Learn more about the longstanding program offering American families immersive cultural exchange experiences while providing a unique and flexible childcare solution.

MYTH: American taxpayers foot the bill for the au pair program.

FACT: The au pair program does NOT depend on any taxpayer subsidies or government funding. The program is 100 percent fee-funded with operating costs covered by fees paid by program sponsors and participants. The U.S. Department of State has designated 14 agencies to facilitate the program, screen participants, and ensure the comprehensive regulations are followed.

MYTH: The au pair program is an immigration program.

FACT: The au pair program is NOT an immigration program. All au pairs understand that their participation is for a 12-month term. Consular officials at U.S. embassies interview all applicants and, at their discretion, issue J-1 visas. If an au pair has successfully completed all program obligations in their first year, they may extend their participation for an additional 6, 9, or 12 months.

MYTH: Au pairs are the same as nannies.

FACT: An au pair is not a professional childcare provider. They are a participant in the U.S. State Department-regulated cultural exchange program which is not a professional or training program. While in the U.S., au pairs provide up to 45 hours of limited childcare support to their host family each week in exchange for all living expenses including full room and board, a weekly stipend, and financial support towards completion of their required academic studies. The au pair program is comprehensively regulated under the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.

During their time in the U.S. and beyond, au pairs become part of their host families – building trust and long-lasting bonds beyond what is possible within the transactional relationship between families and professional childcare services.

MYTH: There are no eligibility requirements for au pairs to be on the program.

FACT: To be an au pair, federal regulations require that a candidate must be between the ages of 18 and 26, proficient in spoken English, and have completed secondary school or its equivalent. They are personally interviewed in English, prepared to commit to at least 12 months abroad, and committed to taking the required credits at a U.S. college.

Before entering the U.S., au pairs must pass a background investigation that includes verification of school, three non-family related personal and employment references, a criminal background check or its recognized equivalent, and a personality profile designed to measure differences in applicants’ characteristics against those considered most important to successfully participating in the au pair program.

MYTH: The au pair program is only an option for the wealthy.

FACT: Host families typically find the cost of hosting an au pair to be comparable or even less expensive than daycare or nannies, especially in metro areas. The total cost of hosting an au pair includes the program fee paid to the agency, which typically ranges from $8,500 to $11,500 and the minimum weekly stipend paid directly to the au pair ($195.75 per week, totaling at least $10,179 per year).

Additionally, families are responsible for a maximum of $500 for their au pair to complete required educational courses. The costs of hosting an au pair remain the same regardless of how many children are in the home, making the program a particularly cost-effective option for families with multiple children. Most sponsors offer the option to enroll in a monthly program fee payment plan, making the program a financially accessible and affordable option for more families.

A diversity of families, including those in the military, first responders, families with two working parents, and single parents, choose the au pair program for its immersive cultural exchange experiences and flexible childcare.

MYTH: The au pair program is only about childcare support for American families.

FACT: First and foremost, the U.S. State Department-regulated federal au pair program is a cultural exchange program. For nearly forty years, the program has created impactful connections across borders and cultures, while achieving the diplomacy goals outlined by its founders. The program serves to share American culture with young people from diverse background worldwide, supporting U.S. diplomacy and leadership abroad.

While au pairs do provide limited childcare support to their host families, the most long-lasting benefit for au pairs and host families is cultural exchange. Through the sharing of traditions, languages, and culture, au pairs from abroad and American host families build international connections that last a lifetime.

MYTH: Once an au pair arrives, they are on their own.

FACT: Au pairs have the support of their host family, local representatives, and staff, as well as a hotline directly to the State Department. Au pairs receive support at every stage of their program participation from vetting, screening, and orientation through their full year. Program sponsors are in ongoing contact with all participants throughout the year through outreach and local events. In the event of an urgent matter, program sponsors will provide immediate assistance and support.