An au pair is "an international visitor who travels to the U.S. on a J-1 Visitor Exchange Visa to acquire a better understanding and appreciation of American life while living with an American family and caring for their young children," according to Au Pair in America. Having an au pair can be a unique childcare alternative and a cultural experience for your family.

Can this cultural exchange benefit your family? Is it an affordable, appropriate means of childcare for your children? The young women and men who participate in au pair programs are as different as the countries they come from. Their common interests include traveling abroad and, most important, a desire to work with children.

The U.S. Department of State, which regulates au pair programs, requires participants to be between the ages of 18 to 26 and to be proficient in English – but the characteristics and qualifications needed to be selected by a sponsor agency far exceed these requirements.

"Our au pair candidates must complete a rigorous screening process, which includes a background check, both medical and police," says Karen Kaplan, an area director with North Carolina-based www.AuPairCare.com. In addition, AuPairCare interviews each potential au pair overseas, making sure he or she has the proper personal and childcare references, previous childcare experience, speaks English, is in good health and has graduated from a post secondary school.

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