Au Pair
Live with an American host family for a year as a dependable caregiver, providing up to 45 hours of childcare a week while sharing your culture and language.
- Duration
- 1 Year
- Programme cost
- $900 USD
- Guidance
- Before departure and while abroad
Overview
What is an Au Pair?
Au Pairs are young people from around the world who join American host families, providing up to 45 hours of childcare a week while sharing their culture and language. Au Pairs live as members of their host families, embracing their role as a dependable caregiver. Note you must not be married or have any children.
Who can apply
The following are the DoS minimum basic Au Pair applicant requirements:
- Between 18 and 26 years old
- Proficiency in English
- Graduated from secondary school (High School)
- Have documented, verifiable child-care experience
- Have no criminal records
- Must be personally interviewed by partner agency
- Good health
What you’ll be doing
Au Pair duties
- Work up to 45 hours per week on a flexible schedule, and no more than 10 hours per day.
- Assist with light housekeeping related to the children — cooking, cleaning and laundry.
- Drive children to and from school, appointments and activities.
- Introduce the language and culture of your home country to the host family.
- Minimum commitment of one year, with the possibility of extension.
How to apply
Every program has different requirements, but your Polaris journey follows a clear, guided path.
- Step1
Start here
Choose and assess
Review the programs, submit your interest form and complete an initial eligibility assessment.
- Step2
Build your file
Apply and document
Complete the current online application and upload the requested passport, school, work and reference documents.
- Step3
Find your fit
Interview and placement
Prepare for required interviews. Eligible profiles move into sponsor and placement review.
- Step4
Make it official
Visa preparation
Once the required sponsor documentation is issued, complete the current visa application and prepare for the embassy interview.
- Step5
Ready to go
Orient and depart
Attend pre-departure orientation, confirm travel arrangements and keep all emergency contacts accessible.
How long does it take to be placed?
After you submit your application, the processing should take about 2 weeks, provided you have all the required information and documents readily available. The longest waiting period is usually the selection process, where host families view your profile and decide whether they would like to interview you. Therefore, there is no specific waiting time for this stage. It is based on your profile and what the host family is looking for.
Ready to apply?
Start your assessment and Polaris will confirm current availability, the requirements and the documents you need.
Eligibility, availability, fees and visa requirements can change. Polaris confirms current information during your assessment. Visa decisions are made solely by the relevant government authority.