Hi, my name is Claire and I am living in a town just outside of Boston. I am settling in really well and having a lot of fun getting to know the area and meeting heaps of new people. 
Hi! My names Lisa and I’m in the third month of my year in America. I live in a small town near New York City and I’m really beginning to settle in, I pretty much have a whole new life here now with friends, college and hopefully soon some volunteer work. 
FAQFrequently asked questions
As you go through the Au Pair in America application process, you’ll certainly have many questions. This page will serve as a resource for many of the common questions that you have. If your question is not answered here, please contact the Sydney office on 1300 889 067 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
The Application Process
- How far ahead should I apply?
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At least three months before you would like to depart.
- Can I choose a particular part of America where I get placed?
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As anyone who has been will tell you, a happy and successful year depends much more on being with the right family than where they happen to live. Our team may place you in any one of the 165 cluster areas across 35 states.
- Is there an age requirement for the program?
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Yes. To be eligible for the program you must be between the ages of 18-26 when leaving for the US.
- Can I apply without a driver’s license?
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No, because American families need an au pair who can drive.
- The site says I need a driver’s licence – what if I am on my ‘P plates’?
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You may apply if you have your P plates, as you will be eligible to apply for an international drivers license.
- I teach children how to swim and also coach an under 6’s netball team. Can this count towards my childcare experience hours?
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Yes, this can be used as part of your 200 hours, but you will also need some documented child care experience. Not all of your hours can be from coaching. At least 150 of your hours should be from direct child care experience.
- Do I have to have a face-to-face interview? Where will this be held?
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Yes, you must be interviewed in person by one of our Au Pair interviewers across Australia. Depending on where you live you may need to travel for your interview. Please contact us for exact interviewer locations.
- What if I know a family that I would like to be placed with?
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You may pre-match with a family as long as both you and the family meet the program requirements. Your prospective host family will need to be registered with Au Pair in America program, and you still need to submit a full application and be interviewed. On your initial program application form, there will be a question where you can indicate that you have a preselected host family.
- Can I do the program with a friend?
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Sure, but you will not be placed with the same family and chances are you could be placed miles away from each other. We generally suggest that if you would like to go with a friend that you plan on meeting up during your travel time. You will make lots of friends that live in your cluster that are all in the same position as you.
On The Program
- Will I get time off?
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Yes. As part of the program, you get two weeks paid vacation and you will also have a month to travel at the end of your placement. You will also get other time off, including one weekend per month, but the timing of this will be agreed on between you and your host family.
- Do I have to pay rent?
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No, all your food and accommodation is covered. You will also be provided with your own room.
- What happens if I don't get along with my host family?
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You will live in close proximity to a community counselor, who will be a resource for you on a variety of issues. She will make contact with you in the first 48 hours after you arrive to your host family, and will visit you within the first two weeks.
If you have trouble with your host family, your first step would be to contact your community counselor. She will help you to work through the issues you are facing, and take further steps to ensure that you are working in a safe, positive environment.
We also have a 24 hour hotline that you can call should an emergency occur. This will put you in contact with our US office who will be able to assist you immediately.
- What if we can't work out the issue and I want to leave my host family?
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We strive to resolve issues between Au Pairs and their host families however in exceptional circumstances rematches do happen. In this case you would move to a new host family.
If you decide not to rematch, you would need to leave the US as your visa would become invalid.
- How many hours do I have to work?
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You are expected to work no more than 45 hours per week on the standard and Extraordinaire programs. Educare companions work no more than 30 hours per week. Your exact hours of work per week will depend on your particular host family and their needs.
- Do I have to study?
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Yes, it is a program requirement that you study at a recognized instituation while working as an Au Pair in America. You are given a study allowance of up to US$500.
- How do I enrol for study?
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Your host family and community counselor will be able to assist you with gathering information about courses and registration once you arrive in the US.
Rules and Fees
- How do I get my visa?
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After you have been placed, we will provide you with the paperwork you need, and instructions on how to make an appointment at the appropriate US Consulate. All applicants for a J-1 visa must attend an in-person interview at one of the following Consulates below:
Residents of NSW, QLD and ACT
American Consulate, Level 59, MLC Centre 19-29 Martin Place, Sydney, NSW
Residents of VIC, TAS, SA and NT
American Consulate, 553 St. Kilda Rd, Melbourne, VIC
Residents of WA
American Consulate, 13th floor, 16 St. George's Terrace, Perth, WA
- Are there any costs involved?
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Yes, though no fees are paid until you have actually been placed with a family. There are fees to consider in addition to our program fees, which include visa processing and a criminal record check. Please refer to the program information (LINK) for program fees.
- Do I need to book my own flight?
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No. We book flights on your behalf, so that you will arrive in New York in time for your orientation. You pay the flight surcharge with your program fee and this covers your flight costs. We arrange your flight for and will send you an e-ticket and itinerary. All you have to do is turn up on the day with your bags packed!