One programme year
Be ready to commit to one year in the USA, with any extension subject to our authorised programme partner's rules.
For Au Pairs on a Mission
Your year in America starts here
Live with a Christian host family for a full programme year. Care for children, experience everyday American life and grow in faith and confidence.
How Christian Au Pairs helps
Room and meals
Your host family provides a clean private room and meals, including on your free days.
Study and training
The USA programme includes pre-departure training and education to help you prepare for your trip.
Eligibility
Can you apply for the USA programme?
Christian Au Pairs assesses you personally, and our authorised US programme partner completes the sponsor and legal programme checks. The USA programme is government-regulated, and applicants must meet the programme requirements before a visa can be issued.
Age 18–26
You should be aged 18 to 26 when entering the programme.
Secondary education
You should have completed secondary education and be proficient in English.
200+ childcare hours
You should have at least 200 hours of verifiable childcare experience. If you need more experience, ask us how you might build it.
References and checks
Expect at least two childcare references, a church-leader reference, a personal interview and the criminal, medical and other checks required by the partner.
Christian faith and character
We ask about your faith, church participation, character and expectations so we can look for a family where you may genuinely fit.
Driving helps greatly
Most US host families need an au pair who can drive, so holding a licence or actively learning to drive can make a significant difference.
Transparent costs
Simple, fair and
all-inclusive pricing
We believe in clear pricing with no hidden fees.You pay nothing upfront to apply.Once you’ve successfully matched with a host family, your programme fee is due.
To apply
€0
Apply and complete our screening with no upfront fee.
After a successful match
€899
Programme fee
Payable only after you’ve been matched with your host family.
No payment is due until you have a confirmed match.
What’s included
- Application assessment and a personal interview
- Personal matching with carefully selected Christian host families
- Guidance and support throughout the application and placement
- 35 hours of online training before departure
- Visa preparation and guidance through the J-1 programme
- Support from a US local coordinator, alongside Christian Au Pairs
€
Plan for these additional costs.
These are typical costs that au pairs budget for during the placement. They are guidelines, and not included in the agency fees.
Visa and programme costs
Additional costs may apply
Allow for any visa, sponsor or programme costs that are not included in your Christian Au Pairs fee.
Travel
Check what your programme includes
Your travel arrangements depend on the USA programme and sponsor terms that apply to your placement.
Personal spending
Budget for your own expenses
Keep some money available for personal travel, social activities and everyday spending during your year.
When do I pay?
The programme fee is due only after you have accepted a match with a host family.
What if I don’t get matched?
If we cannot find you a suitable match, you will not be charged the programme fee.
Relationship before transaction
From free application to your host family
Applying, interviewing and meeting potential families are free. Your Christian Au Pairs placement fee is due only after you choose and accept a host family.
- 1
Apply free
Tell us about your childcare experience, Christian faith, church life, education, driving and hopes for the year.
- 2
Meet us personally
Attend a personal interview, normally about an hour, and complete the documents and references needed for assessment.
- 3
We look for suitable families
We personally consider faith, character, childcare needs, location, experience and expectations rather than asking you to browse a public database.
- 4
Talk with potential families
Have one or more video conversations, ask practical questions and decide freely whether a proposed match feels right.
- 5
Accept the match, then pay
Only after you choose a host family is the Christian Au Pairs placement fee due. The authorised US partner then completes its programme processing.
- 6
Train, prepare and travel
Complete final documentation, training and visa preparation, attend any required visa interview and follow the programme travel arrangements.
Before and throughout placement
You are supported on both sides of the Atlantic
Christian Au Pairs remains available to you, while our authorised US partner provides sponsor-side programme services and local support required for the placement.
Personal Christian matching
We recommend introductions based on more than a checklist: faith, character, childcare experience, expectations and likely family fit all matter.
Travel and insurance
Programme travel and basic medical insurance are included under current partner rules, with any optional upgrades or special conditions explained before departure.
Driving arrangements
If you will drive, the family is responsible for appropriate insurance and programme-related vehicle costs and should make sure you are safe and competent before driving alone.
Programme details are confirmed before you commit
We retain the visa and nationality guidance published on our existing USA website as programme information. Working-hour limits, weekly payment, education, flights, insurance, local-coordinator service levels, holidays and extension options are governed by the selected authorised US programme partner and applicable US rules and are confirmed during your application.
If a placement becomes difficult
Support is part of the programme
Most placements work well. If a serious problem arises, our first aim is to understand what has happened and improve communication where possible.
Communication
Contact Christian Au Pairs as soon as possible before ending or arranging a rematch.
Reconciliation
We help both sides clarify expectations and look for practical ways to resolve difficulties when that is appropriate.
Rematching
If the placement genuinely cannot continue, we work with you and our partners to help find an appropriate way forward.
Could the USA be your next chapter?
Read the costs and expectations carefully, then apply free when you are ready. You will only need to pay Christian Au Pairs once a suitable match has been found and agreed upon.