Just like they say it takes a village to raise a child, it also takes a village to run an au pair program. From the team at our New York City headquarters to our representatives in local communities around the country, Au Pair USA strives to make the au pair experience one rich in cultural exchange, full of helping hands, and complete with life-long connections for both host families and au pairs alike.
Au Pair USA’s Local Coordinators—individuals who support au pairs and host families within their communities, reaching out consistently to check-in and organizing local events—are an invaluable support to the au pair program.
Ann Carr, a Local Coordinator (or LC for short) has been serving host families and au pairs in the metro Atlanta area since January 2023. We asked Ann some questions about being an LC and the au pair program recently. Here’s what she had to say!
What led you to apply for the Local Coordinator position at Au Pair USA?
I applied for a job as an LC because I absolutely love to meet new people, hear their stories and make new connections. In addition, this job allows some flexibility in my schedule so I can continue to spend quality time with my family.
What do you love about being an LC?
My favorite part of being an LC is helping to foster bonds between au pairs and their host families, as well as bonds among my cluster of au pairs. I love spending time getting to know each au pair, learning about their culture, and hearing about how they are fulfilling a special role in the lives of their host family.
What is your philosophy for success in the au pair program?
COMMUNICATION. ALWAYS…open and direct communication is the key to success. Although it can be hard to have an uncomfortable conversation, I have watched au pairs grow and mature so much by the end of their program because they were bold and communicated well.
You’ve worked with au pairs from all over the world. Where would you love to travel to and why?
I LOVE to travel. I always say I would go to Dubliln, Ireland or Dublin, GA…I would go just about anywhere. I love Europe, but I also love to travel to our National Parks here in the U.S! Any new experience where I get to see the beauty of our world is great with me!
What advice would you give au pairs and host families to get off to a great start?
I feel that it takes a really brave and strong person to leave everything they know (their home, family, friends, country, native language, etc.) and go live with strangers. I think it is always great for host families to have a fun greeting at the airport for their au pair, provide some of their essentials in their room (soap, shampoo snacks they like, etc.) and just help them to feel right away that they are welcome in their new home.
What is a real “cultural exchange” moment that sticks with you?
One of my favorite stories is about one of my host families that are currently hosting an au pair from Italy. They have such a beautiful bond with one another, so much so that both parties traveled to Italy recently to meet their au pair’s biological family. While they were there, they baptized their baby and asked their au pair to be the godmother! The impact that au pairs have on host families is just wonderful and vice versa.
What is the most rewarding part of being an LC?
The most rewarding part of being an LC for me is making connections with people here in Atlanta and all over the world with such amazing people. I love getting to know them and that I get to be a part of their lives.
Thanks, Ann, for being such an amazing Local Coordinator for our Georgia host families and au pairs! We sure do appreciate you and know our families and au pairs feel the same!
If you’re interested in hosting an au pair in the Metro Atlanta area or beyond, contact one of our Program Advisors or get started by applying for free.
