The 5 Best Au Pair Agencies in the United States
Did you know au pairing in the United States is now 40 years old? The au pair program was officially approved in 1986. Since then, hundreds of thousands of young internationals have taken part. They pack their bags, board a flight to the US, and commit to living there for 12 months. Some even stay for up to 24 months. This program offers a way to experience the country beyond a typical tourist visit. It allows for a deeper, more immersive cultural experience. It also supports personal growth by encouraging independence, adaptability, and cross-cultural understanding.
Why Choosing the Right Au Pair Agency Matters
It can be an experience that offers significant long-term benefits, and there’s every chance that it becomes a highlight of your younger years. With that said, having an all-out-awesome au pair experience isn’t guaranteed. There are a few variables that can have an impact, such as the host family you live with and how supported you feel throughout your stay.
As such, the best way to improve your chances of having a great experience is to work with an experienced au pair agency. They help match you with the right host family based on your preferences and goals. They also assist with paperwork and other required legal steps. More broadly, an agency serves as a reliable support system while you are living in the United States.
With that in mind, we’ve put together a list of the top five au pair agencies in the United States, which should ensure you make the right choice. And if you’re looking for an au pair, then this list will also help you. We’ve found that the agencies that are good for au pairs also tend to be good for the host families. After all, if the au pair is happy and well-supported, then it’s more likely that they’ll make a great temporary addition to your family.
Best All-Around Au Pair Agency: Go Au Pair
Go Au Pair was founded back in 1989 and, since then, has earned a reputation for being the best au pair agency in the country. They’re well-regarded both by host families and au pairs, and that’s thanks to the sheer quality and professionalism of the service they provide.
When you sign up to be an au pair with Go Au Pair, you can have confidence that you’re in expert, experienced hands. And that’s not us that’s saying that, but previous au pairs, who typically say that working with Go Au Pair was a breeze from start to finish. Reviews often highlight how easy it was to get started and how supported they felt every step of the way.
You’ll need to meet certain requirements to sign up to be an au pair with Go Au Pair, including:
- Aged 18 – 26
- Good English proficiency
- High school graduate
- Previous childcare experience.
That might sound like a lot, but it just goes to show how seriously Go Au Pair takes its role in facilitating these cultural exchange opportunities. They also have requirements for host families, too, which can give prospective au pairs confidence that they’ll be placed with a caring, happy family.
If you’re looking to sign up as an au pair and experience America first-hand, then there’s no better option than Go Au Pair, which comfortably topped our list of the best au pair agencies in the United States.ce.
A Well-Regarded Au Pair Agency With Fast Placements: AuPairCare
As with Go Au Pair, AuPairCare also has a long history of placing au pairs with host families in the United States, having been founded in 1989. They’ve got a strong track record of quickly placing au pairs with host families, which is beneficial if you’re looking to begin your experience as soon as possible (or if you’re soon approaching the over-26 cutoff point).
They are one of the largest au pair agencies in the country. The agency performs extensive background checks on both host families and au pairs. This process increases the likelihood of a successful match for everyone involved. That said, most au pairs report having no issues with AuPairCare. However, those who do experience problems often find support harder to access than expected.
A Pioneer in the US Au Pair Program: Au Pair In America
Au Pair In America (APIA) was the first au pair agency in the United States. Launched back in 1986, they’ve matched thousands of au pairs from all around the world with American families. They have access to a large pool of host families. This helps streamline the placement process. They also work with au pairs from more than sixty countries worldwide. While there are clear advantages to working with APIA, some au pairs note challenges. Specifically, several mention that the application process felt more intensive than expected.
A Smaller Au Pair Agency With a Strong Track Record: EurAuPair
EurAuPair is a smaller au pair agency than the other agencies mentioned on this list. This means it can take a little longer to be matched with a host family. With that said, au pairs who are willing to be patient should find that they have a pleasant experience. EurAuPair has plenty of experience — they were founded in the late 1980s — and have generally positive reviews. Because of this, there are fewer placement options available. This can be an issue if you have your heart set on one specific region of the United States.
A Globally Recognized Au Pair Agency With US Placements: Au Pair International
Au Pair International places au pairs with host families in countries all over the world, including Spain, New Zealand, France, and, yep, the United States. They’re known for helping au pairs through the application process, as well as for providing ongoing support during the placement. They have comparatively low application fees, which can be beneficial for potential au pairs who are on a budget. They also thoroughly vet host families, offering peace of mind that the au pair will be safe during their stay. With that said, Au Pair International operates as a global agency. Because of this, the experience can feel less specialized and less personalized. This is especially true when compared to some of the other agencies on this list.