Frequently Asked Questions
Whether you’re considering hosting an au pair or thinking about becoming an au pair, you probably have a few questions. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions we hear from prospective host families and au pairs. For a more extensive list of questions, view our complete list of questions from host families and questions from au pairs.
Top 5 Host Family Questions
- What is an au pair?
- How much does it cost to host an au pair?
- Do all au pairs speak English?
- What kind of screening process do the au pairs go through?
- How does my family choose an au pair?
View all frequently asked questions from host families
Top 5 Au Pair Questions
- What are the requirements to be an au pair?
- What will my responsibilities be as an au pair?
- Will I have to pay any program fees?
- How much will I be paid?
- How do I apply to be an au pair?
View all frequently asked questions from au pairs
Top 5 Host Family Questions
1. What is an au pair?
A. Au pairs are young adults between the ages of 18 and 26 who come to the United States and live as an extended member of their host family. Au pairs provide up to 45 hours per week of live-in child care in exchange for room, board, and a small weekly stipend. Au pairs expose families to other cultures, languages, and customs, offering valuable cross-cultural experience. Au pairs are also one of the most affordable child care options available, especially for families with more than one child.
2. How much does it cost to host an au pair?
A. It probably costs less than you think! With Au Pair USA, the total cost of full-time, live-in child care is about $340 per week. (That includes the au pair’s weekly stipend plus the program fee.) Even if you have more than one child, the rate stays the same. Review a full breakdown of program costs.
3. Do all au pairs speak English?
A. Yes. All au pair applicants must speak English. InterExchange verifies each applicant’s English skills during our screening and interviewing process. You will also have the opportunity to interview potential au pairs over the phone to make sure you are comfortable with their English abilities.
4. What kind of screening process do the au pairs go through?
A. InterExchange has a thorough and comprehensive screening process. Initial screening is conducted in the au pair’s home country by a representative known as an international cooperator. The cooperator interviews each au pair applicant and obtains a confidential medical history report. The co-operator also gathers a police clearance report, personal references, two child care references, proof of secondary education, and a personal essay. These are all compiled into an au pair dossier that is sent for host families to review.
5. How does my family choose an au pair?
A. You’ll be able to interview your au pair over the phone at least twice before making your selection. (Review our recommended questions to ask an au pair). You’ll have ample opportunity to discuss your expectations and requirements before making your final decision and confirmation. You are also welcome to contact the au pair applicant via e-mail at any time.
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Top 5 Au Pair Questions
1. What are the requirements to be an au pair?
A. To become an InterExchange au pair, you must be between the ages of 18 and 26, and reside in a country where InterExchange has a representative. Currently, we work with representatives in: Argentina, Armenia, Austria, Belgium, Bolivia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil. Bulgaria, Chile, Colombia, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, El Salvador, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Mexico, Moldova, Montenegro, Netherlands, Norway, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom. When you apply, you’ll need to provide two child care references, one character reference, a medical report and a police clearance report. In addition, you must be interviewed in English, complete a personality profile test and show proof of secondary school education.
2. What will my responsibilities be as an au pair?
A. You’ll be required to provide up to 45 hours per week of child care. Part of your duties might include getting the children ready for school, preparing meals and packing lunches, bathing the children, cleaning play areas, doing the children's laundry and making their beds. Because you’ll be living as an extended member of the host family, you should also be sure to clean up after yourself and care for your living space.
3. Will I have to pay any program fees?
A. To participate in the program, you will need to pay a Program Share Fee. The amount of the fee differs from country to country. The representative in your area will be able to provide you with specific details.
4. How much will I be paid?
A. Currently au pairs are paid about $195 per week. You’ll also receive room, board and a stipend of up to $500 to pay for 6 credit hours of classes at an accredited educational institution.
5. How do I apply to be an au pair?
Submit an online application request form. A representative in your home country will contact you to provide you with an application form and get you started in the process.
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