Program in Action: Impacts of the Au Pair Program
Cultural Exchange in Action
For nearly 40 years, the au pair program has helped American families experience the world from their homes. This cultural exchange program introduces American communities to cultures around the world through young adults, who are similarly curious about the world outside their hometowns abroad, not only as individuals providing childcare support, but as cultural ambassadors. Through shared meals, daily routines, and conversations, au pairs and host families build relationships that strengthen American communities and foster understanding across borders.
“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
From New Jersey and North Carolina to Texas and California, local community members come together to celebrate the connections that support learning across cultures. Whether it’s experiencing America’s pastime at a baseball game or simply meeting others locally who are participating in the program, au pairs and host families learn about the real impacts of cultural exchange.
Tampa, Florida
San Francisco, California
San Francisco, California
Benefits for American Families
For today’s American families, balancing work, parenting, and community life is no small task. The au pair program offers families the opportunity to welcome an individual to provide trusted, live-in childcare support who becomes part of the household and daily rhythm of life. Beyond reliable childcare, families gain:
- Consistent and flexible support from a trusted member of the household
- Enrichment through language, customs, and global storytelling
- A unique opportunity for children to grow up with cross-cultural awareness
Raising Global Citizens Starts at Home
When American children grow up with au pairs from other countries, they are introduced to new perspectives from an early age. They hear different languages, celebrate global holidays, and ask questions about the world beyond their hometown. These experiences:
- Nurture curiosity and openness
- Encourage cross-cultural communication
- Lay the groundwork for empathy and understanding
At a time when global understanding is more important than ever, the au pair program quietly strengthens the fabric of American society. They help families grow stronger, communities grow closer, and the next generation become more open-minded and globally aware.
“They’re part of our family. They go on vacation with us. They celebrate holidays with us. They really are part of our family, so it’s just been a really good experience for us.” – The Hartzberg Family (Pennsylvania)
“Through our current and former au pairs, not only do our daughters have valuable cultural exchange experiences that will last them a lifetime but they also have a family that keeps getting bigger with each au pair that we host.” – The Hopps Family (New Hampshire)
“As a host child, I will forever credit who I am to the au pairs that helped raise me. My au pairs made it possible for my life to be as great as it was… My au pairs made me stronger, kinder, smarter, and so much more.” – Maddie (New York)
Building Bridges Through Everyday Life
The au pair program has combined essential childcare support for American families with cultural and educational exchange. Rooted in the idea that diplomacy can begin in everyday life, the program supports a vision of international cooperation built on trust, understanding, and shared human values.
Cultural exchange is in America’s best interest. The au pair program bolsters American leadership on the global stage – strengthening U.S. influence and fostering cross-cultural ties. People-to-people exchange supports a better understanding of American culture and ideals abroad. Everyday experiences shared between au pairs and host families are small acts of diplomacy – moments that foster empathy, break stereotypes, and build lifelong relationships.
“Since its establishment as part of the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961 (The Fulbright-Hays Act), the [Bridge USA] program has served as a valuable and important diplomatic tool of U.S. foreign policy. Its mission – to increase mutual understanding between Americans and people of other countries – remains vital to U.S. national security and building people-to-people connections around the world.”
Whether it’s learning about a new holiday tradition, preparing a dish from another country, or having late-night conversations about life and values, these experiences leave lasting impressions. Many host families stay in touch with their au pairs long after the program ends—traveling to visit them or hosting their families in return.
- 98% of families maintain the relationship with their au pair after the program has ended.
- 90% of au pairs rated their experience in the U.S. as excellent or good.
By the Numbers
As of 2022, au pairs from 107 countries were participating in the cultural exchange program.
Source – BridgeUSA
In 2019, more than 31 million job openings required skills learned while studying abroad, including communication, leadership, and problem solving.
96% of host families report that the program fosters lifelong relationships with au pairs, creating long-term goodwill toward the U.S.
Source – Alliance for International Exchange
63% of parents report negative impacts on work or personal well-being from rigid or limited childcare hours. The au pair program offers a flexible and affordable solution.
Source – Cultural Care Au Pair
Want to learn more about the au pair program and its impact on American families? Check out the resources below.
