Hi and welcome to Weirdlife of an Aupair. Today I will introduce you to being an Aupair and some facts about being an Aupair in America. Many people know that I was an Aupair in America. I left South Africa when I was 19 to pursue this amazing adventure which has changed my life in so many different ways. I’ve always recommended people who don’t know what to do, to do this program. You get paid and have no overheads (such as paying rent and buy food etc). You get to travel and you get to flipping go to America. What more do you want?

I am always being asked questions about the whole process of being an Au Pair, so I thought I would do a blog on it. That way anyone looking for information can get it and I don’t have to repeat myself and forget very important information like I often do. It’s a problem! 

Here are some facts about the American program:

1. There are around 11 different official agencies that you can go through
2. It is a government-regulated program meaning the government sets the rules for your year or 2 in the States
3. There is a 3-day orientation that happens close to Manhattan. 
4. You are only allowed to work up to 45 hours a week and allowed 1,5 days off a week as a regular Aupair and 30 hours as an Educare Au Pair, 
5. You typically only get $195,75 a week which isn’t a lot but it can get you far if you save
6. There are plenty of Aupairs around you from other countries that you can meet.
7. You can get some really bad families, but you can also get really good families
8. If you are not happy, speak to someone!

Most of all, being an Au Pair can be fun! There are ups and downs which I will speak about, but I loved it so much!

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me or leave a comment! Be sure to follow me on my journey on Instagram

Follow me on Instagram

READ MORE:

What to pack for a year of Aupairing