Welcome an au pair into your home and your heart.

Choosing the right childcare is not an easy decision. Because as parents, we don’t ever want to compromise on quality, flexibility and trust when finding care for the most important people in the world. And these days it’s even more challenging to find reliable care on a schedule that works for your family. Hosting a Cultural Care au pair gives thousands of families across the country those very important benefits. We invite you to learn more about who our au pairs are, what they do, and why more families than ever are joining our program through Cultural Care Au Pair.

Benefits of hosting an au pair

  • Exposure to a different culture and language

  • Help with household duties related to the children

  • An extended member of your family and parenting team

  • Up to 45 hours of care per week on a schedule you decide

  • An extra driver to transport kids to activities

  • A big sister or brother figure for your children

General Questions

What is an au pair?

An au pair is a young adult from overseas who comes to live with an American family as part of a cultural exchange program. In exchange for providing flexible childcare, au pairs receive room and board, support towards their classes and the chance to experience life in the U.S. Au pairs arrive with a legal one-year visa, but they can extend their time in the U.S. for an additional 6, 9 or 12 months. They’re also excited to find a second family abroad, improve their English and explore the USA.

What's the difference between an au pair and a nanny?

Many people understand the terms “au pair” and “nanny” to mean the same thing, but they are actually quite different. In the U.S., an au pair refers to a young person from overseas who lives with an American family to care for their children and participate in a cultural exchange. They travel on a legal, one-year visa through a designated au pair agency, and their working hours and conditions are regulated by the U.S. Department of State. Au pairs initially commit to a one-year stay but have the opportunity to extend their time in the U.S. for 6, 9 or 12 months. They are excited to immerse themselves in new culture, improve their English and explore the U.S. The term “nanny”, on the other hand, is a more general term that can be used to describe both professionally trained caregivers and those with less formal experience.

Should I get an au pair?

To find out if hosting an au pair will work for your family, you’ll want to confirm that the following statements are all true:

  • You are looking for a flexible, reliable and consistent caregiver for your kids
  • You are able to provide a private bedroom, at least three meals a day, and a way for your au pair to get to classes and outings
  • The parents in your family are U.S. citizens or permanent residents
  • All adults living in your household will pass a criminal background check

In addition, it’s important to prepare to welcome your au pair as you would an extended family member. You’ll want to spend time getting to know your au pair, invite them to join you for family dinners and activities and help them when they need support.

How much does an au pair cost?

The estimated annual cost of the au pair program starts at $21,424, or about $1,785 per month. The total cost of hosting an au pair is calculated by adding the program fee paid to Cultural Care Au Pair ($11,245) and the minimum weekly stipend paid directly to the au pair ($195.75 per week, totaling $10,179 per year).

As a host family, you should also factor in additional costs related to room and board, insurance (if applicable), contributions toward your au pair’s Education Requirement, and any other “extras” that will help make your au pair’s time in the U.S. more enjoyable.

Host families typically find the cost of hosting an au pair to be comparable or even less expensive than daycare or nannies, especially in metro areas.

Can we get an au pair at any time during the year?

Yes, Cultural Care Au Pair arranges for au pairs to arrive in the U.S. almost every week out of the year.

Meet Your Local Childcare Consultant

Esther, born and raised in Barcelona, Spain, graduated from Barcelona Law School University. She then spent a year in Dublin to improve her English before moving to the U.S., where she earned an International Trade and Commerce certificate from UC Berkeley Extension. A former Au Pair, Esther worked for several years as an International Product Manager in a translation agency and an educational toy company in the San Francisco Bay Area. For the past nine years, she has been an LCC at Cultural Care AuPairs. Esther has lived in San Francisco with her husband and two boys for over 18 years. She speaks fluent Spanish, Catalan, and English and enjoys Zumba, traveling, reading, cooking, theater, and spending time with family and friends.

Learn More About Pricing & Cultural Care Au Pair

Part of a a designated sponsor of the U.S. State Department-regulated au pair program, we have placed more than 175,000 au pairs in the homes of American host families. Our community of host families and au pairs have created memories and cross-cultural connections that last a lifetime!

Learn more on our partner's website for additional resources and information about pricing, availability, and the various options we offer to suit your needs. Explore in-depth details on how we can assist you in finding the perfect childcare solution for you and your family.

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