Experience life abroad from the inside, stay with a host family, feel at home in a new culture, and build confidence while exploring a new country. Learn the local language, make unforgettable memories, and get support from our team whenever you need it.
Free accommodation, meals & pocket money
Improve your English & meet other au pairs
Up to 50% of your flight is paid
Au pair life in the USA is diverse and depends on where you live: Cities, suburbs, or rural areas each offer different experiences. Your day-to-day life will include supporting your host family with childcare routines, helping the kids stay organised, and being involved in family activities.
American families often lead active, busy lifestyles, and you’ll quickly become part of their rhythm. From school events to weekend outings and holidays, there’s always something happening.
Living with a host family helps you understand the values, traditions, and openness that shape everyday American life ✨🇺🇸
For au pairs in the USA, the pocket money is clearly regulated:
Standard Au Pair Program:
EduCare Program (reduced hours):
This is a federally regulated stipend that all host families must provide to their au pairs. In addition to this pocket money, you’ll also receive:
Read more about pocket money payments here.
U.S. regulations limit au pairs to a maximum of 45 hours per week and no more than 10 hours per day. They must have at least one full weekend off per month and 1.5 consecutive days off per week. Paid vacation: two weeks per 12-month stay.
You can expect to provide childcare (supervision, playtime, helping with homework, school runs, meal preparation for children, light tidying of children’s areas). You cannot do heavy cleaning, yard work, or serve as a housekeeper or personal assistant.
Families and au pairs sign an agreement through a U.S. Department of State–designated agency. This contract sets working hours, duties, stipend, education requirements, and vacation.
Age Requirements:
Visa Requirements:
Other Requirements:
Application Process:
You can use online platforms or au pair agencies. Agencies can be very helpful with contracts, insurance, and ensuring the au pair meets visa requirements. At Nina.care, we help you find your host family and provide additional support after a match.
If issues arise, you should first try direct communication. If the situation cannot be resolved, the agreement can be ended with reasonable notice (commonly 2 weeks). Agencies can step in to mediate and help arrange a replacement if needed.
Looking for something else? Have a look at our help pages:
The weekly schedule is a valuable guide to help you understand your tasks and responsibilities throughout the week. While it provides structure, it isn’t fixed.
With clear, timely communication, it can be adjusted whenever you or your host family have any changes or commitments.
Having a schedule not only sets expectations but also helps prevent misunderstandings. From our experience, many challenges arise simply because no plan was put in place.
That’s why we offer this template, to support smooth communication and a positive experience between you and your host family.
Find detailed information about regulations in different countries
