african american family poses with three kids, a dog, and the family's visiting au pair

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.

college-aged girl poses with child in jackets and beanies in the snow

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

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Underscoring the Value of Cultural Exchange for Families & Au Pairs

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Addressing Childcare Cost & Availability

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Continuing and Improving the Broad Satisfaction with the Au Pair Program

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Mitigating Undue Burden on Families & Au Pairs

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Valued Partnership with the Department of State on Program Improvements

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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

family with three young kids and their au pair

“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

family with four kids and their au pair

“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

Mom and dad wearing doctors coats with au pair and toddler

“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

Au pair poses with preschooler, toddler and infant

“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

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Today, we’re grateful for the #AuPair program and the worldwide connections it creates through cultural exchange. Wishing everyone a holiday filled with warmth, gratitude, and joy. 🦃 #Thanksgiving ... See MoreSee Less

Today, we’re grateful for the #AuPair program and the worldwide connections it creates through cultural exchange. Wishing everyone a holiday filled with warmth, gratitude, and joy. 🦃 #Thanksgiving

Imagine #Thanksgiving traditions with a twist! From cooking a Thanksgiving meal, running in a Turkey Trot, watching the parade—plus adding the #AuPair’s country unique traditions to the mix.

Host families and au pairs create a holiday that’s richer with every shared tradition.
... See MoreSee Less

Imagine #Thanksgiving traditions with a twist! From cooking a Thanksgiving meal, running in a Turkey Trot, watching the parade—plus adding the #AuPair’s country unique traditions to the mix. 

Host families and au pairs create a holiday that’s richer with every shared tradition.

Through the #AuPair program, young people from around the world find a second family in the U.S. and create lifelong memories. Being an au pair is more than just childcare—it’s a cultural exchange that builds long lasting connections.

Read more about how the 2024 Host Family of the Year, the Brights, have welcomed their au pair Issy into the family. ⬇️
bit.ly/4hDgavm
... See MoreSee Less

Through the #AuPair program, young people from around the world find a second family in the U.S. and create lifelong memories. Being an au pair is more than just childcare—it’s a cultural exchange that builds long lasting connections. 

Read more about how the 2024 Host Family of the Year, the Brights, have welcomed their au pair Issy into the family. ⬇️
https://bit.ly/4hDgavm
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