Anna Kerrigan

Rocket City Au Pair International is a great option for your family's childcare needs, but it is also a wonderful opportunity for your children to learn about foreign cultures and languages.
BACKGROUND
"Au pair" is a French term that means on par or equal. Au pairs are visitors from overseas who travel to the U.S. on a J-1 Visitor Exchange Visa to acquire a better understanding and appreciation of American culture and life, while living with an American family and caring for their young children. In order to participate in the au pair program, candidates must apply through a designated agency like Au Pair International. They must also meet a set of minimum requirements and adhere to U.S. regulations and agency rules.
Our au pair candidates are young women and men that enjoy, and have a genuine interest, in working with children. They represent diverse cultural, social, economic, and educational backgrounds. They also hold a common interest in living with an American family to expand their cultural awareness.
During our interview and admissions process, we select caring, responsible, and mature young adults of good character who have a strong desire to work with children. Many au pairs possess a valid driver's license as well as an International Driver's license. Some candidates are students taking a "gap year" from their university studies, while others have been employed or are entering the work force, and others want the au pair experience before they decide on a professional career.
PROGRAM LENGTH
Au pairs come to the U.S. on a 12-month exchange program, with the potential to extend their time for 6, 9, or 12 months once they have successfully completed their first program year. After their program, (whether they complete 12, 18, 21, or 24 months) they have a 30-day grace period that permits the au pair to stay or travel in the U.S. Au pairs have the option of returning to the U.S. for new terms as an au pair participant, as long as they meet the requirements.
CHILDCARE HOURS
Au pairs may provide childcare and light childcare-related housework for the host family, for up to 45 hours per week and up to 10 hours per day. Au pairs offer live-in childcare, and therefore, have more flexibility to care for your children at the times that accommodate your family's schedule.
CHILDCARE RESPONSIBILITIES
Au pairs may have a wide range of responsibilities related to your children. An au pair provides busy parents with a much needed "extra set of hands."