Program Information
The Exchange Visitor Program fosters global understanding through educational and cultural exchanges. All exchange visitors are expected to return to their home country upon completion of their program in order to share their exchange experiences. Read this J-1 Fact Sheet to learn more about the Exchange Visitor Program.
Household Guide
- Setting you up for Success
Our Au Pair and Host Family Household Guide is required from our hosts because we care. Personalizing your household guide and having clear expectations sets you and your au pair up for success. Your household guide is your au pair’s job description, training handbook, and go-to resource throughout her program. The household guide was developed by expert members of our management team to prevent common issues based on years of experience. It also outlines State Department regulations so you can have peace of mind that you are always in compliance with program rules. - Host Family Application Process
The household guide is completed by new host families during the host application process and is reviewed by the Local Coordinator prior to the in-home interview. The Local Coordinator provides feedback and edits to make sure your household guide follows program rules, is well-polished and sets the tone for a successful program. Once your Local Coordinator approves your household guide and completes your in-home interview, you will be officially approved to host an au pair and one step closer to au pair arrival! Au Pair First Impression & Arrival
Au pairs must receive an electronic copy of the household guide from the host family, during the interview process and prior to arrival. A print copy is then provided to the au pair by the host family upon arrival following any final edits and revisions suggested by the Local Coordinator. The hosts’ presentation of the household guide helps set a standard for the au pair’s performance. Handwritten or incomplete guides typically do not look as professional and may unintentionally set a lower performance standard for au pairs.- Au Pair Training
The household guide and au pair school workbook are used in conjunction throughout Au Pair Training School. Au pairs should have a print copy of the household guide accessible to them to get the most out of their au pair school experience. They are encouraged to take notes, mark important information and write down questions for their hosts in their household guides.
- Orientation
The host family, au pair and Local Coordinator will all need access to the host’s complete household guide during the orientation. The Local Coordinator will engage the hosts and au pair in discussion regarding the topics covered in the household guide to make sure that both parties have the same understanding of the program requirements and household expectations. - Weekly Check-Ins
The Household Guide should be accessible for review each week at the host and au pair weekly check-in meeting. Maintaining open communication and addressing any issues early and often promotes a healthy relationship dynamic. Revisions may be made as necessary to address new or ongoing support needs. - Placement Issues
If a placement issue occurs that requires the neutral, third party support of the agency, the most current version of the household guide will be needed before proceeding with the mediation process so an appropriate support plan can be devised.
Emergency Information
If you are in an emergency situation, please contact your Local Coordinator. Should your Local Coordinator not be available, you may call our 24h emergency number 1-415-376-0202.
If there is no answer, please leave a detailed voice mail or send a text message. If you do not reach someone immediately- do not panic but leave a message and call or text again soon. Remember, this phone number is for emergency purposes only. For any non-urgent matters please call +1 (415) 376-0202.
Monthly Meetings
Rematch Policy
Conflicts can arise between host families and au pairs when needs or expectations aren’t being met. The Agent Au Pair team is here to make sure you have a successful year and will help resolve a conflict if any occur. The first step you should take to resolve the conflict is to sit down and communicate with your host family to express your concerns and needs.
If the conflict continues, you should contact your Local Counselor to assist you in resolving the problem. If the conflict continues, after 30 days, the conflict will be escalated to management to assist and determine the root of the conflict. If you are in a urgent situation, your Local Counselor will contact Management immediately for resolution.
If the conflict cannot be resolved after the mediation period, the au pair can enter rematch only if she is in good standing and attempted to resolve the conflict with their host family.
Reapplying to the Au Pair Program
Can I return to the United States on the Au Pair Program for a second time?
According to the rules and regulation of the Au Pair Program, au pair’s commit to the program for 1 year with the option to extend for an additional 6, 9, or 12 months.
If you have already taken part of the Au Pair Program in the United States, you are able to return to participate in a second au pair program. To apply to the program again, you must have successfully completed your first au pair program and you must have lived outside of the United States for 2+years.