When looking for an au pair agency, one of the easiest ways to find a legitimate agency is by visiting the website of tie International Au Pair Association, the IAPA. The IAPA is an international trade organization that holds its member agencies to high business standards, ensuring that families and au pairs are guaranteed the best possible experience. Agencies are screened and monitored, making them a safe bet for potential au pairs. Their website is www.iapa.org, and is invaluable for au pairs beginning their search for reputable agencies looking to go abroad.
The IAPA has an extensive list of agencies, which would be an excellent place to begin the search for an agency and host family. The following URL is the link to member agencies, where they are listed by country of interest:
http://www.iapa.org/Docs/02_organisation/Member_Directory.php4
You do not have to go through an agency to be an au pair, but it is certainly advised, for the safety and convenience of the au pair and the host family. Bonafide au pair agencies ensure that au pairs are placed with families that have been carefully screened. They also help match au pairs with families that they would be well suited for. If an au pair is placed with a family and the situation does not work out, an agency will place the au pair with a new family. Good au pair agencies also help with legalities and insurance issues, simplifying the process for all parties involved.
Not all agencies are members of the IAPA, and here are a couple other agencies worth considering:
www.aupaircare.de – This is a German agency who places au pairs with families in Germany. It is also a resource for German au pairs looking to work in the US. Their website is excellent and will walk potential au pairs through the entire process of becoming an au pair.
www.smartaupairs.com – This is another agency I have recently discovered, which is based out of England. They are a full-fledged agency and have a very informative website for anyone considering working as an au pair.
Information for Host Families:
For any host parents stopping by in search of information that is geared more specifically to their situation, we recommended two sites in particular:
1. AuPairMom.com – this blog is written by a very experienced au pair host mom and gives loads of information on almost anything you can think of that would affect host families. It can be found at http://www.aupairmom.com. It’s also a great place for au pairs to learn more about life on the “other side” of the au pair experience. Au pairs are also welcome to give their feedback and suggestions.
2. Au Pair Clearing House – this website is a great place to find out which agencies are considered the best in the industry. It gives up-to-date information concerning US policy regarding having an au pair, which is useful. It also offers the latest news concerning au pairs. Check it out at http://www.aupairclearinghouse.com.
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October 29th, 2008 at 9:08 pm
http://www.aupaircare.com – AuPairCare, is also an agency registered with IAPA which places international au pairs with U.S. families. AuPairCare doesn’t offer the reverse (american au pairs going abroad) but are a great full service matching agency for families (their local staff are really professional) while also being a great resource for au pairs who want to come to the U.S. – they screen their families well, have monthly au pair activities, and offer a special training program where au pairs get trained in the “American way of caring for a child” when they arrive in the states.
November 4th, 2008 at 6:26 pm
goAUPAIR is an agency that is registered with IAPA and 2 Au Pairs from this agency actually won the IAPA Au Pair of the Year award. goAUPAIR offers a unique matching system that allows families and Au Pairs more flexibility in their choices so that they can find the best possible match.
December 12th, 2008 at 8:23 pm
Hi – I love your new website – it is very well done and it is just full of good, sound advice for au pairs. Isn’t this sold, however, across the “pond?” How do au pairs see this before they get to the USA? I want to also let your readers know of my new website, http://www.aupairclearinghouse.com – a national consumer information site that compares and shares information on the au pair industry. There are many solid and well run agencies – but I think some are better than others – let your au pairs know to check out my site too and read the reviews of the agencies before they sign up! Keep up the good work – this site and ebook is a valuable resource for au pairs!
Edina Stone CEO and President
http://www.aupairclearinghouse.com
December 12th, 2008 at 10:18 pm
I read Edina’s comments on her website: http://www.aupairclearinghouse.com.
I am a new host mom and I used her consumer site to orient myself to how and why regarding au pair agences. All the agencies basically say the same, positive thing, over and over and you can search and search for more information on having an au pair, but nothing much comes up.
I found this new site, http://www.aupairclearinghouse.com very helpful and it made me stop and think: I need to slow down and do my homework, slowly, carefully. I know there are great au pairs out there and good agencies and I want to find them! This site helps a great deal.
I hope they write more – I am eager to learn as much as I can about having an au pair as possible, as my child is an infant – on the site there is an article about a new Infant Program where au pairs get more training caring for infants – so this was very helpful.
Love this site too – from an au pair’s prospective – it helps me know what to expect while receiving great advice!
January 2nd, 2009 at 7:41 pm
Kate (and other host parent readers of Talya’s blog)-
You might also check out the blog http://www.AuPairMom.com , which is chock full of insights, advice, tidbits and conversation about having a good relationship with your au pair. You’re right- doing your ‘homework’ is important, because a well-prepared host parent will have a more effective au pair relationship and probably get better childcare too!
January 30th, 2009 at 2:31 pm
Come to Germany as an Au Pair and experience the year of your life!
As an Au Pair you will have the unique opportunity to live and work in Germany with one of our friendly host families, expand your knowledge about the German way of life and culture hands-on and learn the German language at the same time!
Germany offers a multifaceted culture and life-style and you will have plenty of opportunities to travel, do sightseeing and enjoy Germany’s world-known regions.
And the best is: our first class Au Pair service is completely free of charge for you!
February 25th, 2009 at 6:42 am
I also read aupairclearinghouse.com – great for host parents! Lots of advice and news on the au pair industry.
I am looking for an au pair from China. Can you give me any advice regarding the better agencies that recruit au pairs from China?
February 28th, 2009 at 11:15 am
Hi Jake.
I am from China, I am 25 years old. I have graduated from a Pedagogical Academy, and I would like to know, if there is a way for me as a chinese to go to the US as au pair. I mean a safe and legal way. I am very fearful, because I had my profile on greataupair´s homepage, and I received so many fake mails from, who knows… anyway it is mails claiming that some family´s personal agency can help providing the needed visa and work permit… and in the end, it always ends with a demand of sending money to this personal agency. Which is exactly what greataupair warn me against. Pls let me hear from you!
Greetings from Li
March 6th, 2009 at 2:29 am
Hi Li,
I can understand your fear. Unfortunately, there are scam artists that prey upon innocent and unsuspecting young people, like yourself, so it is wise to be concerned.
You should sign up with a legitimate agency. There are 12 agencies that are monitored by the U.S. Department of State. These agenicies will get you to America, safely and with no demands of money being sent! You do have to pay a fee, but all au pairs do in order to apply to a cultural exchange program.
Some of the 12 agencies are: Cultural Care, Au Pair Care, Au Pair in America, Au Pair USA. If you want to see the list of all 12 agencies, visit my site: http://www.aupairclearinghouse.com and click under Let’s Talk Au Pair Agencies.
I hope you find the right agency and when you do, enjoy your stay in America!
Best,
Edina Stone
Founder & CEO
Aupairclearinghouse.com
March 9th, 2009 at 7:10 pm
Thanks for the info, Edina. This information would also be good for anyone looking for au pairs from a specific country, such as Jake. A recent article from the New York Times (http://www.nytimes.com/2006/09......html?_r=1) mentions that the agency, Au Pair in America, has been recruiting au pairs from China for some time. Their website is http://www.aupairinamerica.com.
Best of luck!
March 15th, 2009 at 4:22 am
Hello my name is Jennifer I currently live in MN and I’m interested in being an Au Pair in Spain. The only problem is I don’t know where to begin? Or what Website is legit? If you have any info to share it would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you!
Jennifer
March 20th, 2009 at 10:19 pm
AuPair Jobs in UK, Free search au pairs, families, No agency fee, Find your Au Pair or Host Family fast and easy.
March 22nd, 2009 at 11:11 pm
hy…we are an aupair young(22)couple…we have received only strange requests(they said that we would have to pay a travel agent or a lawyer)…we have received nothing serious yet..if you know a job for us in germany or austria…au pair(i could work as an aupair and my fiancee could find another job)or hosuekeeper or gardner..or anything…please contact me at dya_rosu@yahoo.com
March 28th, 2009 at 2:11 pm
Hallo all,
Just came across your WebPages and think it’s ‘the bees knees’
So much information and a great support system in place. As I run my own little Au Pair Agency in Ireland, I find it very important that our young people don’t get messed around and only come out of the Au Pair experience with good memories.
Was just reading about a post higher up (January 30th, 2009 at 2:31 pm ) from Zdenek Cefelin and wanted to give my 2 pence worth on the company.
I have been working with that agency for quite a few years and if any Au Pair is thinking of going to Germany, you can not go wrong with them. Both Zdenek and the lovely young lady Nadine who run the agency (among others) are the best people I have ever worked with and am still working with. They have their hearts in the right place and their Au Pairs are the most important ‘assets’ (if I can say it like that) in their agency.
Believe me when I say… you would be in the best of hands with Cefelin if you go to Germany. If you come to Ireland, I would be the best of course
Be happy and enjoy your venture.
June 30th, 2009 at 5:08 am
I am a host mom and have had an au pair from Romania and Mexico. I am also a local childcare coordinator for Cultural Care Au Pair. I have supported dozens of au pairs over the years. This site has a lot of great information on it for someone who wants to be an au pair. Going with an organization that can really support you over the course of your year can help make your year as an au pair more successful. I host a monthly au pair meeting where my au pairs are able to make friends, and meet the other au pairs in the area. It’s also an opportunity for me to help them deal with any concerns they might have, make sure they understand the education requirements and other program rules. Things are bound to come up over the course of your au pair year, but having the right support system in place is what can help you learn and grow from the experience.
November 9th, 2009 at 11:33 am
Going au pair in a foreign country is a wonderful experience both for a family and a girl (or a boy). Learn a different culture, meet new people will help you to understand how the world is. Every young people should be able to experiment a life abroad (either as an au pair or as a temporary worker) during a gap year.
February 13th, 2010 at 2:07 am
Great post and comments! It is true, au pairs need a lot of support, and when they are having a great year, their host families are happy with their childcare. And the last 2 years the Au Pair of the year was from Cultural Care Au Pair. It is true, choosing an au pair from the agency like Cultural Care, the best thing a host family can do. It is great they do “the au pair of the year” for all the au pairs, such a great time for them.
February 23rd, 2010 at 10:02 pm
http://www.aupair-agentur-stern.de is a German agency who places au pairs with families in Germany and world wide.
Au pair Agentur is a company based in North Rhine-Westphalia, establishing au pair contacts to Germany as well as from Germany to foreign countries as well..
To offer young persons the opportunity to spend a year with a German host family. The focus of attention is the improvement of knowledge of German and to become familiar with the German culture..
motto is quality instead of quantity, it is very important to us that all persons involved, i.e. host family and au pair, suit one another and harmonise..
Taking care of the au pairs is very important for us, and for this reason au pair meetings are offered every two months and trips at least four times per year, so that your au pair will have the opportunity to meet another au pair. Being a member of the Au pair Society e.V. is a seal of quality, confirming you the seriousness and correctness of our job..
Our features are being certified with the RAL quality mark *au pair incoming* professionalism, quality and seriousness.
April 4th, 2010 at 1:15 pm
http://www.ABC-Families.com is a very good website to connect au pairs, nannies with families in Europe.
The profiles are handled by parents and au pairs, multi-lingual team.
Free Search and Free Registration.
I highly recommend this website ++++
Please note that ABC Families also act as au pair / nanny agency.
Here are testimonials:
http://www.abc-families.com/testimonials.html
April 29th, 2010 at 10:55 pm
Hello,
Our Family is new to Au Pair and living in Canada we have a different requirements for Au Pair then most countries. The following is an explanation from Wikipedia. Does anyone now of a Au Pair company that follow Canada’s regulations?
Thanks,
Tim
Canada
Au Pair does not really exist in the same format as the rest of the world. The Canadian government has the Live-In Caregiver program, which has broader requirements than the Au Pair program. Standard qualifications are regulated federally, though conditions of employment are determined at a provincial level. Requirements include a minimum of 6 months of training or 1 year of compatible employment within the last 3 years – though various exceptions and additional stipulations do apply. Such regulations and complicating bureaucratic procedures are the driving force behind the creation of Live-In Caregiver (or Nanny) placement agencies, who act as a mediator between families, caregivers, and the government – providing support for documentation and advice on the program.
June 20th, 2010 at 12:09 pm
Greetings of peace!
I would like to know ,what are the au pair agencies that are legitimate?? I am looking for a host family right now to become an aupair so i will be able to use my skills gained from being a Practical nursing student…
Looking forward for your immediate response
God bless!!
July 20th, 2010 at 8:38 pm
Hi Rhea,
That is a great question – it depends on what country you want to be an au pair in.
If you desire to spend a year abroad in America, there are 12 agencies that are “legal” in the sense they all operate under the guidance and supervision of the U.S. government.
If you google “12 legal au pair agencies in America” you will get the list!
Best,
Edina Stone
Founder & CEO
AuPairClearinghouse
July 23rd, 2010 at 2:28 am
Greetings from Chiclayo city in Peru!!!
I read all your information and I am very happy to hear good comments about this great Aupair program, I have been working with the aupair program for USA with aupair in america, and it is a blessing to be able to recruit young students to follow this program, I would like to know if there are any agencies in The Netherlands who accept male aupairs because I have 2 applicants who are teachers, with advanced level of English and intermediate French skills, they are great applicants and I would like to work with some agencies from other countries in Europe, such as Netherlands, Switzerland, Belgium, Norway or any other English speaking country, please help inform, I run my own agency in the 3 regions of Peru, thank you for your time. Have a blessed day!!! : ))