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Do you want to know how soon you can go or what happens if you don’t get along with your host family? Here we have tried to answer some of the most common questions we receive. And if your question is not answered then just drop us an email and we’ll get back to you with the answer!
What is the difference between an Au Pair and a Nanny?
How soon after applying will I be able to leave for the USA?
Can I choose where I want to live?
What does 'Au Pair' mean?
Do you accept male au pairs?
What if I already have a host family in the USA?
Can I change my host family if we don’t get along?
How much childcare experience do I need?
How can I make new friends?
I do not have my driver's license yet. Can I still apply?
Do I have the opportunity to study?
What is the difference between an Au Pair and a Nanny?
In many English speaking countries both the term Nanny and the term Au Pair are to describe a person that takes care of children whilst parents are working. However, the words Nanny and Au Pair have slightly different meanings. Au Pair is a French term that means ‘equal with’ – the Au Pair lives on equal terms with their host family as an employee in their household. Normally Au Pairs come from another country and both the host family and the Au Pair have an interest in learning about each others customs and lifestyle through cultural exchange. An Au Pair must have experience caring for children, but it is not necessary to have formal qualifications in childcare.
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How soon after applying will I be able to leave for the USA?
Ideally we need a couple of months to process your full application, find you a host family and prepare you for your year. If you do want to leave earlier, we will work as fast as possible to accommodate you. If you are not in a hurry, you can apply up to 6 months in advance.
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Can I choose where I want to live?
You can specify a preferred destination in the USA and we will do our best to place you there. However our top priority is to place you with the family that suits you best. So we cannot guarantee that you will be placed in a specific part of the USA.
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What does 'Au Pair' mean?
The word Au Pair is a French term translating as ‘on par’ or ‘equal to’. As an au pair you are welcomed into an American family’s home, helping care for their children whilst immersing yourself in a new culture. Working up to 45 hours per week, you will assist your host children with every aspect of their lives, helping them get ready for school, driving them to free time activities, helping with homework and reading bedtime stories.
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Do you accept male au pairs?
Guys are welcome to apply to become Au Pairs, in fact some Cultural Care host families prefer to have a male au pair. As is the case with female applicants, we will do our best to place you with a family that is suited to you.
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What if I already have a host family in the USA?
Although you may have a host family, US law requires you to have an official au pair visa which can be obtained through Cultural Care. So contact us today and our office in the USA will help get your family enrolled in the program.
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Can I change my host family if we don’t get along?
Our number one priority is that both you and your host family have a great year together and you should allow time to get to know one another. However it can happen that there is a true personality conflict between an au pair and a host family. If this is the case Cultural Care Au Pair will work to find the best solution for both sides.
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How much childcare experience do I need?
You should have at least 200 hours of recent child care experience before your departure. The more experience you have, the more confident you will be and the better your chances of being accepted to the program. Child care experience is the top priority for our host families when selecting their au pair. We therefore recommend that you get as much experience as possible before you leave.
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How can I make new friends?
There are many opportunities to make new friends! You will spend your first 4 days in the USA, at the New York Training school, where you will meet au pairs from all over the world. You'll also get a list of the other au pairs in your region and you will get to meet them at the monthly meetings organized by your local representative. The course you choose to take at a local college or university will give you the chance to make American friends too! Plus, you’re sure to meet friends though your host family.
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I do not have my driver's license yet. Can I still apply?
It is a requirement of the program that all au pairs hold a valid drivers licence (p-plates are acceptable). Therefore we cannot accept your application until such time as you have passed your probationary driving test. For safety reasons it is essential you are an experienced, responsible driver and will feel comfortable driving in the USA.
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Do I have the opportunity to study?
As part of the au pair program regulations as written by the United States government, all au pairs must enroll in a post secondary study program during their year in America. This is a great way for au pairs to meet people of their own age whilst studying something that could be useful in their future life and career. Former Cultural Care Au Pairs have taken subjects ranging from computer studies to American Culture and from foreign languages to child care-related courses.
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