Gain Work Experience Abroad as an Au Pair in the USA

What if we told you you could spend a year discovering the best of the United States and get paid to do it? Yes—there are programs that let you live in the USA, gain work experience abroad, and create unforgettable memories for a year (or even two!). There are a few different ways you can do this, but if you’re interested in childcare, becoming an au pair in the U.S. might be the experience you’ve been searching for.

In this guide, we’ll explain how you can work as an au pair in America. We’ll cover:

1. Why international work experience is valuable
2. The roles and responsibilities of an au pair
3. Why being an au pair role is a great opportunity for work experience abroad
4. The J-1cultural exchange visa for au pairs in the United States
5. How to become an au pair in the U.S. with AuPairCare

Work experience abroad is great for your resume and your cultural growth, but it’s not always easy to get started. You have to navigate visa requirements, find a job, and make sure you’re not breaking any serious immigration rules. That’s where we come in!

As a U.S. Department of State-designated J-1 visa sponsor, AuPairCare can help you live out your dream of working as an au pair in the United States. From matching you with a screened host family and organizing your visa to providing in-person support throughout your placement, we’ll make sure your experience is safe, successful, and unforgettable.

Take the first step today—start your AuPairCare application here!

What Does It Mean to Be an Au Pair?

An au pair is a young adult from another country who lives with a host family to provide childcare in exchange for accommodation, cultural exchange, and a stipend. The term "au pair" comes from French, meaning "on par" or "equal to," reflecting the idea that au pairs become like extended family members rather than traditional employees.

Unlike full-time nannies or babysitters, au pairs participate in structured programs that include educational opportunities, cultural immersion, and travel benefits. The U.S. Department of State regulates the au pair program, ensuring both au pairs and host families adhere to set guidelines.

Roles and Responsibilities

The main role of an au pair is to provide childcare, but specific responsibilities may vary depending on the needs of the host family. You’ll usually be asked to:

• Play games, read stories, and organize creative activities to keep kids entertained
• Assist with daily routines like morning and bedtime schedules and meal preparation
• Help with school tasks like dropping off and picking up, and assisting with homework
• Do light household chores relating to kids, like cleaning play areas and doing their laundry

While au pairs are expected to be responsible caregivers, they are not housekeepers or personal assistants—it’s a cultural exchange program with a focus on childcare.

Cultural Exchange and Travel Opportunities

From road-tripping across California to experiencing the magic of a snowy New York winter, the United States is considered the best country to au pair in. You’ll have a whole year to explore your local area, and you can visit other sightseeing destinations during your time off. Plus, your au pair visa comes with a 30-day grace period after your placement wraps up, giving you another month to travel within the U.S. before returning home!

Not only will you get to travel and experience American culture firsthand, but you’ll also have the chance to share your own traditions with your host family. You can cook them your favorite meal, show them how your country’s holidays are traditionally celebrated, or even teach them a few of those phrases that you just can’t copy in English. It’s all part of the fun!

Education and College Credits

Ever wanted to take a business or a photography class in an American university to improve your English in a real classroom setting? As an au pair, you can! You could study early childhood development, psychology, or even take a business course to help start your own venture one day.

Education is a big part of the au pair program—the U.S. Department of State requires all au pairs to complete at least six credit hours (60 hours of total study) during their stay. Whatever you choose to study, you’ll develop skills and have a chance to network with students and professionals. Plus, your host family covers your tuition fees up to $500!

Financial Benefits

Earning an au pair salary isn’t the most important part of being an au pair, as it’s really about cultural exchange. That said, au pairs do earn a guaranteed minimum weekly stipend of $195.75, as set by the U.S. Department of State*. With AuPairCare, you can earn even more than that—we guarantee our au pairs a minimum stipend of $215 per week. That’s extra cash for exploring, studying, or saving for your next adventure!

As well as your au pair pay, you’ll have free housing and meals. So, unlike most jobs, your paycheck isn’t eaten up by rent or groceries. You can use it for weekend trips, save it, splurge on souvenirs for your loved ones at home—whatever you like! To learn more about the financial side of being an au pair, take a look at our au pair salary calculator.

How Work Experience Abroad Can Change Your Career

Employers love candidates with international experience—it demonstrates independence, adaptability, cultural awareness, and problem-solving skills. Whether you’re interested in becoming an au pair or joining a different type of exchange program, here’s what international work experience can do for you.

Boost Career Opportunities and Employability

By working overseas, you can really boost your chances of locking in a job once you return home. According to data from Erasmus, 64% of employers view international work experience as a competitive advantage in hiring decisions. They appreciate the independence and adaptability that come with living and working in a foreign country—it’s an amazing way to make your resume stand out!

Becoming an au pair helps your career more than you’d think. You’ll develop key personal and professional life skills, like:

• Childcare skills and the responsibility that comes with supervising children
• Communication skills and the ability to interact with both children and adults
• Problem solving and adaptability—there will definitely be times when you’ll have to adapt!
• Time management and organizational skills

Many au pairs use their experience as a stepping stone for careers in education, psychology, international business, and hospitality, but even if you don’t, your work experience abroad will teach you things you’ll carry with you forever. Here’s what our au pair Regina had to say about the experience:

"Living here has really allowed me to grow and learn a lot of things about myself. I have done things that I would have never expected to experience when planning to come."

Working as an au pair will also introduce you to lots of new contacts who make your experience all the more memorable. You’ll form special connections with your host family, the other au pairs you meet, our AuPairCare staff, people in your community, and even those working at academic institutions where you take classes. You never know—some of these might just lead to future job opportunities, references, or mentorship.

Develop Cross-Cultural Communication, Adaptability, and Confidence

Are you nervous about the idea of living overseas for a year? That’s normal, and it’s good! Work experience abroad forces you out of your comfort zone, and gently pushes you into a new culture, which helps you develop cross-cultural communication skills.

These skills are so important today—we’re all living in a world that’s more connected than ever, and everyone needs to know how to connect and work with people from different backgrounds. Employers know this too—research from Harvard Business Review shows that individuals with international work experience tend to perform better in leadership roles because they can navigate cultural differences and think more creatively.

When you become an au pair in America, you’ll find yourself traveling solo for what might be the first time, plus you’ll have to learn how to manage your finances, navigate public transportation, and build relationships in a foreign country—you’ll leave with a new sense of self-confidence, and employers will know it! Our au pair Gabriela says it best:

“As an au pair, I have grown personally to become more independent and self-confident. So far, I’ve met a lot of new people, made some awesome friends, and have a host family who have become like my real family. It is the best experience I have ever had in my entire life!”

Enhances Language Skills and Global Perspective

If English isn’t your first language, learning to speak it can open up new job opportunities, as speaking multiple languages (especially English) helps you stand out from other candidates. While Duolingo can help with the basics, it’s no substitute for the real thing! Ask any au pair—they’ll tell you that the best way to improve your English skills is to surround yourself with it every day.

Speaking English with your host family, your new friends, other au pairs, and everyone you interact with makes you much more fluent and confident. You’ll learn slang and might even start thinking in English! Learning a language through immersion, as opposed to in a classroom, can also boost your memory, focus, and multitasking skills. Here’s what au pair Erica has to say:

“I’m so grateful for the opportunity to have been an au pair. My host family was so wonderful, and since day one, they made me feel included and loved. When I left my home country, I never imagined I’d find a place where I felt so valued and appreciated. Through the au pair program, I’ve accomplished my dreams of traveling, learning about American culture, perfecting my English, and meeting people from around the world.”

The J-1 Visa for Work Experience Abroad as an Au Pair

If you want work experience abroad as an au pair in the United States, you’ll need to apply for a J-1 visa. This visa is specifically designed for cultural exchange programs like the au pair program, and allows you to legally work and get paid, improve your English skills, take college courses, and explore the U.S. The application process can be complicated, but AuPairCare handles it from start to finish! Here’s what you need to know.  

What Is the J-1 Visa?

The J-1 visa is a non-immigrant exchange visitor visa issued by the U.S. Department of State that covers various exchange programs, including the au pair program. The J-1 au pair visa requires a designated sponsor, like AuPairCare, to help connect au pairs with host families and ensure all program requirements are met.

J-1 Eligibility Criteria for Work Experience Abroad as an Au Pair

To qualify for the J-1 au pair program, you must meet specific eligibility criteria set by the U.S. Department of State, including:

• Aged 18 to 26 at the time of application (Applicants must not turn 27 before arriving in the U.S., as they would no longer be eligible for the program.)
• A high school diploma or equivalent education
• At least 200 hours of childcare experience (babysitting, tutoring, etc.)
• Proficient in English to communicate effectively with your host family
• Passing a criminal background check and providing personal references
• Meeting health requirements, including having all necessary vaccinations
• Willing to commit to a minimum of 12 months living with a host family in the U.S.
• A valid passport from an eligible country

Duration and Program Rules

The J-1 au pair program comes with specific regulations that both au pairs and host families must follow. The standard au pair program lasts 12 months, but participants have the option to extend for an additional 6, 9, or 12 months if they and their host family agree. Au pairs must live with their host family for the duration of the program, and host families are required to cover the cost of housing and meals.

Before starting, au pairs must complete training and orientation, provided by their visa sponsor. At AuPairCare, we offer thorough online au pair training, which you are required to complete before traveling to the United States. It covers childcare essentials, what it’s like to be an au pair, and other important information. We also provide a unique in-person orientation experience, which we’ll explain shortly!

How to Become an Au Pair in the USA with AuPairCare

If you're interested in working as an au pair, AuPairCare is one of the best agencies to guide you through the process. But how do you become an au pair in the USA with AuPairCare? Here’s an overview of the application process and timeline to help you start your adventure in the U.S.

Why Choose AuPairCare?

With over 30 years of experience, our team has helped thousands of young people from around the world gain international work experience, improve their English skills, and immerse themselves in American culture. As an official U.S. Department of State-designated au pair agency, we’ll also make sure you’re compliant with all J-1 visa regulations.

We take au pair safety extremely seriously, and offer 24/7 support throughout your time in the United States. You’ll have a local Area Director who offers guidance whenever you need it and checks in regularly—they also organize fun events for you and other au pairs in your area.

When it comes to host family matching, we take the time to carefully match you with a host family that suits your values and skills. We’ll offer you tips for getting host family interviews, and make sure you find a mutual match with a host family that’s right for you. We want to set you up for success from day one!

Work Experience Abroad as an Au Pair: How to Get Started

Ready to start your journey as an au pair in the USA? Here’s how you can apply through AuPairCare in just a few steps:

1. Check eligibility: Before applying, ensure you meet the J-1 visa requirements (ages 18-26, childcare experience, English proficiency, etc.). See the eligibility requirements for the au pair program
2. Complete your AuPairCare application: Start your AuPairCare application here. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions about the application process!
3. Interview with host families: Once your profile is live, you’ll be able to start meeting with host families. When they reach out, you can interview to see whether there’s a mutual fit.
4. Online training and visa support: Once you match with a host family, we’ll get to work on your J-1 visa while you complete your online training.
5. Attend your visa interview: After we complete the visa paperwork, you’ll need to attend a visa interview in your home country. We’ll help you prepare for it!
6. Meet us for AuPairCare Connect in New York City: Once your visa is approved, we’ll fly you to NYC for AuPairCare Connect, our incredible in-person orientation program.
7. Meet your host family and Area Director: Then, it’s time to get to work! You’ll settle in with your family and meet your Area Director, your local AuPairCare support throughout the program.

Don’t Miss Your Chance For Work Experience Abroad—Join AuPairCare today!

Being an au pair in the USA is a great way to work overseas, develop valuable skills, immerse yourself in American culture, and make international friends for life. Through the J-1 visa program, you can gain hands-on childcare experience, improve your English, earn a stipend, and even take college courses while living with a welcoming host family.

At AuPairCare, we simplify the process of becoming an au pair and make sure you have the support you need for a safe and successful journey. Now is the perfect time to take the leap! If you're ready for some invaluable international work experience, develop new skills, and build lifelong connections, apply with AuPairCare today and start your adventure as an au pair in the USA!

*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.