Au pair abroad
Have you always dreamed of going abroad after finishing school and immersing yourself in a new culture? Are you keen to make friends from around the world, but unsure how to make it happen? Do you hope to become more confident, independent, and self-sufficient? You can achieve all this and more when you become an au pair!
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Benefits of an au pair year after high school
When you’re an au pair, you will be caring for young children. Being a good au pair requires responsibility! This, along with many other aspects of the experience, will have a positive impact on your personal development. For example, as an au pair…
- You become far more self-sufficient and independent
- You develop a greater sense of responsibility
- Your English language skills improve significantly
- You gain valuable cross-cultural skills
- You learn how to solve problems and manage conflicts in challenging situations
- You can travel and truly get to know your host country
- You meet people from all over the world and build an international network
- You find a second home and a second family for life
Au pair in the USA
Living with an American host family allows you to fully immerse yourself in the authentic American lifestyle. From Halloween and Thanksgiving to Independence Day and more, there are countless holidays and opportunities to experience American culture alongside your host family and the many new friends you’ll make during your programme.
An au pair year in the USA after finishing school also gives you the chance to travel across the country. From New York and Miami on the East Coast to Los Angeles, San Francisco and Seattle on the West Coast, as well as the lakes and mountains in between, the opportunities for adventure are endless.
Another major benefit of becoming an au pair is the improvement of your English skills. As you’ll be using English every day—playing with the children, shopping, or chatting with friends and neighbours—you’ll naturally become more fluent. You’ll pick up everyday vocabulary you probably never encountered in the classroom, and you’ll quickly notice yourself becoming more independent and self-confident.
Want to make your dream of living abroad a reality? Spend a year (or more!) in the USA as an au pair with Cultural Care Au Pair. Cultural Care operates exclusively in the USA, is one of the largest au pair agencies in the world, and has over 35 years of experience bringing host families and au pairs together for meaningful and successful cultural exchange experiences.
Au pair programme requirements
The basics:
- You must be 18 years or older, hold a school-leaving qualification, have a clean criminal record, and (in most cases) a driving licence
- You need basic language skills to communicate with your host family and the children
- A minimum of 200 documented hours of childcare experience is required
What it really takes:
- This is a full-time opportunity that requires responsibility and someone who genuinely loves working with children
- It’s not just a job – it’s for people who light up around children and feel comfortable caring for them
The adventure awaits:
- A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore a new part of the world while earning money
- Become fluent in English by living it every day
- Study at a local university
- A full year (or more!) to discover who you want to become
The perfect balance of meaningful work, cultural immersion, and personal growth.
Ready to create memories that will last a lifetime? The au pair life could be calling your name!
Frequently asked questions
What will I do as an au pair?
As an au pair, you’ll live with a host family and provide up to 45 hours of childcare per week. In return, your accommodation and meals are fully covered. You may also be asked to help with some light childcare-related household tasks, such as cooking for and tidying up after the children, doing the children’s laundry, and helping with grocery shopping.
Working hours are usually set at 7–8 hours per day, with a maximum of 10 hours a day and no more than 45 hours per week.
How much do I get paid as an au pair?
As an au pair, you will receive a weekly stipend of $195.75. For most people, this becomes spending money to use for leisure activities and travel. Living abroad with a host family, immersing yourself in a new way of life, improving your language skills, and experiencing cultural exchange are the most important aspects of being an au pair.
Do I need a visa to work as an au pair in the USA?
You do need a visa to enter and work legally in the USA as an au pair. Cultural Care Au Pair will advise you in detail on the process and support you with all logistical steps in advance. A reputable au pair organisation will continue to support you throughout your stay abroad with your host family.
To avoid unnecessary stress when preparing for your au pair year, it’s recommended that you contact an organisation at least six months before your preferred departure date.
Are you interested? What are you waiting for? Become an au pair today!
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