As an au pair, you’ve put in a lot of time getting ready for your program year. You’ve had prep work to do before leaving your home country. Once you arrive to your host family, the learning continues. Here are a few tips for a successful program...
As you approach the end of your au pair program, there are several things to consider. The process for wrapping up your au pair program should be as thoughtful as the pre-arrival process. Extensions If you decide to extend for another 6, 9 or 12...
December au pair cluster meetings were filled with cookies, international potlucks, gingerbread houses, present exchanges, volunteering, and many kinds of hats! Au pairs and local coordinators enjoyed celebrating the December holidays. Happy New Year!
Phew, we made it through Thanksgiving! Most American families celebrate Thanksgiving similarly: lots of food and family and friends, naps, and more food. With December upon us, it’s a good time for au pairs and host families to talk about the upcoming holidays and plan...
The end of an au pair’s program year can be packed with mixed feelings. Au pair Maria, from Spain, is preparing to return home after her program ends. She has been reflecting on her experience and lessons learned. “The Au Pair experience has been one of the...
This blog was originally published in October 2019 and revised in September 2024 by other contributors. While smoking or vaping is technically not against the rules of the Au Pair program, it is frowned upon in American culture. Most host families do not allow smoking...
Au pair alumni Una, from Bosnia, came to the U.S. as an au pair in 2012. At the time, her reasons for joining the au pair program were straightforward; she was a kindergarten teacher who wanted to experience teaching in a different culture while using English. Little...
Au pair Fernanda from Brazil has lived with her New Jersey host family for almost two years. Throughout her journey as an au pair, Fernanda has learned so much about herself. Here’s her au pair experience, in her own words. I decided to be an...
Au pair Daniela, from Mexico, has always been passionate about spending time with children. She was excited to be an au pair in the USA because it combined all of her favorite things: caring for kids, exploring new places, and speaking English daily. During her...
Au pair Nikee, from The Netherlands, spent her au pair year in New Jersey caring for her three host kids. Nikee decided to become an au pair for her gap year before university and was well suited for the job with five years of babysitting...