Travel and Work Abroad in the United States [Tips + Ideas]

If you’d love to experience life in the United States, but the cost of a vacation is daunting, a travel and work abroad experience might be exactly what you’re looking for! When you travel and work abroad, you can stay in the U.S. for up to a year (or even longer in some cases) and legally earn money while you explore this beautiful, vibrant, cultural country. 

But how do travel and work abroad programs actually work, and what kind of opportunities are out there? There are lots of different options to choose from, including internships, camp counseling, and summer work programs, just to name a few. 

If you’re interested in working with kids, you might want to look into becoming an au pair in the U.S. You can live with a host family, care for their children, and earn a stipend. Plus, you can spend your free time getting to know the iconic cities, stunning scenery, and incredible people that make up the United States. 

In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about U.S. travel and work abroad opportunities, with a focus on the au pair program. We’ll cover: 

1. Popular ways to work and travel abroad in the United States
2. The benefits of work and travel abroad programs 
3. Why au pair programs are a great opportunity to travel and work abroad 
4. Who qualifies for the au pair program 
5. How to become an au pair in the U.S. with AuPairCare

At AuPairCare, we’re dedicated to providing our au pairs with the best possible experience, and we’ve successfully placed more than 100,000 au pairs with host families right across the United States. With our careful host family screening and in-person support throughout the year-long program, you’re in safe hands with AuPairCare.

Ready to take the first step? Apply here!

What Are Work and Travel Abroad Programs?

Work and travel abroad programs are designed to give you the opportunity to work in another country while experiencing its culture and lifestyle. These programs typically cater to students, recent graduates, or young professionals looking to gain international experience, improve their language skills, or just take a break from their usual routine. 

Benefits of Joining These Programs

There are so many benefits of joining a travel and work abroad program. It’s an unforgettable experience that pushes you out of your comfort zone, and a chance to see an incredible part of the world while earning an income. Here’s why so many people choose to travel and work abroad in the United States. 

Cultural Immersion

When you travel as a tourist, you only get to scrape the surface of your destination. Sure, you’ll do some sightseeing and take some photos, but you don’t really get to experience what life is actually like for the locals. When you travel and work abroad, all that changes! Because you’re actually living in the U.S., it’s a deeper, more rewarding way to immerse yourself in a new culture. 

Professional Growth

Many travel and work abroad experiences are designed to help you develop professional skills that will be valuable in your future career. Whether you’re gaining experience as a hospitality intern or you join an au pair program, working in the U.S. provides the chance to build your resume, network with professionals, and gain hands-on experience. Future employers will definitely see the value! 

Independence

Traveling and working abroad forces you to step outside your comfort zone. Adapting to a new country and work environment, navigating potential language barriers, and managing day-to-day tasks on your own help you grow. You’ll become more confident, independent, and brave.

Opportunity to Travel and Explore

These programs often allow you to travel during your time off, providing the perfect balance of work and leisure. Whether you're working in a city, a rural area, or a tourist destination, the flexibility of most work and travel programs allows you to explore the U.S. in a way that many tourists aren’t able to.

Financial Support

Many work and travel programs come with financial benefits, such as a stipend, free room and board, or hourly wages. Rather than going on a vacation and worrying about running out of funds, you’ll be earning while you’re living in the U.S., which lets you travel and experience the country without as much financial constraint. 

Popular Ways to Travel and Work Abroad in the U.S.

Let’s dive into some of the most common ways to travel and work abroad in the U.S., starting with one of the most popular options: au pair programs.

Au Pair Programs

Au pair programs are a great way for young people to travel and work in the United States. Designed for individuals aged 18 to 26, these programs allow you to live with an American host family, provide childcare in exchange for room, board, and earn a weekly stipend. 

As an au pair in America, your primary role is to care for the children in your host family. Your responsibilities may include: 

• Preparing meals and snacks 
• Getting the children ready for school
• Helping with homework and bedtime routines
• Driving the children to school or extracurricular activities
• Supervising and playing with kids on weekends or after school 
• Light cleaning, like keeping play areas tidy or washing the children’s clothes

Take the first steps to becoming an au pair with AuPairCare today!

Internships

Internship programs in the U.S. allow participants to gain hands-on experience in their chosen field while working for an American company or organization. Internships help you build your resume, learn about industry-specific practices, and make valuable connections within your field, whether it’s tech, business, healthcare, or beyond.

Seasonal Work Programs

Seasonal work programs are another popular way to travel and work in the U.S., especially if you’re seeking short-term employment. These jobs often cater to industries like tourism, hospitality, and agriculture, where demand fluctuates seasonally. Examples include working at summer camps, ski resorts, amusement parks, or on farms.

Work and Study Programs

Work and study programs combine part-time employment with educational opportunities, making them perfect for students who want to enhance their academic and professional skills. Participants enroll in an accredited school or university while working part-time to support their living expenses. 

The Benefits of an Au Pair Travel and Work Abroad Program

There are different ways you can travel and work abroad, but joining an au pair program comes with a lot of benefits. Let’s take a look at some of the main advantages of becoming an au pair in the United States with AuPairCare.

Gain Childcare Experience

Working as an au pair provides valuable hands-on childcare experience, making it a great choice if you’re considering a career in education or childcare. You’ll develop essential skills like patience, responsibility, and problem-solving, and gain a deeper understanding of child development and behavior management. As well as the practical skills you gain, you’ll also have lots of international experience to add to your resume.

Discover a New Culture

One of the greatest benefits of becoming an au pair is the deep cultural exchange that comes with living in an American household. You’ll become part of your host family’s daily life, giving you firsthand exposure to American customs, traditions, and holidays. In return, you can share your own culture, language, and traditions with your host family, creating a meaningful cross-cultural experience for everyone.

Work-Life Balance

Most au pairs work up to 45 hours per week, with guaranteed time off, including one full day per week and two weeks of paid vacation annually. This work-life balance allows you to:

• Explore local attractions, museums, and events during your free time
• Take short trips to nearby cities or national parks
• Participate in community activities, sports, or hobbies
• Meet other au pairs and build an international network of friends

This balance gives au pairs the best of both worlds—you’ll gain work experience and also have the freedom to enjoy your time in the U.S.

Stretch Your Stipend by Living With a Host Family

One of the biggest financial benefits of being an au pair is that room and board are included in the program. Since you live with your host family, you don’t have to worry about major expenses like rent, food, or transportation, and can instead use your au pair salary for personal expenses and travel. 

Wondering how much money you actually make as an au pair? The U.S. Department of State has designated a minimum stipend of $195.75 per week, but AuPairCare guarantees a minimum stipend of at least $215 per week*. To learn more about the au pair stipend and what you can earn, check out our free au pair salary calculator. 

Boost Your English Skills

For non-native English speakers, becoming an au pair is an excellent way to improve language skills through daily immersion. Living with an English-speaking family and interacting with children can help you:

• Develop conversational fluency naturally
• Learn American slang, idioms, and everyday expressions
• Gain confidence in speaking, listening, and understanding English in real-life situations

Also, most au pair programs require participants to enroll in an educational course during their stay (your host family provides $500 towards this), which often includes English language classes or professional development opportunities. 

Who Qualifies for U.S. Au Pair Programs?

Au pair programs have specific requirements to ensure that participants are well-prepared for the responsibilities of childcare and cultural exchange. To qualify, you’ll need to meet these criteria and secure a J-1 au pair visa for legal work in the U.S. Here’s a closer look at who’s eligible to work as an au pair in the United States. 

AuPairCare Eligibility Requirements

At AuPairCare, our eligibility requirements align with the criteria established by the U.S. Department of State. These include:

• Age: Candidates must be between 18 and 26 years old at the time of application.
• Childcare experience: A minimum of 200 hours of documented childcare experience is required. This can include babysitting, tutoring, working in daycare centers, or volunteering with children.
• Education: Applicants must have completed secondary school or its equivalent (or be about to graduate at the time of applying).
• Language skills: A good command of English is required, as au pairs must be able to communicate effectively with their host family.
• Health and background check: Participants must provide a medical certificate confirming they are in good health and undergo a background check to ensure they have no criminal record.
• Commitment: Au pairs must be willing to commit to a 12-month program, with the option to extend for an additional 6, 9, or 12 months.

You can learn more about our program and eligibility here.

Visa Requirements for the U.S.

To legally work as an au pair in the U.S., you’ll need a J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa, specifically designed for cultural exchange programs. The visa process typically involves the following steps:

• Agency sponsorship: You can’t sponsor your own visa; you’ll need to work with an approved sponsor organization like AuPairCare. 
• DS-2019 form: We’ll provide you with a Certificate of Eligibility (Form DS-2019), which is required to apply for your J-1 visa.
• Visa application: Once you have your DS-2019, you must complete the DS-160 Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application 
• Interview at the U.S. embassy: You’ll need to attend a visa interview at your local U.S. embassy or consulate, where you will provide documentation and answer questions about your au pair program and travel plans.
• Visa approval and travel: Once approved, the J-1 visa is stamped into your passport, allowing you to enter the U.S. and start your journey as an au pair.

The J-1 visa typically grants a stay of 12 months for au pairs, with the possibility of an extension. At the end of the program, you’ll have a 30-day grace period to travel within the U.S. before returning to your home country.

How to Start Your Au Pair Journey

Becoming an au pair in a different country might seem complicated, but at AuPairCare, it’s our job to make the process as simple as possible. In a few easy steps, you can be well on your way to connecting with your host family, experiencing a new culture, and gaining valuable childcare experience. Here’s how to turn this dream into a reality with AuPairCare. 

Step 1: Complete Your AuPairCare Application

The first step is to complete your AuPairCare application. You’ll need to provide some basic information about yourself, which our team will review. Once we’ve confirmed your eligibility, it’s time to get to work on your AuPairCare profile!

Step 2: Build an Online Profile

Your profile is where potential host families will learn about you and decide if you’re a good fit for their family. Make sure you include a personal bio introducing yourself and your background, and a description of your childcare experience—this is your chance to shine! Once your profile is updated, our host families will be able to review it. Only screened, vetted AuPairCare host families can view your profile.

Step 3: Interview and Match with Host Families

When your profile catches the eye of a host family, they’ll reach out to schedule a video call interview. The interview lets you meet host families and check whether you’d be a good fit for their family. You certainly don’t have to match with the first host family you interview with—it’s normal to speak with a few families before choosing your host family by mutually deciding on a match. 

Step 4: Complete Your Online Training with AuPairCare Academy

Once you’ve matched with a host family, you’ll have access to our online portal and the AuPairCare Academy where you’ll need to complete your online training modules. These cover child safety, first aid, and other important things you need to know about being an au pair. You can work through them at your own pace, but they need to be completed before you can travel to the United States. 

Step 5: Attend Your J-1 Visa Interview

While you’re working through your au pair online training, we’ll organize your J-1 visa paperwork. After we issue your DS-2019, you’ll need to schedule and attend your J-1 visa interview at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your host country. We’ll work with you to make sure you’re prepared for the interview and have all the documentation you need. 

Step 6: AuPairCare Connect in NYC

After your visa is approved, it’s time to start planning your travel dates! Before you connect with your host family, we’ll fly you to New York City for our exclusive in-person orientation event, Au Pair Care Connect NYC. You’ll have the chance to connect with other au pairs, meet our staff, and tour the incredible New York City! 

Step 7: Meet Your Host Family and Area Director

Once AuPairCare Connect wraps up, you’ll head to your host family’s home and start your year as an au pair. As well as meeting your host family, you’ll also get to know your local AuPairCare Area Director. We understand the importance of local support and safety while you’re living and working overseas, and your area director will be available to support you during the program whenever you need them.

Find the Perfect Travel and Work Abroad Experience With AuPairCare

If you’re interested in a travel and work abroad experience in the United States, becoming an au pair is a rewarding, fun opportunity. You’ll earn a stipend, save on expenses by living with a host family, and make some incredible connections. Plus, you can spend your spare time exploring one of the most beautiful, diverse countries in the world. 

At AuPairCare, we’ll help you every step of the way, from matching with a host family to attending orientations in New York City and providing ongoing, in-person support throughout the program. We do everything we can to ensure you have a safe, seamless, unforgettable au pair experience. 

Expand your horizons with an unforgettable year in the United States - start your AuPairCare application today!

*The U.S. Department of State calculation of the minimum weekly stipend is based on the federal minimum wage with a 40% deduction for room and board in exchange for childcare services. AuPairCare minimum weekly stipend is $215 per week which is higher than the U.S. Department of State minimum. Host families and au pairs are free to agree to a weekly stipend even higher than the $215 per week minimum.