Hear from au pairs who have experienced life in the United States—the day-to-day routines, the challenges, the rewards, and everything in between. If you’re thinking about becoming an au pair in the United States, this is a great place to start.
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From everyday routines to cultural discoveries and personal milestones, these are the defining parts of the au pair experience.
Your host family is your home during the program term. You share daily life, routines, and culture together.
Your role is to take care of the kids. You'll support them through their daily needs and activities, which varies depending on their age.
You share your own culture while getting to know American life firsthand. It’s a true exchange that goes both ways.
Living in another country challenges you, makes you more independent, and gives you a perspective on the world that will stay with you forever.
Being an au pair has incredible moments and it has challenging moments—and that's exactly why it's so transformative.
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– Zofia from Poland
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I’ve learned to trust myself, to enjoy the moment, and to dream bigger.
– Leidy from Colombia
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I've changed and grown a lot. Moving is not easy, but it teaches you so much about yourself.
– Nelly from Czech Republic
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It has taught me independence and patience, and I've grow in ways I never imagined.
– Aurora from Mexico
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I've learned to be more independent and responsible.
– Silvia from Spain
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I’ve become more independent, confident, and open to the world.
– Martina from Argentina
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I think being an au pair made me realize how far I could go.
– Eduarda from Brazil
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Living in the U.S. as an au pair has filled me with joy and confidence.
– Marie from Germany
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Expanding my horizon! I feel so confident with my english now.
– Alejandra from Mexico
A day in the life of an au pair
7:00
Wake up and help children get ready for school
8:15
Walk older kids to the bus; drop toddler at preschool
9:00–12:30
A mid-day break! Time for class and a workout
12:30
Tidy kids’ rooms and fold their laundry
14:30
Pick up kids from school
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15:00
Make healthy snacks and help with homework
17:00
Bathe the toddler and help all host kids get ready for bed
18:30
Catch up with host parents and eat dinner together
20:30
Meet friends for coffee and a movie
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I combined my passions for coffee and travel to build a coffee start-up.
– Mayra, former au pair,
current entrepreneur
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Helping other young people become au pairs makes my heart full!
– Misho, former au pair,
current Cultural Care Community Coordinator in South Africa
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After 2 years in the USA, I followed my dream to be a flight attendant.
– Aline, former au pair,
current cabin manager for major European airline
Oh, the places you’ll go!
As an au pair, you’ll have lots of free time to explore the USA. Spend an evening at a local coffee shop. Plan a weekend roadtrip to a different U.S. state. Go on a week long vacation on the opposite coast. Just make sure to check everything off your bucket list!
What’s more, the 30 day grace period at the end of your stay as part of your J-1 visa gives you a full month to travel and experience America firsthand.
From cities to deserts, mountains to beaches, America truly has it all
To see more, follow @culturalcare on Instagram!
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Arizona
Grand Canyon National Park
Photo by Denise, Cultural Care au pair from Argentina
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Hawaii
Pu‘uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park
Photo by Caroline, Cultural Care au pair from France
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Washington, DC
Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool
Photo by Mary, Cultural Care au pair from Brazil
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Colorado
Rocky Mountain National Park
Photo by Franzi, au pair from Germany
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New York
Washington Street view of Brooklyn Bridge
Photo by Angie, au pair from Mexico
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Maine
Portland Head Light
Photo by Giorgia, au pair from Italy
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California
Mount Hollywood Trail
Photo by Julia, au pair from Germany
Choosing to become an au pair is a huge decision that comes with lots of questions. That's why we've gathered advice from au pairs who have already lived the experience. Here's what they had to say.
Being an au pair is not just a gap year, it's an experience that will change your life forever. These are the benefits that are making more and more people choose this path.
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Live with an American family and experience their culture firsthand through everyday life.
Your host family provides your room and meals, so you can use your stipend for the things you want to do.
Receive a fixed weekly stipend that gives you the freedom to save, spend, or travel.
On your days off, you can explore new cities, states, and landmarks across the United States.
Step outside your comfort zone and return home more confident, independent, and sure of yourself.
Daily immersion is one of the fastest ways to improve your English and build confidence speaking.
“My au pair friends are some of my best friends in the world. We have the same drive to explore new places and try new things.”
Five au pairs road trip together on the West Coast reflect on their time in the U.S.
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Create a profile to begin your au pair journey!
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The best thing in being an au pair is the personal growth!