Ever wonder what it’s like to live in Washington, USA? Au Pair USA has been successfully matching au pairs with host families living in this beautiful, northwest state for over 25 years.
In case you’re unfamiliar, we’re talking about the stunning state in the northwest corner of the U.S., renowned for its natural beauty, fantastic coffee, and laid-back atmosphere. 😊☕️🌲
To clear up any confusion: Washington state is NOT the same as Washington D.C. (where the President resides 🇺🇸).
With many au pairs placed in/around the Seattle, WA area, here are some of our (and their) five reasons to au pair in Washington State.
1. Washington is home to many national and state parks.
As an au pair in Washington, you’ll have the opportunity to discover some of the most awe-inspiring national and state parks in the country. Your Instagram feed will be the envy of all your friends with pics from places like Discovery Park, Olympic National Park, and Mount Rainier National Park. Au pair Philipp of Austria made it a goal to hike Mount Rainier during his au pair year and described the experience as “surreal.”
2. Seattle, Washington is home to the famous Starbucks coffee.
If you’re a coffee aficionado, you’ll want to visit 1912 Pike Place, where Starbucks first opened its doors in the 1970s. Who would have thought your favorite Frappuccino would have originated in this city?
3. Washington’s weather isn’t just rain.
While most people believe it rains all the time in Washington, it ranked 28th in the nation when it came to rainfall in 2023. Believe it or not, states like New York, New Jersey, Florida, and Connecticut ranked higher in precipitation! So you’ll have plenty of sunny days to explore. ☀️😊
4. Washington is home to grunge rock.
Music lovers, prepare to be inspired! 🎸🎶 Washington is the birthplace of grunge, with iconic bands like Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Soundgarden all originating from the Pacific Northwest. You can even visit museums dedicated to this groundbreaking era in music history. 🎵😎
5. Washington cares a lot about the environment.
Washington state is ranked third for best air quality in the United States. It’s been referred to as “The Evergreen State” because of its abundance of evergreen forests. With so many outdoor activities and so much natural beauty, it’s no wonder Washington residents care so much about the environment and preserving it here.
Finally, Washington is all about that eco-conscious lifestyle. 🌿💚 With some of the purest air – ranked 3rd in the country – it is commonly referred to as “The Evergreen State” with its vast evergreen forests, it’s no surprise Washingtonians are so dedicated to protecting the environment. 🌲💖
Whether or not you decide to match with a host family in Washington or visit this state with your au pair friends for vacation, Washington is definitely a place you’ll want to check out during your au pair cultural exchange experience. To get started on your au pair journey, contact Au Pair USA and begin your application!