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Discover how the Cultural Care app guides you through every step of your Au Pair journey

The ultimate guide to starting your au pair journey with the Cultural Care app

Starting with your J-1 visa, we have listed for you all the travel documents that you’ll need to bring when you travel to the USA as an au pair.

As a future au pair, preparing for your exciting year abroad involves not just packing fun outfits and gifts, but also managing important documents, which can be overwhelming. To ease your journey, Cultural Care Au Pair provides a comprehensive checklist of essential IDs and paperwork, ensuring you’re ready for a smooth transition to the USA and can focus on the adventure ahead.

Travel document checklist for working as an au pair abroad | Cultural Care Au Pair

Your travel document checklist for the USA

Your Travel Document Checklist for the USA

Attending your monthly LCC meetings is crucial to being a successful au pair! Learn more about these meetings and why they’re so important. 

As an au pair in the USA, leveraging support services, especially from your Local Childcare Consultant (LCC), is crucial for a successful experience. Monthly meetings organized by LCCs provide opportunities for networking, sharing experiences, and receiving guidance, helping au pairs integrate into their communities.

Why you should attend your LCC meetings

Why You Should Attend your LCC Meetings

Find out why au pair Tati chose her host family and how they build their relationship every day.

During the au pair experience the most important relationship that au pairs build is with their host family. These relationships will be the most fun, challenging, and impactful that many au pairs will experience in their lifetime.

Why I chose my host family

Are you wondering why you should take this working holiday or embark on this gap year program that everyone is talking about? Learn from those who spent a year abroad! They will introduce how this experience changed their lives and why you should do it, too!

Embarking on a gap year as an au pair offers transformative experiences that foster personal growth, boost confidence, and develop invaluable skills while exploring a new culture. 

Why a year abroad is worth it

Why a Year Abroad is Worth It

Who do au pairs live with? What are host families actually like? Get a closer glimpse at our host families. 

Cultural Care Au Pair host families are diverse and welcoming, eager to include their au pairs as part of their family while offering unique cultural experiences. They come from various backgrounds, family structures, and locations across the USA.

Who are Cultural Care Au Pair host families?

Read about Viviana, a former Colombian au pair who began her journey as a professional and political scientist in the USA!

Viviana, a former au pair from Colombia, found that her experience in the U.S. not only boosted her English skills but also gave her the confidence and independence to pursue her career in political science.

How being an au pair jump-started my career

Having trouble bonding with your host child? Here are some strategies to try.  

Building a bond with a resistant host child can be challenging, but it's a common experience for au pairs. By maintaining a positive attitude, engaging in their interests, and communicating openly about your role, you can develop a meaningful relationship over time.

When your host child rejects you

Learn the requirements of being an au pair—and how the experience changes you for the better both personally and professionally. 

Being an au pair is a transformative experience that combines childcare with cultural exchange, allowing you to travel, grow personally, and build meaningful connections in a new country.

What does it mean to be an au pair?

What Does it Mean to be an Au Pair?

Let Cultural Care Au Pair be your personal USA road trip planner. Learn the top 3 road trip ideas so you and your friends can see as much of the country as possible!

Exploring the USA through road trips is a key part of the au pair experience, offering a chance to see diverse landscapes and cultures. Top suggestions include the scenic Pacific Coast Highway in California, the picturesque Blue Ridge Parkway connecting Virginia to North Carolina, and a cultural journey through the Deep South from Charleston to New Orleans.

USA road trip ideas

Top 3 road trip ideas in the USA

Top 3 Road Trip Ideas in the US

Learn how to take good care of yourself—both mentally and physically—as an au pair living and working abroad in the USA.

Being an au pair in the USA can be stressful, making self-care essential for maintaining mental, physical, and emotional well-being.

Self-care tips for au pairs

Dreaming of a New York City trip? Let us help you get the most out of your time in the Big Apple with our ultimate New York City guide.  

New York City is a vibrant travel destination celebrated for its rich culture, iconic landmarks, and diverse culinary scene. This guide highlights must-visit attractions like the Empire State Building, Central Park, and the Statue of Liberty,  perfect for an exciting weekend getaway.

Ultimate guide to a weekend in NYC

The ultimate guide to a weekend in New York City

The Ultimate Guide to a Weekend in New York City

German au pair Myles gives his advice on how to move on from a host family that isn’t working—and how to embrace the exciting new chapter of rematch! 

Experiencing a rematch as an au pair can be a positive turning point. This transition can foster personal growth and strong connections while also leading to fulfilling experiences that make the au pair journey rewarding.

Rematch is not the end of the world

Rematch is Not the End of the World

British au pair Hollie explains how her life has been made better by pushing herself to try new things and meet new people—a cornerstone of the Cultural Care au pair experience in the USA! 

Becoming an au pair allows you to experience new opportunities and challenges that can lead to self-discovery and confidence. Embracing discomfort can enrich your life with unforgettable experiences, such as making new friends and exploring different cultures, ultimately helping you become a more well-rounded individual.

Stepping out of your comfort zone

The importance of stepping out of your comfort zone

The Importance of Stepping Out of your Comfort Zone

Hear from au pairs on how they brought their own holiday traditions to their host families in America.

As an au pair, sharing your holiday traditions with your host family not only enriches their cultural experience but also helps you feel more at home, creating lasting bonds through food, games, and unique celebrations.

Sharing holiday traditions

Sharing your own holiday traditions

Sharing Your Own Holiday Traditions

Learn more about being a return au pair.  Being an au pair twice can teach you so much more about life in the USA.

The return au pair program allows former au pairs to revisit the USA for a second term after living abroad for two years, providing an opportunity to reconnect with host families, travel, and pursue personal growth.

Returning to the USA as an au pair

Watch these 5 feel-good American TV shows to help lift your mood and educate yourself on the English language. 

The article recommends five feel-good American TV shows as entertaining options for laughter and comfort, while also helping viewers improve their English fluency.

5 feel-good American TV shows

5 feel-good American TV shows to watch

What you should and should not pack as an au pair traveling to the USA

What you should and should not pack as an au pair traveling to the USA.

Packing for the USA

Traveling to Hawaii is a dream vacation that can be made more accessible by becoming an au pair in the USA, providing the perfect opportunity to explore the islands' breathtaking landscapes, vibrant culture, and delicious cuisine.

Hawaii vacation guide

My Hawaiian Vacation

All au pairs who come to the USA on a cultural exchange visa complete college credits at a school of their choice. Hear how au pairs have benefitted from that experience over the years!  

Being an au pair in the USA not only fosters independence and global connections but also offers a unique educational opportunity—completing college credits at a U.S. institution—which enhances professional prospects and personal growth through exposure to diverse subjects and teaching methods.

Au pair education in the USA

My American Education

British au pair Hollie's host family moved to a new corner of the state during her au pair term! Learn how it made her more independent and closer to her host parents.

Moving with my host family

Moving with my Host Family

Hear from au pairs who used their experience in the USA to reach their future career goals!

After completing their au pair year in the USA, many participants experience personal growth through improved English skills, increased confidence, newfound independence, and the discovery of new passions, ultimately preparing them for diverse career paths and opportunities.

Life after your au pair year

Austrian au pair Marie-Louise shares her letter to all future au pairs—a collection of her best advice and suggestions from her time in the USA.  

In a heartfelt letter to a future au pair, Marie-Louise Deutschmann encourages embracing the challenges and joys of moving to the U.S., fostering self-discovery, building meaningful friendships, and savoring every moment of the journey while remaining true to oneself.

Letter to a future au pair

Letter to a Future Au Pair

Au pair ambassador Clare Shepherd gives her best tips on how to maximize a 45-hour work week with host kids, from having a plan to getting outside.

To be a successful au pair, actively involve your host children by organizing enjoyable activities, promoting independent play, encouraging outdoor time, and balancing your interests with theirs to create a positive and fun atmosphere for everyone.

Keeping your host kids occupied

Keeping your Host Kids Occupied

"Introducing our 2023 Host Families of the Year!"

French au pair Rémi visited all 50 states during his time in the USA

Rémi, a French au pair, spent over two years in San Francisco, successfully visiting all 50 U.S. states through careful planning, road trips with his host family, and solo travels that enriched his personal growth and experiences.

Au pair travels to all 50 states!

Interview with au pair Rémi: "I traveled to all 50 U.S. states!"

We sat down for a Q&A with Local Childcare Consultant (LCC) Joanne Dooley! Read our interview to learn more about the ins and outs of au pair support services. 

A Local Childcare Consultant (LCC) plays a vital role in supporting au pairs and host families during their time together in the USA, acting as a confidante and problem-solver while facilitating cultural exchange and helping both parties navigate challenges.

Interview with a Local Childcare Consultant

Cultural Care Au Pair is here to help you learn how to start a blog and how to make it stand out. Learn the best ways to create content and take stellar travel photos!

To write an engaging travel blog during your au pair experience in the USA, focus on creating quality content that reflects your authentic voice, document your adventures as you go, dedicate time for organization and editing, capture stunning travel photos, and maintain a strong social media presence to connect with your audience.

How to write a travel blog

How to Write a Travel Blog

Living in the USA as an au pair means trying new foods and a new lifestyle! Be sure to stay healthy while your living abroad by following au pair Adela’s advice. 

To stay healthy in the USA as an au pair, follow an 80/20 diet, meal prep to avoid junk food, stay active through walking or gym visits, and set achievable health goals.

How to stay healthy

How to stay healthy in the USA

How to Stay Healthy in the US

Austrian au pair Marco shares his tips on how to make friends with Americans as an au pair. Learn how to get involved in your community and meet locals! 

How to meet Americans

How to Meet Americans

Read on to learn some ways to build your brand and gain success as an au pair influencer!

To thrive as an au pair influencer, identify your unique niche, select an appropriate social media platform, share your personal experiences, collaborate with Cultural Care and peers, and adhere to content creation best practices while enjoying your journey.

How to become an au pair influencer

Whether you live near the beach or are taking a special trip this summer, be sure to check out our tips on how to plan a perfect beach day in America.   

There are certain beach day traditions that all Americans share. Read to learn some of the best ways to beach like a true American!


How to beach day like an American

How to Beach Day like an American

From sauces & sides to backyard games & traditions, this guide will help you know what to expect at your next American BBQ!

Summer is the perfect time to enjoy one of America's favorite pastimes—BBQ—by embracing key traditions such as savoring a variety of sauces and meats, indulging in classic side dishes, getting a little messy, playing lawn games, and leaving room for sweet treats at the end of the meal.

How to BBQ like an American

Learn what states some of the most famous musicians in America come from. 

Home states of famous USA musicians

Home States of Famous U.S. Musicians

A Cultural Care Au Pair Matching Specialist outlines the most important factors to keep in mind while searching for a host family in the USA.  

To find the right American host family as an au pair, it’s essential to be patient, proactive, open-minded, honest about your preferences, and true to yourself while considering important factors like lifestyle compatibility and communication styles.

How to find your American host family

How to Find your American Host Family

Whether it’s a gift to say goodbye, a present during the holidays, or simply a token to show your appreciation, here are some great ideas for how to show your host family how much you care! 

Great gifts for your host family

Great Gifts for your Host Family

Some of the best TV shows in America can help you learn a language! Learn what makes these shows so special and how they can help you improve your English.

5 best American TV shows to watch

5 Best American TV Shows to Watch

How do au pairs spend their free time? Read on for our top 5!

During their time as au pairs in the USA, individuals balance their childcare responsibilities with ample free time to socialize, travel, take classes, pursue passions, and bond with their host families.

Free time as an au pair

Learn how to expertly frame your au pair experience in a professional setting, from editing your CV to interviewing for jobs back in your home country!  

Au pairs can leverage their unique experiences in the USA to showcase both personal and professional growth, emphasizing transferable hard and soft skills on their resumes and during job interviews to stand out as valuable candidates in the job market.

Framing your au pair experience

Framing Your Au Pair Experience

Hear from real au pairs who have just arrived in America about what their first impressions are of America!    

Upon arriving in the USA, au pairs often experience a mix of surprise and warmth as they encounter friendly locals, cultural differences, and the realization that their initial stereotypes about Americans do not align with their welcoming first impressions.

First impressions of the USA

First Impressions of the USA

Former au pair Malene describes moving back home after a year abroad. From tough goodbyes to culture shock, it’s normal to have conflicting feelings about going home.

As you prepare to leave your host family and return home after a year as an au pair, it's normal to experience a complex mix of emotions, including sadness, confusion, and a sense of loss, since the transformative experiences you've had can make reintegration challenging.

Feelings that are normal after your au pair year is over

Feelings that are Normal to Have as you Prepare to Head Home

Au pair Clare extended her term in the USA with a new host family—check out her great advice on how to make the transition smooth and easy for everyone involved!  

Extending as an au pair

Extending as an Au Pair

Italian au pair Dayana now works in the USA as a Marketing Analyst! Learn about her journey from au pair to working professional—and how you can do the same thing. 

Being an au pair launched my career

Being an Au Pair Launched my Career

Celebrate Christmas like a true American by taking part in these top 10 unique holiday traditions in the USA. 

Christmas in the USA is celebrated with larger-than-life traditions, including Black Friday shopping, matching pajamas, the Elf on the Shelf, and festive activities like Yankee swaps and extravagant light displays, all centered around family and generosity.

Christmas in the USA

When Colombian au pair Vanessa arrived in the USA, her host child was only 2 months old! Learn why caring for an infant as an au pair is such a rewarding experience—and some tips and tricks to make it easier! 

Choosing to become an au pair and care for an infant allowed me to form a deep bond while experiencing personal growth, cultural learning, and the joy of guiding a child's early milestones, all while discovering my own independence and confidence.

Caring for an infant

Caring for an Infant

From coastlines to mountain ranges, discover what part of the USA is the perfect place for your au pair gap year!

When choosing where to au pair in the U.S., the most crucial factor is finding the right host family to build a meaningful relationship with, rather than focusing solely on the specific state, as each U.S. region offers unique cultural experiences and similarities that can enhance your time abroad.

Which USA state or region should you au pair in?

Which U.S. state or region should you au pair in?

Au pairs love to shop while in the USA and these 5 stores are some of their favorites

Au pairs love to shop while in the USA and these 5 stores are some of their favorites.

Best places to shop in the USA

Many au pairs are being asked to support their host kids’ remote learning at home this fall. Our au pairs share their best tips to help their peers find success.

Many au pairs are being asked to support their host kids’ remote learning at home. Our au pairs share their best tips to help their peers find success.

Tips for remote learning

Au pairs share their best tips for helping with remote learning

Looking for nutrition tips for life in the USA? A Cultural Care host mom and registered dietician shares her advice

Au pair nutrition in the USA: common questions & answers

Mexican au pair Paula tells the story of how she met her husband Kevin from Germany while they were living in the USA as au pairs. 

Falling in love as an au pair

Falling in Love as an Au Pair

Hear from real au pairs who have just arrived in America about what their biggest goals are for their au pair year. Get inspired from their stories!   

My au pair bucket list

My Au Pair Bucket List

Take our quiz to discover which American state you would LOVE to spend your au pair life in. 

Which U.S. State would you LOVE?

Meet Jess Hurley, the founder of the Global Ambassador Program! She walks us through the ins and outs of being an Ambassador, and how it heightens the Cultural Care au pair experience.  

Cultural Care Au Pair’s Ambassador Program offers au pairs the chance to enhance their experience in the U.S. through community involvement, media opportunities, and professional development, while fostering cultural exchange and building lasting friendships.

An inside look at the ambassador program

An inside look at the Ambassador Program

An Inside Look at the Ambassador Program

Wondering how to entertain your host kids through the summer? We've got you! Check out tips from our au pairs for summer activities with your host kids.

An au pair's guide to summer with the host kids

An au pair’s guide to summer with the host kids

Embark on an exciting au pair journey in the USA by following these steps: attend an info meeting, complete your application, find your host family, prepare your visa and documents, undergo training, and travel to meet your host family, all while making unforgettable memories along the way!

A guide for your au pair journey

Au pair Rebekka shares what she learned as an au pair and how the experience has shaped her outlook on life. 

8 ways travel changed my life

A Saturday night in America is an opportunity to have fun, see friends and explore your neighborhood. Check out our top 7 Saturday night ideas! 

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