The following are some of our most frequently asked questions.

You must be aged between 18-26 to participate on the Au Pair in America program. We reccomend applicants apply at least 6 months prior to their 27th birthday in order to have sufficent time to complete the application and arrive in the USA.

Australian Federal Police Check - $56.00

Cultural Exchange Visa Fee for Australian passport holder - $640.00

Medical background check - Costs vary (free with Medicare)

‍

When you arrive in America, it is natural to feel a bit homesick. You should be able to quickly overcome homesickness with the help of your host family, your Community Counsellor and your new Au Pair friends. If you really want to return home then you will forfeit your return flight and you may not be able to participate on another US cultural exchange program in the future, so please think carefully about your decision to leave the program early.

Our aim is that both the au pair and host family have a happy, successful year. Should a conflict occur, the Community Counselor would assist to resolve any issues as quickly as possible. If the issues cannot be resolve you will go into ‘rematch’ where you will be able to find a new family.

All au pairs join a local 'cluster' which is a group of other Au Pair in America participants in your local area. Each cluster is managed by a local Community Counselor who plans monthly meetings and events for your cluster group to get together and participate in a fun activity such as movie nights, sporting events or cultural activities. Attending these meetings and events is expected of our au pairs, and is the easiest way to meet other au pairs and make lots of new friends.

Yes! Au Pair in America is primarily a cultural exchange program, and we want you to make the most of your time and experience the American culture. Au pairs can work a maximum of 10 hours a day with a maximum of 45 hours in a week, and are entitled to at least 1.5 full days off per week, 1 full weekend off each month, 2 weeks of paid vacation time during the year, and 1 optional full travel month at the end of your stay (the 13th month). Use your time off to travel, make new friends, explore your local area, take a road trip, visit an amusement park or something else fun!

Yes! One of our interviewers will be able to put you in touch with returned au pairs from your country. They will be happy to tell you all about their experiences. You could also consider attending an Au Pair in America event.

Many host families do have a child under 2 years old, so if you have the experience and willingness to care for babies then this will greatly increase your chances of finding a placement very quickly. However, not all applicants are fully experienced or feel comfortable in looking after newborns or very young babies. On your application you’re able to indicate your willingness for different age ranges, so you will only speak to families that fall within those categories.

The Au Pair in America program is a minimum 12-month commitment. This may seem like a long time but trust us when we say the year will just fly by. 

Au Pair in America provides participants with the following benefits:

• Free return flights to the USA*
• New York Arrival Orientation including 2 nights in a 4 star hotel with half-board
• Training materials and handbooks
• Placement with a fully-screened American host family
• Private bedroom and all meals
• Weekly stipend (pocket money)**
• 24/7 support from staff across the USA and Australia
• Medical insurance (upgrades available)
• Local community counsellor to offer additional support
• Fun monthly events and meetings for your local au pair cluster group
• US$500 study allowance to take classes
• 2 weeks of paid vacation time
• 1 full travel month at the end of your placement (optional)
• Visa sponsorship and visa application assistance

*Please note: Any participant who does not successfully complete their 12-month placement will be required to pay for their own flight to return home to Australia.

** The minimum weekly stipend is calculated by the U.S. Department of State after accounting for costs associated with weekly room and board.  Host families and au pairs are free to agree to compensation higher than the legally applicable minimum.

No problem - just let us know and we can either remove your application or place you on hold until a future date.

Yes, this is possible - we call it a "pre-match". Both you and the family must meet the requirements for the program. You should contact the Sydney office with information on the family. The family will need to apply through our US office and go through the normal screening process. You will still need to submit a full application and be interviewed.

We accept a school certificate or equivalent, which in some cases can be year 10 or a Tafe/Trade certificate. Each education certificate is different, so it is best to contact us for a better analysis of your completed studies. You can start your application whilst still enrolled in high school. 

There are lots of ways to gain your 200 hours experience with children.

• Babysitting
• Caring for a younger family member (can only count for 50 hours)
• Volunteering in youth groups, social clubs, children support groups, hospitals etc.
• Working or volunteering in a childcare centre or before/after school care
• Working or volunteering in holiday programs for children
• Sports coaching or assistant coaching
• Sunday school or church group leaders and assistants
• Scouts/Girl Guides group leaders and assistants

As most families require an Au pair who can drive, it is a requirement that you have a driving license. We accept P-Plate drivers, as this is the equivalent of a full license in the US. If you are a Learner driver you can still begin your application, but you'll need to pass your driving test before starting your placement.

We recommend that you apply as soon as you have made the decision to participate. It's good to try to get your application finished about 6 months before you'd like to travel to America. On average, it takes roughly 4 weeks to complete an application from start to finish, including attending an interview.

Yes, as long as you qualify as a ‘returnee Au Pair’ and your host family are happy to have you back again.

Yes! We have a returnee program available, providing that you:

• Have successfully completed your first stay in America
• Have completed the educational component of the program
• Are able to provide a copy of your completion certificate and reference from your previous host family
• Have lived outside of the U.S.A for at least 2 years