The Au Pair Difference

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: I’ve heard of nanny services and childcare service providers. Is EurAupair Intercultural Childcare Programs like a commercial nanny agency or for profit au pair service?

A: No, EurAupair Intercultural Childcare Programs is not a nanny agency or a childcare service provider, but is a non-profit, public benefit organization. EurAupair is officially designated as an Exchange Visitor Program by the United States Department of State and is one of a handful of organizations granted authority to bring young people from other countries to the USA to assist parents in caring for their children.


Q: How is EurAupair Intercultural Childcare Program different from a nanny service or agency?

A: Where a nanny or childcare service provider may have many different families and children for which they provide services, an au pair is treated as a family member and becomes a ‘big sister’ to only your children . Unlike a nanny or childcare service provider who considers her childcare responsibilities a job and leaves at the end of a work day, your au pair lives with you and becomes a regular member of your family, bonding with your children and enriching their lives with their love and the language and culture from which they came.

Q: Does “au pair” mean nanny in another language?

A: No, The word "au pair,” doesn’t mean nanny at all. It is pronounced “o pair” in French, and means "on par" or equal, denoting living on an equal basis in a reciprocal, caring relationship between the host family and the young person. Like an older sibling, the au pair is included in all family activities, unlike an "employee" of a nanny agency who might be excluded from family meals, holiday celebrations, and other activities. In Europe today, tens of thousands of families and au pairs continue this practical and mutually valuable tradition and the custom is spreading around the world.

Q: What can I expect from my au pair during the program?

A: Different from a nanny or childcare service provider, a EurAupair au pair is a "big sister" from an exciting faraway land. Your EurAupair au pair will live in your home as a family member, and will be available to assist with the care of your children for up to 45 hours per week. Although heavy housework is not permitted, au pairs can share in routine family chores and light housework such as making the kids' beds or helping them straighten their rooms. Quite simply, au pairs, although not trained professionally, can handle many aspects of childcare - responsibly and efficiently. Whatever care and support you might ask of an older son or daughter, you may ask of an au pair - because we ask that you, as a EurAupair host family, include your au pair in your lives as you would a cherished family member. As a result, you will gain more than a trusted caregiver - your entire family will gain a new young friend and family member from abroad for life. Nannies or professional childcare providers rarely have this desire to become a loving family member or ‘big sister’ to the children.

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