Work and Travel USA as an Au Pair: What to Expect

Visiting the United States can be expensive, but working while you’re there is a great way to see the country and explore America’s culture without worrying about your finances. There are lots of work and travel USA programs, from seasonal jobs at summer camps to internships and work exchange programs.

If you like being around kids or you’re considering a career in childcare, you might be interested in working in the U.S. as an au pair. You’ll live with a host family, provide in-home childcare in exchange for room, board, and a stipend, and get to explore The United States for a whole year. There’s a lot to think about, though—you’ll need a visa that allows you to legally work while in the U.S., a safe and reliable host family, and a support network to offer help when you need it.

That’s where AuPairCare comes in—we’ve placed over 100,000 international au pairs with vetted and screened host families in the United States. We’ll sponsor your J-1 visa, provide online training before your departure, bring you to New York City for our in-person orientation, and support you throughout your time as an au pair.

Keep reading to learn more about the au pair work and travel experience, or take the first step here with AuPairCare!

What’s It Like to Be an Au Pair?

Au pairs take on an important role in their host families, providing childcare while also becoming a part of the household. Unlike traditional jobs, being an au pair is a cultural exchange experience, meaning you’ll gain insights into American family life, traditions, and language while also sharing your own culture with your host family.

Life as an au pair is exciting, rewarding, and sometimes challenging. Every day is different, but there are common responsibilities, expectations, and experiences that most au pairs share. Here’s a look at what daily life is like, how to adjust to living with a host family, and the cultural opportunities that come with the role.

Daily Responsibilities and Duties

The main role of an au pair is to provide childcare assistance, but the exact responsibilities can vary depending on the host family’s needs and the children’s ages. Most au pairs spend their work hours:

• Supervising, entertaining, and playing with children: Playing games, reading stories, or helping with homework.
• Preparing meals and snacks: Cooking simple meals and making sure the kids have healthy snacks in between.
• Helping with morning and bedtime routines: Assisting children in getting dressed, brushing teeth, and getting ready for school or bed.
• Driving children to school and activities: Taking kids to school, sports practice, or other activities and events.
• Light housekeeping related to children: Cleaning up toys, doing kids' laundry, and keeping play areas tidy.

Your schedule depends on your host family’s routine, and while there’s some flexibility, you should be prepared to work mornings, afternoons, evenings, or certain weekends based on the family’s schedule.

Living with a Host Family

One of the biggest adjustments for an au pair in America is living as a guest within a host family’s home. Living where you work can be both a benefit and a challenge, but many au pairs find that living with their host family becomes one of the most memorable aspects of the entire au pair experience.

You’ll have your own private room, and will typically eat meals with your host family, which gives you an opportunity to get to know each other and share your cultures. You’ll also likely be included in family outings, holidays, and activities.

While you’re living with your host family, it’s important to abide by their rules and show respect. Every family has different expectations regarding curfews, guests, and household responsibilities, so make sure you and your host family are on the same page when it comes to those expectations.

Cultural Exchange Experience

As well as your childcare duties, being an au pair is a cultural exchange and a chance to fully immerse yourself in American life. Many au pairs take advantage of their time off to travel and explore nearby destinations, landmarks, and attractions—you’ll have a whole year to see the best of the U.S.!

As well as sharing your culture with your host family, AuPairCare will introduce you to other au pairs in your area and arrange fun events and activities for you to do as a group. You’ll be able to share your culture and connect over your common experiences as au pairs. The cultural exchange aspect of being an au pair is what makes it such a special, unique opportunity.

What Is AuPairCare?

AuPairCare provides young people from around the world with the opportunity to travel and work abroad in the United States. As a designated sponsor of the U.S. Department of State’s J-1 Visa program, we ensure a structured, safe, and supportive experience for both au pairs and host families.

Benefits of AuPairCare

AuPairCare is a top choice for anyone considering working in the U.S. as an au pair. With AuPairCare, you’ll have:

• A comprehensive support system: You’re never alone when you choose AuPairCare! Throughout your time in the U.S., you’ll have a local Area Director for in-person support. We also have 24/7 assistance for emergencies.
• A higher stipend: We’ll talk more about the financials shortly, but it’s worth mentioning that AuPairCare guarantees a higher weekly stipend than the minimum set by the U.S. Department of State.
• In-person orientation: Before you meet up with your host family, we’ll fly you to New York City for our exclusive AuPairCare Connect orientation event. You can meet our staff, get to know other au pairs, and prepare for the year ahead, all in the iconic setting of NYC.
• Careful host family matching: We know how important it is to live with a family who share your values and interests. We’ll do everything we can to ensure a mutual match that sets both you and your family up for a successful au pair experience.
• Visa sponsorship and support: Navigating the J-1 visa is one of the most challenging aspects of becoming an au pair. We’ll act as your J-1 visa sponsor, ensure all your paperwork is taken care of, and help you navigate your visa interview.

You can learn more about our program benefits for au pairs , or start your AuPairCare application here.

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AuPairCare Eligibility Requirements

To participate in the AuPairCare program, applicants need to meet specific requirements set by the U.S. Department of State. These guidelines ensure that au pairs are well-prepared for their role and can successfully adjust to life in the U.S. To apply, you must:

• Be between 18 and 26 years old
• Have a high school diploma (or equivalent)
• Be proficient enough in English to communicate with your host family
• Have at least 200 hours of childcare experience (babysitting, tutoring, camp counseling, etc.)
• Hold a valid driver’s license and have driving experience
• Be in good health and pass a medical examination
• Pass a criminal background check and provide personal references

You also need to be able to commit to the program for a minimum of 12 months, with options to extend your placement for up to another 12 months. Learn more about the au pair program and eligibility.

Visa Requirements for USA Work and Travel Opportunities

If you’re planning to work and travel in the U.S. as an au pair, obtaining the correct visa is a crucial step. The J-1 exchange visitor visa is the official visa for au pairs, allowing you to live with a host family and provide childcare for up to two years. Here’s everything you need to know about the J-1 au pair visa.

J-1 Visa Basics for Work and Travel in the USA

To work legally as an au pair in the United States, you must obtain a J-1 visa under the Au Pair Program, which is regulated by the U.S. Department of State. This is a non-immigrant visa designed specifically for cultural exchange participants.

You need to return to your home country after your au pair placement concludes, but the J-1 visa does come with a 30-day grace period that you can use for travel within the United States before leaving the country.

Application Process for the J-1 Visa

Once you’ve completed your AuPairCare application and gone through the process of matching with a host family, we’ll get to work on your J-1 visa application. To get your visa, you’ll need to:

1. Provide us with copies of essential documents like your passport, school transcripts, etc.
2. Wait as we work to issue your DS-2019 form, which you need to apply for your J-1 visa
3. Schedule a visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your home country
4. Attend the visa interview and answer questions about your upcoming au pair program

Don’t worry if it all seems confusing, we’ll guide you through the application and visa interview process! Once your visa is approved, we’ll help you coordinate a start date with your host family and book your flights to the USA.

Au Pair Work and Travel USA: Salary and Benefits

While the au pair salary may not be as high as traditional jobs, au pairs receive additional perks such as free housing, meals, and educational opportunities, making it a cost-effective way to experience life in the United States. Let’s break down the earnings and other perks of becoming an au pair with AuPairCare.

How Much Do Au Pairs Earn?

The U.S. Department of State sets the minimum weekly stipend, which is currently $195.75. 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. You might be able to negotiate a higher au pair pay based on your experience level or your host family’s location, as some are in higher-cost areas like New York or California.

If you want to learn more about the financial side of things, use our au pair salary calculator to estimate your earnings.

Additional Benefits

Though the base salary may seem modest, the included benefits significantly reduce your living expenses, which means you can save money or use your stipend for travel and personal expenses. One of the biggest advantages of being an au pair is the wide range of benefits beyond salary, including:

• Free room and board, which includes a private bedroom, meals, and household amenities
• Return international flights and traveler medical insurance
• An educational allowance of $500 for tuition costs at a local college
• Two weeks of paid vacation time per year
• The opportunity to explore the U.S. during your time off
• Cultural exchange and networking that can be valuable for future career opportunities
• 24/7 support from AuPairCare

Plus, can you really put a price tag on the one-in-a-lifetime opportunity to live with a host family and experience everything the United States has to offer?!

Work and Travel USA: Au Pair Program Duration and Extension Options

The J-1 au pair program is an initial 12-month commitment, with the option to extend your stay for an additional period. For au pairs who wish to continue their experience, the program allows extensions for an additional 6, 9, or 12 months. This option is perfect if you want to continue working with your current host family or match with a new family in a different part of the U.S.

Extending Your Stay

You need to apply for the extension before your initial year ends, and the extension must be approved by both AuPairCare and the U.S. Department of State. If you’re intending to stay with your current host family, they of course need to approve as well. Before you can apply for the extension, you need to complete your educational requirement (six credit hours) at a U.S. college.

Support and Safety with AuPairCare

At AuPairCare, the safety of our au pairs and host families is our top priority. From the moment you are accepted into the program, you receive comprehensive training, guidance, and ongoing support to help you navigate life in the U.S. as an au pair. Here’s a look at how we prioritize au pair safety and success.

Pre-Departure Au Pair Training

Before arriving in the U.S., you’ll participate in pre-departure training designed to prepare you for your time as an au pair. The AuPairCare Academy covers everything from childcare basics to first aid protocols, and also offers some insights into American culture and tips for adapting to life with a host family. Once you’ve completed the online modules, you’ll feel confident and ready to start your journey.

In-Person AuPairCare Orientation

One of the unique aspects of AuPairCare is our amazing two-day in-person orientation in New York City. AuPairCare Connect is the perfect way to begin your time as an au pair, and also gives you a chance to explore the most iconic city in America. You’ll get to know more about the program and what it’s like to be an au pair, but we also make sure you have plenty of time to check out the city!

Ongoing Support from Local Area Directors

Once you meet your host family, you’ll also meet your AuPairCare Area Director. They are based in your region, so they’re never too far away whenever you need support or help. They’ll check-in with you and your host family regularly, and also organize fun events and get-togethers with other au pairs in your area. With our strong support system, you’ll always have someone to turn to should you need it.

What Our Au Pairs Have to Say

For more than 30 years, we’ve been helping au pairs live out their dreams of working in the United States. Take a look at these testimonials to see what our au pairs love about the AuPairCare program:

“I’ve had a great experience with AuPairCare! The matching process was smooth, and I felt supported throughout every step. My placement with my host family has been amazing, and I’m so grateful for this opportunity. The agency provided all the necessary guidance, and I always feel like I have someone to reach out to if needed. I highly recommend AuPairCare to anyone considering the au pair program!” -Melissa

“I had great experience with AuPairCare and best time with my host family. great agency, always helpful and answering all the questions I had. I had great Area Director as well, she is very nice and always tries to help AuPairs.” -Marta

“I really like being an Au Pair because apart from getting to know a new country, I learn about a new culture, I learn a new language and the benefits I have make me feel very safe because I am with a family in a safe place and they make me feel part of their family. This month was my birthday and it was also my host baby's birthday. The celebrations we had were unique.” -Jenny

Join AuPairCare for the Ultimate Work and Travel USA Experience!

Becoming an au pair with AuPairCare is a great opportunity to gain childcare experience, get paid to spend a year abroad, and explore the best of the United States. You’ll improve your English skills, form close bonds with your host family and other au pairs, and dive head-first into American culture.

AuPairCare can help you secure your J-1 visa, match with a host family that’s right for you, and support you throughout your year in America. Start your incredible international experience today—apply to become an AuPairCare au pair!