2015/2016
Au Pair in the USA Childcare, travel and cultural exchange program
Who are we?
Who are we looking for?
We create life-changing opportunities for young people around the world.
Dear future au pair,
FIRST HAND EXPERIENCE Who would be better to provide information about the au pair program than former au pairs? The vast majority of our staff know about the experience because they have done it themselves.
CONSISTENT SUPPORT During your experience you will benefit from our own staff supporting you both in your home country and while in the USA.
It’s a big decision to go abroad! We understand that it takes a lot of courage and initiative to take the first step towards your dream. We are here to help make your decision a little easier. There are many reasons to choose Cultural Care Au Pair as your trusted au pair agency. We have 25 years of experience as the industry leader, offer the best chances of finding a suitable host family, and your safety is always our top priority. The most important reason to choose Cultural Care Au Pair is the highly motivated staff working towards your success. If you are ready to step outside the world you know, gain experience and independence, and truly understand American life, take a moment to read through this brochure and find out whether the au pair adventure is something for you.
WE REALLY DO CARE
Let us help you make it happen! Sign up for a free information meeting today.
The heart symbol is in our logo for a reason. We really care that you succeed in this life-changing opportunity.
We look forward to meeting you! Your Cultural Care Au Pair team.
Follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/culturalcare.au www.facebook.com/culturalcare.nz Follow us on Instragram: culturalcare_au_nz
Nadene Bilsborough Country Program Manager
Tegan Eccleston Regional Manager
Claire Newcombe Regional Manager
PROGRAM FEE: Australia AU$ 1195 * New Zealand NZ$ 1435* 1800 677 373 www.culturalcare.com.au 0800 637 537 www.culturalcare.co.nz
*Including return airfare from Sydney, Australia or Auckland, New Zealand, upon successful completion of the program.
Au pairs that we select are:
Motivated
Flexible
We will invest a lot of our time to help you live your dream. In return we expect you to fully commit to your application and the program.
Your host family will expect you to be able to adjust to their family schedule and childcare needs.
Positive
Mature
Smile! You will be an ambassador of your home country’s culture. You can achieve so much with a positive attitude.
We select au pairs who are willing to take on responsibility and can be an additional adult in the home.
Non-smokers
Confident drivers
American families are very strict about house rules. They will expect you to be a role model for their children.
Your safety and the safety of your host children are our priority. Most au pairs need to drive as part of their duties.
Why choose us?
Cultural Care offers all of these benefits:
Best chances of placement
Best possible support
Cultural Care Au Pair offers individual application consultation, a personal matching service and the largest number of host families.
Our well-trained and dedicated staff both in your home country and in the USA are from the same organisation. This ensures you will receive consistent support.
Part of EF Education First
Price transparency
For more than 50 years EF has been connecting the world through education. Sharing this mission and using the extensive resources and knowledge of EF, Cultural Care Au Pair has become the leading au pair agency.
With Cultural Care Au Pair there are no hidden costs and we don’t ask you for a financial commitment until we find the right family for you.
Thorough training
Round trip travel
We will provide you with all the preparation you need, including a CPR certification by the American Red Cross at our training school on Long Island, NY.
We will provide you with your round trip travel to and from your host family.
24hr emergency hotline
Your safety is our priority
Experienced staff on call to assist you with any urgent questions related to the au pair program.
Included in your program fee is a basic insurance coverage. We also offer an extended insurance option which is comprehensive and tailor-made for au pairs by insurance experts.
(additional airfare charges might apply depending on date and airport preferences. Flights depart from Sydney, Australia or Auckland, New Zealand)
What it means to be an au pair
A life-changing experience
Daily duties, requirements and benefits.
Most au pairs say that the best part of the program is the relationship they form with their host children. Day to day, your duties might include helping with homework, driving to and from school, preparing meals, tidying the children’s rooms and taking care of their laundry. As an au pair, days may be long but also rewarding. You will truly enjoy the excitement of teaching children new skills, and the knowledge that you have been a part of their growth and development. You will provide childcare up to 10 hours per day and up to a maximum of 45 hours per week. This will be strictly enforced for your safety and well-being.
There is a reason our au pairs call it the best time of their lives! The au pair program is the most affordable and safe way of discovering American culture and family life. While providing a flexible childcare solution for a family, you will immerse yourself in their day to day life and have the chance to create a lifelong bond with them. You will find yourself challenged in unexpected ways and develop life skills that will benefit both your career and your personal life. There is a reason our au pairs call it the best time of their lives.
What you give and what you get Qualification requirements you need to fulfil: outlined by the US Department of State and outlined in the visa conditions
•
Aged between 18 and 26 years
•
A love for kids and experience caring for them
•
Completed secondary school education or equivalent
•
Good condition of health
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Clean criminal background
•
Driver’s licence Commitment to at least 12 months abroad
•
Travel the US, enhance your CV and make memories that last a lifetime.
Develop valuable skills: Global awareness Critical thinking Problem solving Collaborating Communication skills These are a few of the soft skills that hiring managers around the world are looking for. In a recent survey more than 80% of our past au pairs confirmed that the au pair experience had helped them improve their intercultural communication skills, their ability to adapt to new surroundings, and their confidence. Living with an American host family and meeting au pairs from around the world will also allow you to start building your global network.
Study at an American college Attending an American college is an important component of the au pair program and adds something outstanding to your CV. In order to fulfil the visa requirements you will need to complete six credits or the equivalent credit hours while in the USA. Your host family will contribute up to US $500 towards classes in subjects of your choice at an accredited institution.
(it’s possible to stay for up to 24 months)
Au pair program benefits: outlined by the US Department of State and outlined in the visa conditions
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Chance to live in the USA on a J-1 exchange visa
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Full board and accommodation with an American family
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US $195.75 weekly stipend
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Up to US $500 for college courses
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2 weeks paid vacation
•
Travel month at the end of the program www.culturalcare.com.au www.culturalcare.co.nz
Your next steps:
INFORMATION MEETING
ONLINE APPLICATION
SELECTION
MATCHING
VISA REQUEST
FLY TO THE USA
Attend a free information meeting.
Complete your online application.
Program acceptance, now the matching process begins!
Finding the right host family.
Apply for your visa, we’ll book your flights.
First stop: The Cultural Care Training School.
I absolutely love my host family, and I really feel like part of the family. I have decided to extend so that I have more time with the kids and more time to explore the country.
I WAS AN AU PAIR IN THE USA Real experiences
Jordan, au pair in Connecticut
Megan AU PAIR IN VIRGINIA
The au pair experience sounded too good not to try. To be able to step out of your comfort zone and experience something so amazing has been the most rewarding thing. I have been here for 7 months now and I cannot express how much fun I have had each and every day with my 3 host children. I love watching them learn and grow, and achieve their school and sporting goals. One of my highlights so far has been attending an American college where I took classes in travel and photography. I feel the options are never ending. There are so many colleges and different courses to choose from,
you won’t be disappointed. I have also had the pleasure of meeting so many amazing friends from all over the world. It is great to share our cultures and experience the USA together. Making the big decision to become an au pair was by far the best thing I have done. It is an amazing experience to be able to travel, try new things, look after some of the most beautiful children, and to be accepted into someone else’s home. For all the people out there who are thinking of becoming an au pair, don’t just think about it, sign up and experience one of the most amazing years of your life!
SHARNA
SHANNON
Au pair in Massachusetts
Au pair in Georgia
YOUR HOME AWAY FROM HOME Cultural exchange is an important part of your time as an au pair. You will form a relationship with your host family, be immersed in their culture and learn about the American way of life.
Being an au pair is a crazy adrenaline rush. Travelling, meeting people from around the world, exploring your new home and meeting your family is an exciting start to your time in America. My favourite place was Santa Monica. The warm weather, the beach setting, the mix of tourists and welcoming locals made me happy. Every place I visited in the US was different. I learnt from the experience that I can do things that seem impossible. Stepping out of my comfort zone is challenging but incredibly worth it.
FINDING THE RIGHT HOST FAMILY
LIVE, LEARN, TRAVEL, GROW
EMILY
Being an au pair is all about cultural exchange, which is why finding
As an au pair your childcare duties are always your priority,
the right host family is so important. Living with your host family
however, you will have many opportunities to travel and discover
is an opportunity to be completely immersed in their culture, and
a more adventurous and independent you. Whether it’s a quick
truly become an important part of their family. Our staff in the USA
weekend trip, or the adventure of a lifetime touring the USA during
work directly with you and your future host family to make sure
your extra travel month, your time as an au pair will afford you
your match is the one that fits you best. Every family is interviewed
many new experiences. These opportunities will enhance your
in their home by a Cultural Care representative, and our matching
knowledge of the world around you, and where you go is up
specialists form a relationship with each host family ensuring they
to you. Perhaps you will visit the lights of New York City, sunny
know their specific needs. Our Cultural Care Au Pair host families
Southern California, or a real life rodeo in Texas, the choices are
are thoroughly screened by our staff in the USA, and also undergo
as vast as the USA itself. Broaden your horizons and take every
a criminal background check. Cultural Care takes pride in our
opportunity to explore the sights and experience the culture that
Deciding to become an au pair was one of the best decisions I have ever made! My host family are amazing and I have become a part of their family. I really love watching the children learn and grow. I am currently taking a Spanish class, learning a new language and getting to meet people has been a lot of fun. There are a lot of opportunities to take different classes for the study component of the program. Being an au pair has made such a positive impact on my life already. I am definitely more mature and responsible, and I would encourage everyone to do it!
matching process and ensures that your safety is our priority.
surrounds you.
1800 677 373 0800 637 537
Au pair in Iowa
www.culturalcare.com.au www.culturalcare.co.nz
DAISY
If you love working with children and love travelling, this is the right program for you. If you want to grow as a person and discover a whole new culture, grow in independence and maturity, this is the right career for you. You will make lifelong friends who share similar interests to you. The world is your oyster, take the leap!
Au pair in New York My first twelve months in the United States flew by so fast and were unforgettable. I knew I wasn’t quite ready to say goodbye to my wonderful host family after my first year so I chose to extend, and I couldn’t be happier with my decision! It has been so rewarding watching my host kids grow and develop new skills, and so worthwhile when they tell you how much they love you. Having a whole extra year with my host family was definitely the best part of extending. I have also had the opportunity to do more travelling and have made some amazing friendships. I feel as though so much more can be achieved during your extension period. This is a once in a lifetime experience, so you may as well grab it with both hands and make the most of it while it’s available. Extending is definitely an option that I think every au pair needs to consider.
SALLY
Au pair in Maryland I have learnt that travel is such a great thing and that no one should live their entire life in one place. I have already visited New York, Arizona, Washington D.C. and so many more. I love everything about this amazing experience and am so glad I chose to become an au pair because this experience is too good to pass up.
JANELLE
Au pair in Washington, D.C. My au pair experience has taught me to be responsible for others and I have learnt how rewarding this can be. I have really enjoyed getting to know my family. I have 4 host children, and my host mum and dad are both hard-working and loving parents. We all get along so well and I enjoy Sunday family dinners when my host dad cooks for all of us.
2015/2016
Save your spot at a free information meeting today! www.culturalcare.com.au/meeting www.culturalcare.co.nz/meeting
APPLY EARLY The earlier you apply, the sooner we can find you your new home!
CULTURAL CARE AU PAIR IS PART OF THE EF EDUCATION FIRST FAMILY EF Education First is an international education company focusing on language, academics and cultural experience with 500 offices and schools in over 52 countries around the world. We at Cultural Care Au Pair share EF´s mission in opening the world through education. Learn more about EF at: www.ef.com
1800 677 373 0800 637 537