{"id":9183,"date":"2015-06-04T13:22:45","date_gmt":"2015-06-04T17:22:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.aupairusa.org\/au-pairs\/?p=9183"},"modified":"2020-08-12T13:25:33","modified_gmt":"2020-08-12T17:25:33","slug":"why-do-au-pairs-join-our-program","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.aupairusa.org\/au-pairs\/become-au-pair\/why-do-au-pairs-join-our-program\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Do Au Pairs Join Our Program?"},"content":{"rendered":"
<\/div>\n

There are a lot of reasons that a year working abroad as an au pair helps a young woman or man personally and professionally. All of our au pairs love children, but each has a different reason for spending a year providing child care in the United States.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cultural Exchange<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Au pair reading to children
Image courtesy of Shutterstock<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The au pair program is primarily a cultural exchange program, so learning English and getting to know American culture is a huge motivator for our au pairs \u2013 in fact, almost all candidates cite it as an important factor in applying to the program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt was always a great dream of mine to live and work in America and I am really excited that it will become reality soon. I think the au pair job is a great opportunity to learn everything about America and how an American lives like, because as an au pair you are a part of the family and you are integrated in every step of the family\u2019s life. And not at least of course I want to improve my English skills.\u201d Jil from Germany<\/small><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Career Advancement<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Au pair playing with child
Image courtesy of Shutterstock<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Many au pairs will have increased job opportunities because of this language skill and cultural experience. For example, someone who has lived with an American family for a year would be better suited for a job doing business with Americans than someone whose knowledge of American culture is purely theoretical.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019d like to speak perfectly fluent English. I would like to be accepted into a university to study communication, marketing, and advertising, and also work in this area. The au pair experience would enrich my CV but also enrich my own personal experiences.\u201d Violaine from France<\/small><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Child Development<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Au pair swinging with child
Image courtsy of Shutterstock<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Many of our au pairs have a professional interest in child development \u2013 they may be looking to pursue careers in education or child care. You can learn about au pairs\u2019 educational background and goals in their profiles in Passport, our online application and communication system!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI have not yet fully decided what I want to do, however I do know that children will have a role in whatever I do. Being an au pair will help me with my future goals as it will enable me to reach out of my comfort zones by stretching my knowledge on children.\u201d Taryn from England<\/small><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Personal Growth<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Finally, many au pairs have a sense of adventure and are looking to have a new, life-enriching experience. The concept of a \u201cgap year\u201d is very popular in Europe, and the concept is picking up speed elsewhere! A year away from home is a great time to become more independent, develop other interests and generally become a more worldly, well-rounded person before delving into university or professional life.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

There are a lot of reasons that a year working abroad as an au pair helps a young woman or man personally and professionally. 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