Protect & Expand the Au Pair Program to Increase Access to Cultural Exchange Opportunities
The longstanding au pair program offers families immersive cultural exchange experiences while providing a unique and flexible childcare solution for American families amidst a crisis around access to care.
Why Care About Au Pairs?
American Families for Cultural Exchange is a coalition led by Cultural Care Au Pair, an official sponsor of the U.S. State Department-regulated au pair program for over 30 years, which champions the federal initiative that bridges cultural divides by offering immersive cultural exchange and enriching experiences to families across the country.
What We Stand For
Underscoring the Value of Cultural Exchange for Families & Au Pairs
Addressing Childcare Cost & Availability
Continuing and Improving the Broad Satisfaction with the Au Pair Program
Mitigating Undue Burden on Families & Au Pairs
Valued Partnership with the Department of State on Program Improvements
Creating Global Citizens
By the Numbers: Au Pairs in the U.S.
29000
Au Pairs
Through the au pair program — run by the State Department and facilitated by about a dozen private agencies — around 29,000 young adults are currently living with American families.
The Washington Post
104
Countries
“As of 2022, au pairs from 104 countries were participating in the cultural exchange program.”
(Source: Bridge USA)
90%
Good Experience
90% of au pairs rated their experience in the U.S. as excellent or good.
(Source: EurekaFacts Study: Impact of Au Pair program)
98%
Keep in Touch
98% of families maintain the relationship with their au pair after the program has ended.
(Source: Au Pair Program 2020 Executive Summary Report)
1.7 Million
Exchange visitors since 1961
Since 1961, 1.7 million students, researchers, educators, and scholars have taken part in the U.S. government’s academic, cultural, sports and professional exchange programs, including the au pair program.
(Source: Share America)
Stories
“Beyond the practical benefits of flexible, integrated childcare, hosting an au pair teaches our children that the world is larger and more diverse than our hometown.”
Annie
host mom in MA
“There is nothing more magical than watching your kids a new culture, learn languages, and love someone as much as they love their au pair. Having an au pair is flexible, we get to share and experience culture, and it is always dependable.
Kara
host mom in CA
“As two parents with full time, demanding careers, having an au pair has made all the difference for us. Having reliable, in-home childcare with an au pair has allowed us to be the best at both work and at home with our baby.”
Ashmi
host mom in CA
“Bringing an au pair into a family may start from a basic need, but it delivers a much more enriching experience.”
Reese
host mom in Washington, DC
Updates
Follow AFCE on Facebook
For many American families, the #AuPair program provides both flexible childcare and an opportunity to maintain strong cultural roots. Read more about the Wekel family’s story in Los Gatan : shorturl.at/K7qxR
As the childcare crisis deepens, the #aupair program provides an essential solution, offering not only flexible childcare but also enriching cultural exchange experiences.
Halloween is one of the most exciting holidays for au pairs to experience in the US, taking part in traditions from pumpkin carving to trick-or-treating! It's an opportunity to strengthen cultural exchange and enables families and au pairs to share customs around the holiday. 🎃
