The decision to become an au pair is a big one – and an exciting one! From learning more about the program to landing on American soil, Cultural Care Au Pair is happy to help you through each phase of the process. Get started with our 4 easy steps:

Step #1: Sign up for a free information meeting

In order to become a Cultural Care au pair, you’ll need to attend a free information meeting in a city near you. Information meetings are held on a regular basis throughout the year – you are welcome to attend one at any time.

This information meeting is a great opportunity to learn more about the program, meet local Cultural Care representatives and have any questions answered. Meetings typically last about two hours and, whenever possible, include a presentation from a former au pair who discusses their individual experience on the program.

If you are thinking about being an au pair and would like to find out more, there’s no better place to start than at one of our free information meetings. Sign up for one today!

Step #2: Complete your online application

You can create your profile to start working on your application at any time, and it is required for the matching process.

A well-prepared and personal application is the best way for you to present yourself to a future host family and show why you are right for them. The application asks you to list your childcare experience, as well as your work and school background. You will also have space to write about your personal hobbies, interests and talents.

In addition to the information requested in the online application, you will also need to provide:

At least three non-family references
A personal letter to the host family
Photos of you that best describe you and your life
A form completed by your doctor confirming that you are healthy enough to participate in the program
Copies of your secondary school certificate, driver’s license and a criminal background check showing no criminal activity

We recommend including pictures that showcase your personality, so that host families can get to know you better. Always be honest and candid in your responses to ensure the family with whom you are matched knows your true personality and lifestyle.

Once we have all of your forms and interviews completed, we review everything and verify your references.

You'll also need to make a short personal video that will give prospective host families a better sense of who you are as a person, compared to just reading your application. Families tell us that they love watching au pairs' videos, and that they are one of the most valuable parts of the application when it comes to choosing their au pair.

Your video doesn’t have to be of professional quality, but a fun and informative video can go a long way in making your application extra special. And don’t worry – if you’ve never made a video before, we have online guides available to inspire your creativity!

Step #3: Match with your host family

The next step in your au pair journey is being matched with your host family! Cultural Care provides a highly-personalized and flexible process to help you find the perfect match.

Our Au Pair Matching Specialist team is a unique service provided by Cultural Care. Every one of our au pairs has a designated Matching Specialist, whose job it is to help you through each phase of the matching process.

We will also equip you with a Matching & Interviewing Guide, which will help you put your best foot forward in your interviews with prospective host families.

Here’s how the matching process works:

Once your application is complete, your Matching Specialist will be in touch to help you through every step of the matching journey.
Your Matching Specialist will work closely with you as well as our USA teams in Boston and Denver to start finding you some great family matches.
Host families will then review your full online application and watch your video to learn more about you and your personality.
If a host family feels like you’d be a good fit for them, you will receive a request to connect. Please keep in mind that you can be in contact with up to 3 host families at a time. We provide you the most choice and support in order to find a match that works really well for you.
As you talk to host families, your Matching Specialist will be there to help guide you towards your perfect host family match.
Once you and your host family have agreed to finalize your match, we’ll start planning your travel to the USA!

Remember, Cultural Care is here to help you navigate the matching process. Our job is to answer every question and address every concern – and of course, to help you find exactly the kind of host family you’re looking for!

Before you travel, we will also provide you with training materials that will help ensure that you feel confident and well-prepared for your time as an au pair—including an online Get Ready Workshop to prepare you for life in the USA. You will need to complete MyAuPairCourses a series of online courses on childcare in the USA before you depart.

Step #4: Finalize your visa & travel arrangements

Next, Cultural Care will guide you through visa & travel arrangements.

Visa: The J-1 visa is the only legal way to spend a year in the USA as an au pair. Your J-1 visa will be valid for 12 months, followed by a 30-day grace period which allows you to continue travelling in the USA. We will provide you with all necessary documents for your visa application and guide you through the whole process. You will have to arrange a visa appointment at your local U.S. Embassy and attend a personal interview, after which your visa will be issued.

Travel: Cultural Care will arrange air travel to the USA from a selected airport in your home country. Most au pairs will travel on a flight with other au pairs departing from the same city – and rest assured, program representatives will meet you at your arrival airport to ensure a smooth transition process once you land!

All incoming au pairs fly directly to New York – from there, we’ll arrange transportation to the Au Pair Training School just outside of New York City, where you’ll spend a week preparing for your year as an au pair.

After your time at the Au Pair Training School, Cultural Care will provide transportation for the final leg of your journey – meeting your host family!

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