Learn about new cultures and invite an au pair into your home.
The au pair program
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A mutually rewarding experience
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Host family benefits
Flexible childcare on a schedule you decide
Up to 45 hrs/week (max 10 hrs/day) of coverage
Help with household chores related to the kids
An extra driver and homework helper
Exposure to a new culture
A lifelong global connection
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Benefits for your au pair
Improvement in English level
Opportunity to find a second family abroad
Chance to study in the U.S.
Immersion into American culture
Time off to explore the U.S.
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The au pair program was established as part of the Fulbright Hays Act to improve international diplomacy and build a more interconnected and peaceful world.
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Our host families and au pairs contribute to global understanding through exchanging cultures.
The U.S. Department of State maintains the integrity of the program through ongoing regulations and oversight.
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Host an au pair from $1,785 per month
Au pair services: cost breakdown
Annual program fee2
$11,245
Paid to Cultural Care. Based on a 52 week program.
Minimum weekly au pair stipend3
$195.75
Paid directly to your au pair.
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How we help to simplify the visa process
Who can apply?
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All host families must:
Be U.S. citizens or permanent residents
Pass a criminal background check
Provide a private bedroom and three meals a day for their au pair
Pay their au pair a minimum weekly stipend of $195.75 (in addition to the Cultural Care Au Pair program fee)
Welcome their au pair as part of the family and support them during their stay
How to start
Step 1
Download our app or sign up online
Create an account and begin to set up your host family profile
Step 2
Complete your host family profile
Upload photos, references, and other details about your family
Step 3
Meet program requirements
Complete host family checklist and in-home interview
Step 4
Interview & find your perfect au pair
Make the mutual decision to match together
Step 5
Prepare for your au pair's arrival
Stay in touch with your au pair while we handle the logistics
Step 6
Welcome your au pair to the USA
Experience supportive, flexible, and globally-minded childcare
Real stories from our au pair program
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“Alwenna has truly embraced the role of au pair and big sister.
She started as our au pair when our daughter, Carmen was 3 months old, and what has followed has been an incredible journey. As first-time parents, it was extremely difficult to find someone we could trust with childcare assistance. Leaving her in the care of Alwenna made it so much easier, knowing that Carmen was getting undivided attention and love. She is our family’s first au pair and she has undoubtably become a forever member of the family.”
— Kacey, host mom in South Carolina
We help you prepare for your au pair’s arrival
We provide support from day one
Staff in our Boston, Denver and Austin offices are ready to help.
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Matching Specialists
Your Matching Specialist will guide you through the process of searching for and interviewing au pair candidates until you find a great fit.
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Host Family Preparation Team
Your Host Family Preparation Team will share helpful information and tips to ensure you're ready to welcome your au pair.
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Customer Relations Specialists
Your Customer Relations specialist will offer additional support as needed during your hosting experience.
Au pair program FAQs
1Au pairs pay a smaller program fee to the foreign company that screens them, but no portion of that fee is used to pay for the costs of their international airfare or domestic U.S. transportation. Au pairs may be charged additional fees in the event of special travel requests.
2The U.S. Department of State has determined that au pairs are required to receive from their host families at least $195.75 per week. Host families and au pairs are free to discuss and agree to compensation higher than the required stipend minimum; however, this cannot be in exchange for the au pair exceeding the regulatory limits on working hours (10 hours per day; 45 hours per week) or performing duties beyond childcare-related tasks. The State Department formula is based on the federal minimum wage and applicable room and board credits. Any change in the federal minimum wage or the applicable credits will result in an increase in this minimum stipend amount. Please note, should a family extend beyond the first year, they would be responsible for the stipend for each week of the extension term.