AU PAIR AGENT

oreign language in exchange for help with duties related to childcare/nanny services. The term “au pair” from French means “on equal terms”, signifying that Au Pair and Host Family treat each other as equals. While the Au Pair can live abroad in an economical way, the Host Family gets the benefit of flexible, affordable live-in child care. Through the Au pair program, Au pairs and host families take part in a mutually rewarding, intercultural opportunity. Au pairs can continue their education while experiencing everyday life with an American family. Well-screened host families receive reliable childcare from responsible individuals who become part of the family. Familypair agency has a strong relationship with the U.S. Department of State and works to ensure that participants (both au pairs and host families) are fully compliant with program regulations and supports them in a way that encourages cultural exchange and program success. Who is an Au Pair? An Au Pair is a young person (female or male) between 17 and 38years old who stays with a local Host Family, learns their language and culture in exchange for help with childcare responsibilities. An Au Pair gets accommodation, regular meals and pocket money for personal expenses. What is a Host Family? A Host Family is a family willing to host an Au Pair under the host country’s official program. Host Families must meet certain requirements in order to join the program. For instance, they must have a child under 18 years old, the ability to host an Au Pair in their home and respect the Host Family responsibilities during the program. What are the duties of an Au Pair? The Au Pair’s main responsibility is to take care of the Host Family’s children as well as to perform tasks related to childcare/nanny services. Au Pairs do not have to cook for the host parents, clean the rooms that are exclusively used by the host parents or take care of someone else’s children, among others. What are the working hours of an Au Pair? Depending on the host country, the number of working hours of an Au Pair can vary. In most countries, Au Pairs should work maximum 30 hours per week. In USA, Au Pairs can work up to 45 hours per week. Both Au Pair and Host Family should agree on a schedule and the way those hours will be split. Host Families should not forget to check the maximum hours per day an Au Pair is entitled to work in their country. How much pocket money will an Au Pair get? The official Au Pair program of each country establishes the minimum pocket money amount an Au Pair should earn when working the maximum hours permitted. We recommend Host Families and Au Pairs to agree on the pocket money. Au Pairs will use their pocket money to cover their own expenses. An Au Pair is not in any case supposed to buy her own food or pay for rent. Are Au Pairs entitled to free time and holidays? Au Pairs are usually entitled to 1-2 free days per week (in some countries at least one free day must be on Sunday) and in some cases they will also have the right to enjoy at least a free weekend per month. In most countries, Au Pairs have up to 4 weeks paid holidays for a 12-month stay. The U.S. Department of State regulations state that:

Both host parents must be American citizens or permanent residents
Au pairs have a private bedroom
English must be the primary language spoken in the home
Au pairs can work up to 45 hours per week, and up to 10 hours per day
Au pairs must have 1.5 days off each week and one full weekend off each month
Au pairs must receive six credits (or 60 hours) of education at an accredited post secondary institution (such as a community college)
Au pairs receive two weeks of paid vacation during their year-long program
Au pairs receive full room and board and a weekly stipend from their host family

Familypair agency operates within the regulations defined by the U.S. Department of State and it is important to us that both our social care professionals and host families are aware of these regulations.