What is the  Au Pair  Program?

This is an Educational and Cultural Exchange Program of the US State Department with a strong child care component. Participants from around the world enter the United States for up to twelve (12) months to take care of children. At the same time, the au pairs are required to complete an educational component of six semester hours of academic credit or its equivalent.  “Au pair” is French for “at par” reminding host families that their international visitor is to be treated as an equal member of the family.

Who is the Sponsoring Organization? What do they do?

The sponsoring organization for the Au Pair Care program is INTRAX, a US based company designated by the US State Department as an official au pair program sponsor responsible for administering the program within the regulations set by the Department of State (DOS).

Intrax, through its vast organizational network of worldwide partners, counselors and managers carry out the day to day operation of the Intrax Au Pair Care program. They identify, screen, select, and match au pairs and host families. They ensure that background investigations, including criminal history checks , are performed on au pairs, and that host parents have adequate financial resources to participate in the program.

What are the rewards/benefits of being an Au Pair?

• As an au pair, you'll live with a host family and experience American life firsthand.
• You'll master English and feel comfortable and confident speaking it.
• You'll take classes at an American college or university, make friends from around the world, travel, and earn money while experiencing life in the US
• Gain maturity, confidence and international work experience
• Teach Americans about your culture and learning about theirs
• Make a real difference in the lives of children

How soon do I start my internship?

As soon as the J1 visa is issued, the US host company requires a two-week arrival notice.

For the Australian Internships, students/interns will fly into Brisbane for a two-day intensive cultural integration seminar and orientation then travel to the host company location either by bus, train or plane.  Upon arrival at the host company, all interns attend orientations and seminars. They also accomplish all administrative and government requirements (SSS, tax forms, establish bank details, etc).

Do I get paid? How much money will I make? When do I get paid?

Internships are Paid, Unpaid or Subsidized. For the Paid Internships, allowance varies depending on position, host company and location, but trainees should be able to earn at least US$1,000.00 / month.

For Australian Internships, the first week at the host company will be unpaid. Typically, you will get your allowances weekly or every two weeks. Interns must commit to a minimum of 6 months training with an Australian host company or 12 months minimum commitment with a US host company.

How long is the Intrax Au Pair Care Program?

Au pairs  may stay with their host families in the US for one year. After that time, they are expected to return to their home country. However, AuPairCare also offers you the opportunity to extend your stay for additional 6, 9 or 12 months. A second year allows you to deepen your connection with your host family, and gives you more time to explore and experience life in the US.

How many hours do I work a week?

As an au pair, you will spend 12 months living with a carefully screened American family and caring for their children up to 45 hours per week. In your free time, you can spend time with new friends and experience life in the U.S.

How soon do I start work?

Once you have been matched and an arrival date is set, you will travel to New York City to attend the Au Pair Care Orientation Training Program. This three day/four night course provides instructions on child development, child health and safety and adjusting to life in the US. It is also an opportunity to meet other au pairs and explore the best NYC has to offer.

What do I get from the program?

The AuPairCare program provides you with:

• program sponsorship and documents to apply for a 12-month J1 cultural exchange visa;
• a round-trip airfare from your country to New York City and a one-way airfare to your host family;
• a weekly stipend of $139.00 net paid to you by your host family ($200.00 for Elite);
• an educational fund of $500.00 to pay for local classes;
• two weeks (ten days) paid vacation time and 4-weeks to travel at the end of your year;
• private room with full board provided by your host family;
• full medical and accident insurance;
• Pre-Departure and Post-Arrival orientation
• Sponsorship and support throughout the program
• an option to extend your program

During your stay in the US, you will be provided full support by the AuPairCare representative who is available to provide guidance whenever you need it, organize monthly events in your area and introduce you to other au pairs in the region. You will be supported by the Intrax  24-hour toll free emergency phone service.

Where will I be placed?  Can I choose my own placement? Who will be my Host Family?

AuPairCare can place an au pair nationwide. You may request a particular region, and AuPairCare will make an effort show your application to compatible families in that region. Our main objective is to help you find a compatible family. In some cases, the right family is in a different region than what you had requested.

With AuPairCare, you get to choose your host family. AuPairCare families are carefully screened to ensure you will be in a comfortable environment. Experienced representatives interview each family in-person, and assesses the family’s suitability for the program.

Most families are working parents with 1-3  children, typically between the ages 1-8 years old and live in suburbs outside of the cities. AuPairCare families are open to new ideas, interested in the world and other countries, and look forward to learning about your culture. Most of all, they want you to feel very welcome in your new home, and become part of the family.

Are some locations better than others for an au pair?

No. While some places in America are probably more familiar to you from movies and television, all parts of the country are interesting, and each has its own advantages. The United States is truly a diverse and fascinating country, and as an au pair you may be surprised to discover cities or regions that you didn't know about before. You will have a chance to visit other parts of the country during your 10-day paid vacation and travel month.

How do families qualify for the au pair program?

AuPairCare host families must meet the U.S. Department of State's hosting requirements. After they submit their AuPairCare application for an au pair, we interview them in person and check their references. Host families must agree not to schedule the au pair to work more than 45-hours per week and not more than 10 hours per day. Families must also be American citizens (or permanent residents), and have a sincere desire to share their home with an au pair.

What are the responsibilities of an au pair?

As an AuPairCare au pair, you'll have a wonderful time living, studying and traveling in America. An au pair job gives you the chance to experience American life and culture first hand. In exchange, you'll be responsible for providing personalized childcare for your family's children for up to 45 hours per week, no more than 10 hours per day. Below are some typical responsibilities you will have in your job as an au pair.

• Supervising and playing with your host family's children
• Getting children bathed and dressed
• Feeding and changing infants
• Making children's breakfast and lunch
• Keeping children's rooms neat and doing children's laundry
• Driving children to school, appointments and lessons
• Helping children with school homework
• Teaching children about your own culture and traditions
• Accompanying your host family on trips and outings

Each family is different so your responsibilities will vary depending on the age of your family's children, whether the parents work outside the home and where you live.

What are the qualifications required?

AuPairCare au pairs are adventurous, curious, and interested in learning about new countries and cultures. They are mature, independent and positive individuals. Most importantly, they love children and enjoy spending time with them.
Au pairs who are accepted into the AuPairCare program also need to meet all of the requirements below:

• Have previous childcare experience
• Be between the ages of 20 and 26
• Be a secondary school graduate (high school) or equivalent
• Be proficient in spoken English
• Have no criminal record
• Be in good health
• Have a valid driver's license, or can get one
• Be able to commit to a 12-month position

AuPairCare also has an 'Elite Au Pair' program for au pairs with a higher level of skills and experience in childcare. In addition to the above criteria, Elite au pairs also meet at least one of the one of the requirements below:

• Have completed a full-time, two-year academic course in childcare
• Are a certified childcare provider or hold a related degree
• Have two years of full-time experience as a nanny or nursery/primary school teacher

When do applications need to be submitted? How long after I apply does it take to match with a family?

Depending upon your au pair qualifications, it can take anywhere from three to eight weeks for you to match with a family. Once you are matched, you and your host family will agree on a U.S. arrival date. You will have a minimum of four weeks after matching in order to prepare for your arrival.

How much does the program cost?

Please contact FPI for the current program costs.

When are the fees due?

A deposit is required upon submission of initial requirements. Balance of all the fees is due once the applicant sign and confirm the Offer Letter.

Is it guaranteed that I will get a visa?

NO. Only the embassy consuls have complete authority to approve or deny issuance of visa for any reason.

FPI and Intrax AupairCare are not responsible for visa denials. However, FPI provides assistance in preparing for the visa application such as, review all financial documents and other requirements, prepare applicant for embassy interview, etc.

Are Fees Refundable?

Some fees are refundable based on the current schedule. Please contact FPI for details.

Can I leave the au pair program early?

AuPairCare families rely on you to remain with them for the entire au pair program. In the event you leave the program early, you will forfeit your au pair completion bonus and will have to pay for your own return airfare.

What if I have a problem?