What is an au pair? An au pair is a student between the ages of 18-26 who comes to the United States as part of a cultural exchange program and agrees to provide full-time child care in exchange for housing and a weekly stipend. For some families who need live-in child care, hosting an au pair may be an ideal solution. Below are some of the benefits and limitations so you can decide if this is the right in-home childcare choice for you and your family.
The Unique Advantages of Au Pairs
There are several pros to choosing an au pair for your childcare needs, including the following:
- Au Pairs Provide Affordable Care
Because au pair programs are government-sponsored, costs are regulated. According to the U.S. Internal Revenue Service, au pairs are paid a weekly stipend equivalent to the U.S. federal minimum wage. The stipend is based per family, so you do not pay more for additional kids. Keep in mind there are some upfront costs you will incur. These costs include the agency application fees and the placement fees (which cover recruiting, screening, paperwork processing, some travel expenses, visa, and training). Once they arrive, there are additional expenses outside of the weekly stipend. These costs include providing room and board, meals, paid vacation time, and a $500 educational stipend. Even with these additional fees, au pair care is much more affordable than live-in or live-out nannies or babysitters. - Flexible Hours, In-home Child Care
For those who work long or irregular hours or need an extra set of hands, flexible child care is a top priority. Few providers can match the flexibility offered by au pairs. According to ICEF Monitor, a market research firm for the international education market, au pairs in the U.S. can work up to 45 hours per week. While they may not work more than 10 hours per day, as a host family, you can coordinate your own childcare schedule week to week. - Exposure to a New Culture
Inviting a foreign student to live with your family is a wonderful way to introduce your children to a new culture or language. One example is that, according to AuPair Clearinghouse, which reviews and compares United States au pair agencies, there’s a growing trend to hire Chinese caretakers. They attribute the trend to the increasing popularity of Mandarin as a language option in secondary schools. As well as the appeal of having a Mandarin speaker in your home to help your kids learn the language.
Au Pair Limitations
While there are many attractive advantages to having an au pair care for your kids, there are limitations, too, including:
- Limited Child Care Experience
Au pairs are students (18-26 years old) who travel to the U.S. for educational and cultural experiences. Though they are required to complete some childcare instruction, their training and experience is limited. Simply put, they are not professional childcare providers, nor are they necessarily interested in pursuing a career in child care. For this reason, they are often better for families who do not require infant or special needs care. - Short-Term Child Care Solution
Per their contracts and visa requirements, they usually live with a host parent for one year (though you can apply for a program extension through the U.S. Department of State). If you need someone longer term—and don’t relish the thought of finding a new solution in a year—a live-in nanny may be a better fit. - Inability to Meet in Advance
They are carefully screened, and you can interview candidates via phone, email, and video chat. Still, you cannot truly meet face-to-face or have a trial period before committing to a relationship. - Language and Cultural Barriers
In addition to the limitations above, they are students learning a new culture and often a new language as they get to know your family and understand its unique needs. It can be a tricky adjustment period for both sides.
What is the Difference Between an Au Pair and a Nanny?
One of the most important distinctions between an au pair and a live-in nanny is that an au pair is a student you host, and a nanny is an employee you hire.
For a deeper dive into the differences, read our article, How to Choose Between a Nanny, Daycare, and Au Pair. If you decide to host an au pair, there are several agencies approved by the U.S. Department of State that can connect you. If you decide a nanny is the better fit and childcare experience, word of mouth, job boards, and online services, such as UrbanSitter, can help you find and meet nannies in your local area who may be just right for your family’s needs. The choice is yours!
Looking for a nanny? Join UrbanSitter to browse profiles, sort by pay rate, and book jobs online.
