pair USA program allows you to live and work in the USA and gain valuable experience. Here are just a few of the benefits you can expect.
The current salary stipend that Host Families need to provide their new family member with is at least $195.75 per week.
As part of the program, au pairs complete at least 6 credit hours (72 hours) of coursework at a post-secondary college or university. This is a great opportunity to experience an American classroom and meet new people. Choose the courses that interest you and fit with your schedule. Your host family will provide you with a $500 educational allowance to complete your studies. It’s possible to take English classes or more diverse classes such as history, political science, literature or anything similar. Taking a class is a great opportunity to meet other international people and find new friends.
The participant will also have 2 weeks of paid vacation during their stay. If the Host Family takes the Au Pair with them on vacation, they should discuss whether it is part of the participant’s paid vacation or not.
Your J-1 visa allows you to remain in the USA for 30 days after your program end date. This gives you a month to travel and have fun. Get together with friends for a road trip, travel to see a city you’ve always wanted to visit before you head home to your country.
When you go to the USA, you are not alone. Our oversee partner agency has many Local Coordinators live in your community and is there to support you. Her role is to help you get oriented to your new community, introduce you to other au pairs, and meet with you and your family shortly after you arrive. She will also be there to offer advice and support when you need it.
Each month, your Local Coordinator will organize a meeting for all of the au pairs in your area. These meetings are a great opportunity to make friends and explore your community.
In your free time, you’ll have an opportunity to explore your community and meet new people. It’s likely that you’ll have other au pairs in the area who also want to explore. Join a gym, take a hike, go shopping or try a new restaurant. You have many options to make the most of your free time.
A big part of your au pair experience is learning about American culture and sharing yours. Share a holiday tradition, make your favourite food from home, teach your host children words in your language, there are so many great ways to share your culture!
Not ready to leave after 12 months? Consider extending your program for an additional 6, 9 or 12 months. This is a great way to continue to improve your English language fluency and experience even more of the U.S.
"While providing a flexible childcare solution for a family you will immerse yourself in their day to day life and have the chance to create a lifelong bond with them!"