Program Expectations & Common Misconceptions about the Au Pair Program
Agent Au Pair hopes to be able to better prepare applicants for their time as an Au Pair in the US, by addressing some common misconceptions regarding the program, so Au Pairs will be able to:
- decide if this program is really for them
- prepare for what reality might look like when in the US
- help them be more successful on their program.
Topics covered in the PDF:
- Does the fee I paid to my international agency cover my flights and health insurance in the US?
- During my first interview with a family is it a good idea to ask for extra money and perks?
- Is my stipend enough to save money, travel, and send money back home?
- Why have I not matched yet? Are there not enough families looking for an au pair?
- Does Matching with a host family who speaks my native language and/or has the same cultural background, mean I will not learn English or experience US culture?
- Can I choose to be placed in a certain state or city (e.g. California)?
- What will my role be as an Au Pair? Employee or family member?
- Am I only responsible for child-related chores during my time as an au pair and will the family commit to a schedule for the entire year?
- My host family is responsible to feed me 3 meals per day- so can I get whatever I like and they need to pay for it?
- Are host families choosing the Au Pair Program for “cheap childcare”?
- Can my host family require a curfew or other house rules when I am already an adult?
- Does my host family need to provide me with hygiene products and common medicine?
- Will joining different public au pair groups on social media be helpful/beneficial for me?