Au Pair UK vs Au Pair in the USA: Which Is Better?
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Prior to the United Kingdom’s exit from the European Union, it’s estimated that there were between 60,000 and 90,000 au pairs living with host families and providing childcare in the UK. That number is dramatically lower now, and there are lots of new rules and regulations when it comes to working as an au pair in the UK.
Post-Brexit, the UK’s au pair program has faced challenges, but the USA has stepped up as a premier destination for cultural exchange for au pairs across the world. With the right au pair agency, au pairs in the USA can enjoy more benefits, better regulation, and a more reliable support system than most other countries offer. In this article, we’ll compare working as an au pair in the UK vs the USA. We’ll cover:
- The traditional role of an au pair
- Eligibility requirements for au pairs and host families in the UK
- Au pair UK visa requirements
- How to find live-in childcare jobs in the UK and au pair salaries
- The benefits of working as an au pair in the USA vs UK
- How to find au pair opportunities abroad with AuPairCare
At AuPairCare, we have successfully placed more than 100,000 au pairs with host families over the last 35 years. We offer opportunities in both the United States and Germany, and take care of everything from your visa application to helping you find the right host family.
We offer ongoing support throughout the program, ensuring you always have a nearby, local contact you can rely on for support. We make the process as straightforward as possible, taking care of your visa and flights, allowing you to focus your time on providing exceptional childcare, making new friends, and exploring new cultures and surroundings.
Ready for a new challenge? Start your AuPairCare application here!
Working as an Au Pair: What Does it Look Like?
The au pair experience is designed to be a cultural exchange, where foreigners come to a new country, live with a host family, help with childcare, and, in return, get free accommodation, meals, and a weekly allowance.
What Does an Au Pair Do?
As an au pair, your main responsibility is to provide childcare support to your host family. This typically includes tasks like:
- Getting children ready for school
- Preparing simple meals
- Helping with homework
- Supervising playtime
Your au pair duties might also include light household chores, such as tidying up after the children, doing laundry, or loading the dishwasher. However, your tasks should be clearly defined and focused on childcare rather than heavy housework.
Why be an Au Pair?
Becoming an au pair is an incredible opportunity to gain meaningful experiences while exploring a new culture. Here’s why it’s worth it:
- Family and friendships: Become part of a host family, bond with children, and build lifelong connections while meeting au pairs from around the world.
- Professional growth: Improve your language skills, gain confidence, and develop responsibility to grow personally and professionally.
- Culture and travel: Immerse yourself in a new culture, share your own traditions, and explore exciting destinations with your host family and friends.
Au Pairs in the UK: What Does it Look Like?
Working as an au pair in the UK can be a rewarding experience, but it comes with unique challenges, especially following Brexit. Here’s what you need to know about eligibility, visa requirements, and finding opportunities in the UK.
Eligibility and Visa Requirements for Au Pairs in the UK
There’s really no formal au pair program in the UK any more—it’s very difficult to obtain a visa and become an au pair for most applicants outside the UK. If you’re a citizen of the UK, Ireland, or have settled/pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you don’t need a visa and can work as an au pair in the UK.
If you don’t fall into that category, it’s hard to become an au pair in the UK post-Brexit. One option you can try is the Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS) Visa, but this is only available for applicants from specific countries like Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and Japan. This visa allows individuals aged 18-30 to live and work in the UK for up to two years.
Visitors and those on short-term visas are not eligible to work as au pairs. In contrast, the U.S. offers a streamlined J-1 visa process specifically for cultural exchange, ensuring a smooth transition for au pairs.
Au Pairs in the USA: What Does it Look Like?
Being an au pair in the United States is an exciting opportunity to experience life in one of the most culturally diverse and dynamic countries in the world. The program is designed to offer a perfect balance of childcare responsibilities, cultural immersion, personal growth, and exploration. Here's what you can expect:
Life as an Au Pair in the USA
Your role as an au pair centers on providing exceptional childcare while becoming part of an American family. Typical responsibilities include:
- Morning routines: Helping children get ready for school or daycare.
- Engaging activities: Organizing creative play, outings, or sports that keep children active and learning.
- After-school help: Assisting with homework, projects, or extracurricular activities.
- Child-focused tasks: Preparing meals, managing laundry, and maintaining tidy spaces for the kids.
Unlike au pairs in the UK, the U.S. au pair program ensures structured hours, with a maximum of 10 hours per day and 45 hours per week, giving you time to recharge and make the most of your time in America. Look at our au pair benefits guide for more information.
Immersing Yourself in American Culture
The U.S. offers a truly unmatched cultural experience. As an au pair, you’ll have the chance to live in the heart of American life, sharing family traditions like Thanksgiving dinners, Fourth of July barbecues, and weekend trips to farmers' markets or national parks. You’ll also have the opportunity to explore iconic destinations—think New York City, San Francisco, the Grand Canyon, or even small-town fairs. This cultural exchange is at the core of the program, creating lasting memories and meaningful relationships with your host family.
Announcing our NEW NYC experience – AuPairCare Connect!
A Focus on Personal Growth and Education
One of the unique aspects of the U.S. au pair program is the chance to enhance your education. Au pairs are required to complete six semester hours at an accredited American college or university. This allows you to:
- Expand your knowledge in areas that interest you.
- Meet students from diverse backgrounds.
- Develop skills that boost your resume and career opportunities.
While the UK doesn’t require educational engagement, the U.S. program ensures you gain academic credits, setting you apart professionally. Host families even provide a $500 education allowance to help cover tuition costs, ensuring your focus is on learning rather than finances.
Ongoing Support with AuPairCare
The U.S. au pair program is highly regulated, prioritizing your safety and experience. Agencies like AuPairCare make your journey seamless by offering:
- Family matching services: Ensuring you live with a family that aligns with your preferences and values.
- Orientation: Kick off your adventure by connecting with other au pairs and exploring the country.
- Local representatives: A dedicated contact near you who provides monthly meet-ups and ongoing guidance.
Au Pair UK vs USA: Why Many Are Choosing the United States
The United States has become a top choice for au pairs, and for good reason. Let’s take a look at why so many au pairs are choosing to find work in America, including:
- An easier visa application and approval process
- Better safety through program regulation
- Higher pay and more benefits
- Agency support with AuPairCare
If you’re seeking an experience that’s as safe and rewarding as it is culturally enriching, the United States might just be the perfect fit.
Easier Visa Process
One of the main draws of the United States is the straightforward J-1 visa process specifically designed for cultural exchange programs, including au pairing. Unlike in the UK, where obtaining a visa can be more complex and restrictive, the U.S. system is well-defined and often facilitated by agencies that guide applicants through each step. This ease of access means aspiring au pairs can focus on preparing for their journey rather than navigating a maze of visa requirements.
Enhanced Safety Through Regulation
The au pair industry in the United States is highly regulated, with government oversight ensuring that programs meet specific standards. This regulation includes:
- Vetted host families
- Work-hour limits
- Mandatory health insurance for au pairs
These safeguards provide peace of mind, making the U.S. one of the safest options for those entering the program. Unlike the UK, which has fewer regulatory safeguards, the U.S. program prioritizes your safety through government-backed standards.
Better Pay and Benefits
The financial incentives and overall benefits of being an au pair in the U.S. often surpass those offered in the UK. U.S. programs typically include a stipend that aligns with federal guidelines, paid time off, and funding for educational opportunities, such as classes at a local college. This makes it an affordable way to live abroad while earning money and gaining experience.
Simplified Process with Agency Support
Agencies like AuPairCare make the transition to life as an au pair in the United States seamless. From matching you with the right host families to providing orientation sessions, ongoing support, and emergency assistance, we act as a reliable safety net throughout the au pair experience. This level of support is less common in the UK, where au pairs may need to handle more logistics independently.
Join AuPairCare for a New Au Pair Adventure!
Getting a job as an au pair in the UK can be challenging, especially with all the new visa rules now in place following the United Kingdom’s split from the European Union. At AuPairCare, we offer opportunities to au pair in the United States and Germany. We’ve been placing au pairs for more than 35 years, offer some incredible program benefits, and we’re with you every step of the way throughout the program.
Work as an Au Pair in the United States
The United States is one of the top destinations for au pairs from around the world. With AuPairCare, you can experience American culture while gaining invaluable childcare skills. You’ll live with a host family, care for their children, and participate in their daily lives. In return, you’ll have the opportunity to explore American traditions, cities, and holidays.
One key aspect of the au pair program in the U.S. is the chance to study at an accredited American institution. Au pairs in the U.S. are required to complete six semester hours of coursework during their stay, which allows you to pursue personal interests, meet new people, and further your education. You’ll even receive a payment from your host family that helps to cover the cost of your coursework.
AuPairCare provides unmatched support for au pairs in our U.S. program, starting from the day you apply. We’ll have a local representative in your home country help you with your application and give you some tips for getting host family interviews, then we’ll help you match with the perfect host family. We’ll also book your flights to the U.S., organize your J-1 visa paperwork, and provide you with online training sessions via the AuPairCare virtual academy to complete before your program kicks off.
One of the best parts of AuPairCare is our amazing orientation session in New York City. Before meeting your host family, you’ll attend AuPairCare Connect, where you have the chance to make new friends, chat with other au pairs, and tour one of the world’s most iconic cities. After that wraps up, you’ll start living with your host family, and meet your local Area Director, who lives nearby and can help you if you run into any issues.
Ready for a U.S.-based au pair adventure? Start your application here!
Work as an Au Pair in Germany
Germany is another popular destination for au pairs who want to experience life in the heart of Europe. With rich history everywhere you look, beautiful landscapes, and vibrant cities that will capture your heart, working as an au pair in Germany is an incredible opportunity. If you choose an au pair placement in Germany, AuPairCare offers:
- Host family matching, travel, and visa support
- German language classes sponsored by your host family
- Highest weekly salary earned with a German au pair agency
- Flexible programs between six and 12 months
- Year-round departures
- All-inclusive insurance packages
- Regular meetings with other au pairs in your area
- And so much more!
Apply now to lock in your perfect au pair experience in Germany!
For Au Pairs, a New Adventure Awaits With AuPairCare!
If you’ve enjoyed your time as an au pair in the UK or are looking for a new au pair opportunity overseas, AuPairCare offers the perfect platform to take your journey to the next level. With au pair programs in both the United States and Germany, we’ll help you find the host family and experience that’s right for you.
We offer support every step of the way, from helping with your initial application and matching you with our fully-vetted host families to organizing your visa and flights. We’ll set you up for success with online training modules and in-person orientation sessions, and make sure you have local support for the duration of your program.
Ready to embrace an exciting new journey with AuPairCare? Start your application today!