Frequently Asked Questions

The total annual cost is approximately $21,400, which includes:

• Weekly stipend: $195.75 minimum (about $10,179/year)
• Agency program fee: $11,245
• Educational contribution: $500
• Room and board: Provided by your family (no cash cost)

This works out to about $367/week for up to 45 hours of childcare – significantly less than other childcare options in the NYC area!

Yes, au pairs must have their own private bedroom. It doesn't need to be large or luxurious, but it should have:

• A door that closes for privacy
• A window
• Basic furniture (bed, dresser, desk/table)
• Access to a bathroom (can be shared)

Many families convert offices, bonus rooms, or basement spaces into comfortable au pair rooms.

Au pairs can work up to 45 hours per week and no more than 10 hours per day. They must have:

• 1.5 days off per week
• One complete weekend off per month
• 2 weeks paid vacation per year

The schedule is flexible and set by you based on your family's needs. Many families use au pairs for morning routines, after-school care, and evening babysitting.

While most matches are successful, sometimes things don't work out. The program has a rematch process where:

• You have 2 weeks to transition to a new au pair
• I help you find a replacement au pair already in the country
• There's no additional agency fee for rematching
• I provide support throughout the process

My careful matching process minimizes the need for rematch, but it's good to know the safety net exists!

Many au pairs can drive, though it varies by country. If driving is important to your family:

• We'll prioritize candidates with licenses and experience
• Au pairs must obtain a U.S. driver's license
• You'll need to add them to your car insurance (usually $50-150/month)
• Some families provide a car; others share a family vehicle

If you're in NYC with good public transit, driving may not be necessary!

Initial costs vary by country but typically include:

• Program application fee: $0-500 (depends on country)
• Visa fees: $160-350
• Flight to the USA: Often $500-1500
• Spending money for arrival: Recommended $200-300

Once you're here, you'll earn $195.75+ per week, and your housing, food, and health insurance are all covered!

Yes! The matching process gives you control:

• You'll interview with multiple families
• You can express location preferences
• You only match when BOTH you and the family agree
• I help you evaluate each opportunity

Many au pairs want big cities like New York, but suburban families often provide cars and may offer more travel opportunities!

Homesickness is normal! You'll have lots of support:

• Monthly meetings with other au pairs in your area
• 24/7 emergency hotline
• Me as your local counselor (I've been there!)
• Online au pair communities and groups
• Regular check-ins to make sure you're happy

Most au pairs feel homesick initially but quickly adjust and don't want to leave!

Absolutely! Travel is a huge part of the au pair experience:

• 2 weeks paid vacation to travel anywhere
• Every weekend is yours to explore
• Many families include au pairs on their vacations
• After your program, you get a 13th month just for travel!

I traveled to 15 states during my au pair years – you can too!

You have several options:

• Extend with your family for 6, 9, or 12 more months
• Match with a new family for another year
• Use your 13th month to travel the USA
• Return home with amazing experience and improved English
• Some au pairs (like me!) find ways to stay through education

Whatever you choose, you'll have gained incredible experience and lifelong connections!

The timeline varies but typically:

• Finding your match: 1-4 weeks (depends on your flexibility)
• Visa processing: 6-12 weeks
• Total time from start to arrival: 2-4 months

If you need someone sooner, I can help you find au pairs already in the U.S. who can start within 2 weeks!

As your local consultant, I provide:

• Free initial consultation to understand your needs
• Personalized au pair matching based on my experience
• Ongoing support throughout the year
• Rematch assistance if ever needed

My fee is included in the agency program fee – no hidden costs!

My matching process is personal and thorough:

• I get to know your family's specific needs and preferences
• I review au pair applications with your requirements in mind
• I consider personality fit, not just qualifications
• I pre-screen candidates before presenting them to you
• I help facilitate interviews and provide questions to ask

Having been both an au pair and a host mom gives me unique insight into what makes a great match!

Yes! The au pair program is:

• Regulated by the U.S. State Department
• A legal cultural exchange program (J-1 visa)
• Monitored by designated agencies like Cultural Care
• Subject to strict rules protecting both families and au pairs

This regulation ensures safety, fairness, and quality for everyone involved.

While both provide childcare, there are key differences:

• Au Pairs: Cultural exchange participants, live with family, work up to 45 hours/week, cost about $367/week all-in
• Nannies: Employees, may or may not live-in, often work more hours, typically cost $600-1200/week plus taxes
• Au pairs are family members participating in cultural exchange
• Nannies are professional childcare employees

Au pairs bring cultural enrichment and become part of your family!

Au pairs help with child-related tasks only:

• ✓ Children's laundry
• ✓ Preparing kids' meals and snacks
• ✓ Tidying kids' rooms and play areas
• ✓ Kids' dishes
• ✗ General housecleaning
• ✗ Parent laundry or cooking

Think of them as responsible older siblings who help with kid-related tasks, not housekeepers.