Au Pair in the USA

  United States

New York

Length of Position: 1 year
Dates: multiple dates

Description: Since 2001, World Study Group Southern Africa has successfully placed Au Pairs with caring host families in the U.S. During your time as an Au Pair, you will receive support from our US partner organization, of course located in the USA. Your Local Representative will meet with you monthly in order to ensure that you are having a positive experience.

Here are a few of the ways in which you will benefit from our program:
* Experience U.S. culture
* Access to courses at an American college or university with a 500 USD stipend
* Gain maturity, confidence and international work experience
* Increased intercultural competence

World Study Group Southern Africa also provides you the following:
* Ability to select a carefully screened, welcoming host family
* A 12-month J-1 cultural exchange visa with the opportunity to extend your program for an additional 6, 9 or 12 months
* Round-trip airfare from your country to 3-day orientation & training program in New York City, and connecting flight to your host community
* A weekly stipend of 176.85 USD (starting July 24, 2008) paid by your host family which makes a yearly salary of approx. US$ 9200 (approx. R70000)
* Free private room and full board provided by your host family
* 2 weeks of paid vacation
* 4 weeks to travel at the end of the year

Make a difference!

As an Au Pair, you play the very unique role of childcare provider and ambassador of your own culture within an American family. You can teach the children your favorite nursery rhymes, games and childhood stories while learning about their traditions. Your presence and attitude will have a positive impact on the children in your new American family!

Highlights: As an Au Pair in the United States, you experience the American way of life first-hand. While providing loving childcare within the family of your choice, you earn money in order to finance your travels and free time activities. Making new friends is no problem at all - with the help of your local representative, you will meet regularly with Au Pairs from around the world.

Qualifications: Much of your success as an Au Pair depends on the personal traits that you already possess. Au Pairs are open-minded, courageous, caring and patient. Because you will spend one year in an American household, it is also crucial that you have a genuine interest in the American culture.

In addition to these qualities, we expect you to meet the following requirements:
* Have previous childcare experience
* Be between the ages of 18 and 26
* Be a secondary school graduate (high school) or equivalent
* Be proficient in spoken English
* Have no criminal record
* Be in good health
* Be a non-smoker
* Have a valid international driver's license
* Be able to commit to a 12-month position

Very beneficial but not a requirement is that
* You have completed a full-time, two-year academic course in childcare
* You are a certified childcare provider or hold a related degree
* You have two years of full-time experience as a nanny or nursery/primary school teacher

Have all or any of the above three credits will just extremely speed up your placement process!

Minimum Education: High School

Salary / Pay: Earn approx. ZAR 70,000 per year

Experience Required: yes

Please see Qualifications! Without those qualifications you do not need to apply for our a position on our program!

This Program is open to South African Participants.

Participants Travel to United States Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• Disciplinary Clearance Form
• In-Person Interview Required
• Letters of Reference
• Physical Exam/Health Records
• Transcript
• Written Application

Post Services Include:

• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

World Study Group Southern Africa / Cultural Exchange Programs's Mission Statement: World Study Group Southern Africa is the leading, most accountable provider of international educational programs in Southern Africa. Our objective is to provide both the students and the families with a unique personal exchange opportunity that increases cultural understanding, and inspire mutual respect and personal growth." Through providing high quality services and excellent value to our local and international clients and partners we support international youth exchange around the world.

Year Founded: 2001