Becoming an Au Pair

A word from Ms. Immigration,

The information that you will find in this section is “general” for most Au Pair organizations.  Costs and rules for each program may vary so make sure you understand exactly how much money you would need to be a part of this great experience!!

The best thing for you to do is call the organization of preference directly so that way all your questions are answered accurately.

Today I was at the park with my two little ones and met a super nice girl from South Africa. Her name is Elaine. She has been living in the US for 8 months and came to live with a family of 5, with an Au Pair program. She loves it so much she is already applying to extend her stay for one more year!!!! I was able to ask her a few questions and she basically spoke wonders about the Au pair program, she is very satisfied with the whole process and was in shock when after only three weeks after applying to join the program she had her VISA in her hand. She could not believe it!!!!

I would encourage you to read through all the information provided by the Au Pair organization you choose to work with, and then if this fits what you are looking for well pretty soon the Nation Immigration community will be able to tell you “Welcome to the US.”

Au Pair definition – What is an AuPair?

The word “Au Pair” is a French term, which means “on par” or “equal to”, denoting living on an equal basis in a reciprocal, caring relationship between the host family and the children. An aupair will typically be a young woman and sometimes a young man from a foreign country who chooses to help look after the children of a host family and provide light housekeeping. The aupair is given room and board and is typically paid a weekly “pocket-money” salary. Aupairs generally stay with their host family for one year.
An aupair is usually between the ages of 18 and 26 years old, yet some countries allow younger and older aupairs.
Aupairs are typically in search of a new cultural experience while also desiring to serve as an integral part of a parenting team. This experience usually draws aupairs to a new country and often times involves improving on their foreign language skills.
An aupair is not considered a domestic employee and therefore taxes need not be paid as such.

How to become an Au Pair

To comply with US visa regulations and to ensure your year as an Au Pair is fun and exciting you must meet the following criteria:

• Be between 18-26 years old.
• Have childcare experience.
• Have a good understanding of the English language and be able to converse comfortably.
• Have completed your secondary education.
• Be flexible, mature, independent and positive.
• Have a driver’s license by the time you leave.
• Have no criminal record.
• Be in good health.

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How to become an Au Pair: Application Process

Application Form

Most organizations have an application form. In some cases they require at least 3 non-family references, and a personal letter to the host family, a photo collage and personal health information. You will also need to send in a copy of your high school diploma and your driver’s license.

Screening and Orientation Days

After application is complete the organization you choose should have an orientation meeting. You will be given more information about the program and you will do a short interview with you in English. After you have been accepted to the program you will also need a Health Certificate and a criminal record certificate, the cost of which will be your responsibility.

Host Family Selection

After your application is complete and the organization has checked your references, they will begin the search to find the right host family for you. Once they have found a suitable match, they will set up a phone call between you and the family. This provides the chance to talk about their household, children, and where they live, and you can ask as many questions as you like.

Visa and Travel Arrangements

Once you’ve decided on your host family, they will send you the visa and insurance information and take care of your flight arrangements. Some organizations provide free basic health and accident insurance.

First-Time Aupairs

Being an aupair can be a rewarding adventure and learning experience. Being an aupair requires a commitment to helping others, integrity and the ability to be flexible. Finding the right family requires thoughtful evaluation of the type of situation that best suits you. Here are some general guidelines to give you an idea of what to expect when working as an aupair for the first time.

• The aupair’s average weekly salary for 40 to 45 hours of childcare in the USA is US$140 and may be less in other countries.
• An aupair should be provided with a private bedroom. Many families will have extra amenities in the room such as TV, stereo, phone, and computer, however this is not required and will be different with each family.
• An aupair’s living expenses, which include room and board, are covered by the family, unless the aupair requires unique dietary items or health supplements for which she/he should be responsible. Also the aupair is responsible for all personal items such as toiletries, hair care items, etc.
• The aupair should pay for her/his long distance phone calls.
• If the aupair is required to drive for the family, the family should pay for the gas for all required driving. However, typically the aupair pays for gas when using the car for personal use.
• The aupair is generally responsible for her/his medical insurance/expenses unless the aupair arrives through an agency, in which case insurance is included in the fees paid to the agency by both the family and aupair.
• Airfare for the aupair is usually negotiable. If the aupair does not come through an agency, families and aupairs often split the cost of a roundtrip ticket. If the aupair doesn’t have the money to pay for her/his half of the ticket up front, families can cover the cost and deduct the balance from wages. If the aupair comes to the U.S. through an agency, only the cost of airfare to New York is typically included in the placement fee paid to the agency by the family. The family would then have to get you from New York to their home.

Tips for a successful relationship with your host family

• Make sure that you are clear about your schedule and responsibilities and are in agreement with the family’s expectations.
• Remember that attitude is everything to a potential family. A family can train for skill, but it is difficult to train for attitude.
• If your are uncomfortable with something, be sure to approach your host family openly, and communicate your feelings respectfully. Most families will appreciate this and respect you more for responsibly confronting the situation.
• This job is all about making a difference, spreading joy and delight, allowing others into your heart and lending a helping hand. In the process you will experience many new people and places; learn and grow on many levels. It’s what you bring to the experience that counts.
• Being appreciative and doing things without having to be asked are two simple qualities that make a great aupair.

Some Organizations

http://www.greataupair.com/

http://www.culturalcare.com/

http://www.aupaircare.com