Scholarship
Au Pair in America Scholarship
The demand for cultural exchange programmes has never been greater and the American Institute for Foreign Study (AIFS) is excited to announce its Au Pair in America Scholarship.
Au Pair in America Scholarship. is a fully paid scholarship awarded to one individual each calendar year. The Scholarship will enable the candidate to gain valuable experience both personally and professionally which will benefit them in their future career as a child care provider.
The Scholarship provides:
- A pre-arranged au pair placement with a carefully selected host family in the USA
- Comprehensive 4 day arrival orientation in the New York area including all meals & accommodation
- 24 Hour Emergency assistance
- A designated local community counsellor
- Medical insurance for 12 months
- Sponsorship of the USA J1 visa
- Return economy airfare to the USA from Melbourne or Sydney
- Up to US$500 study allowance & up to 3 hours study per week
- 2 weeks paid vacation
- Weekly payment of US$195.75 for working up to 45 hours
Value: AUD $1,204
Scholarship Eligibility
- A current or recent student in one of the following disciplines
- Diploma in Child Studies
- Bachelor of Teaching
- Bachelor of Education – Early Childhood Education
- At least 18 years of age by 1st August 2009 and no older than 27 years by the 31st December 2009
- An Australian citizen with a valid Australian Passport
- Have a current Australian drivers license (“P” plates are acceptable)
- Have a minimum of 200 hours childcare experience, not including caring for family members.
- Be able to depart before December 31 and complete the entire program (12 months)
- Available to attend an panel interview in late September 2009
The winner will be required to:
- Attend an interview with a designated Au Pair in America interviewer
- Complete a monthly Blog or written diary during their Au Pair in America placement
- Provide a written and video testimonial about their placement (AIFS to provide guidelines).
- Attend a minimum of three information sessions in their local region
- Undertake a Medical & Criminal Record Check
To Apply for the Au Pair in America Scholarship
Download the Au Pair in America Scholarship Application Package below or contact the Au Pair in America office on 1300 889 067 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Students who apply for the Au Pair in America Scholarship will be required to complete the following:
- Scholarship Application
- A personal letter to their Host Family between 350 - 600 words giving the reader an understanding of their personality and experience
- A portfolio of 4 photographs working with the children
- 1 “Passport-style” photograph
- 3 non-family references (one must be the main childcare reference). Copies of the specific Au Pair in America reference forms are supplied with the Scholarship Application Pack
- A drivers license copy
- A copy of the student’s most recent educational qualification
- Details of the student’s childcare experience (babysitting, nannying or coaching). All areas of childcare experience should be clearly detailed, and a minimum of 200 hours of experience within the past 3 years is required. Hours accumulated whilst caring for family members will not be counted. A copy of the Childcare Experience Form is included in the Application Pack.
Selection process
A shortlist of 5 Applicants will be selected by Au Pair in America, and these applicants will be invited to a panel interview in Sydney in late September 2009. The interview is an opportunity for the panel to learn more about each applicant’s skills and interests. The shortlisted applicants will need to complete at the interview a CPI 260 personality test. The interview will take approximately 2 hours.
The winner will be notified via phone and email on Tuesday 6th October 2009. The winners name will then announced Tuesday 6th October 2009 at www.aupairamerica.com.au.
All unsuccessful Applicants will be invited to participate on the program.
All applications must be completed and received by AIFS – Au Pair in America before 18th September 2009
AuPair in America Scholarship 2009 Application Form
References Forms