Au pair in the USA

What is an Au Pair in America?

what is an au pair
An Au Pair in America is a young single person between the ages of 18-26, who lives with a family in America for a period of 12-24 months. The Au pair helps with general housework and childcare in exchange for room, board and pocket money (stipend.)
The Au Pair program is one of cultural/educational exchange. The Au Pair is given the opportunity to experience the culture of the country that he/she is in. In return, the Au Pair will be asked to perform general household duties (washing and tidying up, laundry, cooking etc.) and to take care of the host children for a maximum of 45 hours per week. The Au Pair is not an employee but a member of the family and will be treated as such.

 

About America

Based on popular TV shows, movies and what you read in the tabloids, you probably already have a good idea of what you think the USA looks like. Disney, the Kardashians, House of Cards, McDonalds, Beverly Hills, Manhattan, are just a few things that come to mind when thinking about the USA. This amazing country has so much to offer, as it is a melting pot of many different cultures. You have the Dutch influence in the mid-west states such as Ohio, Illinois, Michigan and Wisconsin. You have the French influencing many parts of the south such as Louisiana and Alabama. The Latin culture is widespread over most parts of the west and south-western parts of the USA and on the east coast, you have the English influence. Although coastal cities are much in demand, there is a huge country in between and you may well end up being placed with an amazing family in Colorado or Illinois! With so much to see and explore, you will want to stay for as long as you can.

Do you qualify?

do you qualify

  • You must be between the ages of 18-26 years old.
  • Driver’s license mandatory.
  • Valid National senior certificate.
  • Have good childcare or babysitting experience (minimum 200 hours.)
  • Have a genuine love and interest in working with children.
  • Fluent in English.
  • Be in good health (only non-smokers are accepted.)
  • Not married and no children of your own.
  • No criminal record.
  • Willingness to explore and experience a different country and culture.

What is included in the  program:

What is included in the Au pair program

  • Screened host family.
  • House-o-Orange Au pairs to answer all your questions before and during your stay.
  • Room and board.
  • Weekly pocket money of minimum $195.75.
  • $500 College budget of your choice.
  • Pre-departure training course hosted by Interexchange (online course during Covid period.)
  • Medical Insurance cover for 12 months.
  • Assistance with obtaining your J-1 visa.
  • Au pair meetings.
  • Local Coordinator to assist you during your year (within an hour’s drive from you.)
  • Paid flight ticket if you complete your full contract.
  • Extra (optional) month to travel through the USA after completing your 12 months.

Program fee:

What is included in the Au pair program

  • R500 registration fee (payable before the interview. 50% discount for returning HoO Au pairs.)
  • R2500 acceptance fee (payable before your interview upon acceptance.)
  • R2500 placement fee (payable when placed with a host family.)
  • Visa cost of $160 (payable at your visa appointment.)

Application process:

  • Contact HOO RSA to receive the necessary information and documents.
  • Once your application has been approved, schedule your in-person interview with HOO.
  • Send all documentation required to build your profile, prior to your interview date.application process
  • Apply for all other official required documents such as your passport, police clearance, UBC etc.
  • Match with a host family.
  • Get ready for departure.
  • Travel to the USA!

Experience of an Au Pair in the USA

Logo

} Our office hours are:
Mon - Thu  : 08.30-17.00
Friday only : 08.30-16.00

Elandi Lochner – Senior Manager
manager@house-o-orange.co.za
021 553 3638

Stephanie Oosthuizen – Program Manager
info@house-o-orange.co.za
021 553 3638