My Au pair Experience with au pair in america : Cost and process
How I Made My Dream of Improving My English Abroad Come True: My Au Pair Journey
Learning English has always been a dream of mine, and I knew I needed total immersion to truly make progress. Like many others, I realized that English classes in school weren’t enough to become bilingual. Between the fear of being judged when speaking in front of an entire class and the lack of real-world practice, improving was a real challenge. What helped me a lot back then was watching movies, series in their original versions, and YouTube videos in English.
However, going abroad seemed financially impossible... until an opportunity came my way!
Finding the Perfect Agency
In 2022, while I was studying for my BTS in Tourism and doing an internship at the Vauville Botanical Garden, a colleague told me about the Au Pair program. Intrigued, I started looking into it. This program offers the chance to experience cultural immersion, improve your English, and most importantly, travel at a lower cost.
I compared different agencies. Cultural Care, although popular and responsive, was out of my budget, with fees of €1,600 excluding insurance. A friend then recommended Au Pair in America, a cheaper yet equally reliable agency. With them, I was able to embark on my adventure for around €500, including administrative fees.
Breakdown of Costs and Steps
Here’s a summary of the key steps and costs I encountered:
Agency Interview: €30
After filling out my application, I had a video interview where they assessed my English level and childcare experience.Visa: €175
The visa application, paid directly though the U.S. Embassy, was straightforward.Administrative Costs:
With sponsorship: €500
Without sponsorship: €700+ (You can use my referral link Au Pair in America to reduce costs.)
Optional Insurance: Basic insurance is included, but you can add extras like coverage for COVID-19, which can increase costs.
The Application Process: My Experience
Once I chose the agency, I started filling out my application, which was a detailed process. Here’s what you need to know:
Medical Documents:
Vaccination Certificate
Health Certificate : This form confirms that you are in good health. Make sure to double-check these documents before submitting them. For example, my doctor accidentally ticked the wrong box, and I had to book another appointment to fix the error.
Tip: Double-check your documents! A small mistake (like mine) can cause delays.
2. The Interview:
The interview was divided into three parts:
Casual conversation in French to ease nerves.
Evaluation in English (don’t stress—it's just to check if you can communicate basic ideas).
An online test with questions to gauge your personality and mindset.
Tip: Be honest! There are no right or wrong answers.
Sample Questions:
"How would you describe yourself? Introverted or extroverted?"
"What criteria do you use to choose your friends?"
3. Creating a Presentation Video:
This 3-4 minute video is your chance to shine. It introduces you to potential host families, so be sure to include:
Your hobbies
Childcare experience
Why you want to be an au pair
Tip: Use editing tools like Canva and CapCut to make the video engaging!
4. Driver’s License:
A driver’s license is essential for becoming an au pair. If you don’t have it yet, start working on it now!
My Experience:
I obtained my driver’s license in December 2023 after several months of effort. Then, I applied for my international driver’s permit, but I hadn’t anticipated the processing time. In France, it can take more than six months, so don’t wait too long!
Tip: Don’t make the same mistake I did—apply for your international driver’s permit as soon as possible to avoid having to get it translated at the last minute, which can be expensive.
Finding the Perfect Host Family
Once you’ve met all the requirements and your application is approved by the agency, you move on to the next step: finding your Host Family. Typically, interested families will contact you directly. They might send you an email or a message on WhatsApp, so make sure to check your spam folder and notifications regularly!
The First Contacts: A Virtual Meeting
Families will often suggest a video call to get to know you. This is a crucial step: after this exchange, you’ll decide together whether you want to “match” or not. Of course, the family also has a say in this decision.
I still remember my very first call with an American family. They lived in Boston and had four children. I was super nervous and spent over a day preparing what I wanted to say about my experiences. To my surprise, they offered to match with me during that first call.
However, after thinking it over, I declined. I didn’t feel a real connection with them, and for me, one call wasn’t enough to make such an important decision.
2. Trusting Your Instincts
After that refusal, I started to worry. What if I didn’t find a family? What if I never felt that famous “connection” everyone talks about?
Then, a third family reached out to me. They had a 3-year-old daughter, and from the very first interaction, something felt different.
3. My Host Family: A Natural Connection
My host mom was incredibly energetic and positive. She immediately made me feel comfortable, and our first conversation felt like a genuine exchange. We quickly followed up with more video calls: first with her, then with my host dad, and finally with their little girl.
At the same time, we exchanged a lot of messages. It felt so natural that I never hesitated to ask questions or share my concerns. My host mom was always available and ready to answer me.
This open communication and mutual trust confirmed that this was the right family for me.
And that’s how I found my host family! Trust your instincts—they’ll guide you to the right match. If something doesn’t feel right, don’t settle.
Getting the J-1 Visa
The J-1 visa is prepared alongside the organization of your departure. Don’t worry—you’ll be guided throughout the process. Here are the detailed steps to obtain your visa and leave with peace of mind.
The J-1 visa is necessary for the au pair program, and the process involves several steps:
DS-2019: This document is sent after you match with a family, and you’ll need it for the visa application.
SEVIS Fee: 35euro
Pay this online and keep the receipt.DS-160 Form: The official visa application. Prepare your passport, DS-2019, SEVIS receipt, and a passport-sized photo.
Consulate Appointment:
Bring your documents to your visa interview. It’s usually a short, straightforward process.Visa Fee: Approximately 175 euro
Prices can change depend of the country ! This is what I’ve payed in france
The Journey Begins
Once I had my visa, I prepared for departure. The agency helped me with all the paperwork and practical details. My departure included two days of orientation in New York, where I met other au pairs, made new friends, and got ready for my new life.
Tip: Don’t stress! The process can seem overwhelming, but with the support of your agency, it’s all manageable.
Conclusion
The process may seem overwhelming at times, but every step brings you closer to your dream of living and working in the United States. With the support of your agency, you’ll feel guided and confident throughout the journey. Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you encounter any difficulties – the agency is there to ensure everything runs smoothly. For me, working with Au Pair in America has been a seamless experience, with constant support along the way. Best of luck with your preparations ! 😊
