Looking to experience life in the States while helping with childcare? Here’s a curated list of the top-rated au pair agencies that make it possible. We’ve even included differences in focus, support and overall experience so that you can make a better, more informed decision all round.
Go Au Pair
Best for: A fully supported cultural exchange journey
Go Au Pair is a cultural exchange agency that works to help those around the world via its international reps to become au pairs living with American host families. Going through Go Au Pair gives you the chance to live in the US first hand – not just as a visitor, but a part of the host family’s daily life. You don’t ‘work for’ Go Au Pair – you’re sponsored and supported by them.
That means that you get help with all of the paperwork and placements, but your role remains a cultural exchange and not a job under a company. Au pairs live with an American family, help with childcare – not full domestic work – and in return, receive room and board, a weekly stipend paid by the host family, an educational allowance and a genuine cultural and educational experience. This setup offers the rare chance to see America from the inside. Arguably, calmer, larger and more varied than most expect – while growing personally through rich cultural immersion.
If you’re a young person seeking meaningful, well supported cultural exchange, this is an opportunity that combines childcare duties with education, travel and real US life experience.
AuPairCare
Best for extra support and an above-minimum stipend.
AuPairCare is a US Department of State-designated sponsor that connects international au pairs with host families, handling visa sponsorship, training and ongoing support. They guarantee a weekly stipend of at least $215, which is higher than the federal minimum, on top of room, board and an educational allowance.
Their package includes insurance, coverage of many costs related to visas, training in childcare and safety, vacation time, free weekends and optional program extensions. This combination of structured support and generous benefits makes it easier for first-time au pairs to adjust to life in America.
For those looking for solid financial and institutional support, AuPairCare offers flexibility and a safer, more structured transition into US life.
Cultural Care Au Pair
Best for families seeking a wide selection of au pairs and cultural variety
Cultural Care is one of the largest au pair agencies in the US, recruiting au pairs from over 30 countries and matching them with host families needing childcare. Their extensive pool of candidates means more choices when it comes to language, cultural background and personal experiences. This enriches the host family’s perspective.
The agency also provides personality matching tools, local support consultants and ongoing orientation and training. This ensures both families and au pairs enjoy a positive, well-supported experience. For those host families that want to prioritize cultural diversity, language exchange and broad selections of potential matches, Cultural Care is the better option.
Au Pair in America
Best for structured pre-departure orientation and safety training
Au Pair in America facilitates matches between international au pairs and American host families, supporting visa sponsorship, matching and orientation. Their strength lies in comprehensive pre-departure support, including personal interviews, visa application assistance and an online matching system.
Some placements also include a Welcome & Training session in New York. Au Pairs receive room and board, meals, a weekly stipend, educational allowance, paid vacation and free weekends. Plus, they get local, ongoing support! This level of structure makes it easier to adapt to life in the US and ensures a safe, smooth experience.
For au pairs looking to integrate with a strong support system with great values from departure to arrival and adaptation, this is an agency that slaps.
EurAuPair
Best for applicants with childcare experience seeking premium conditions
EurAuPair is a US Department of State-authorized agency connecting international au pairs, mainly from Europe, with US families. What sets them apart is the focus on experienced childcare providers. For au pairs who have worked in kindergartens or who hold teaching credentials, they offer a route with a higher weekly stipend and sometimes, a completion bonus.
Families benefit from more qualified, confident candidates while au pairs get extra recognition and compensation for their experience. They’re best for those experienced caregivers looking for a more professional or slightly upscale au pair experience.
InterExchange Au Pair USA
Best for those looking for flexibility and travel friendly exit options.
InterExchange Au Pair USA provides J-1 visa sponsorship and places international au pairs in American host families. Their package includes the standard benefits: room, board, stipend, education allowance and cultural exchange.
A unique feature of InterExchange is the travel window at the end of the program. After completing the placement, au pairs can enjoy up to 30 days of travel within the US before they go home. This makes it ideal for those who want to explore the country once they have completed their commitment with the host family.
The agency works for au pairs who want both a stable childcare exchange and the flexibility to travel the country afterwards.
Agent Au Pair
Best for niche placements and alternative visa-friendly routes
Agent Au Pair operates international au pair placements with a focus on less common visa regions or non-standard host family situations. Their smaller-scale network can offer placements that larger agencies may not be able to accommodate.
This makes Agent Au Pair a valuable option for candidates from countries or regions that are less represented in mainstream programs, or for those families seeking au pairs from specific backgrounds. For applicants who find the large agencies close to their country or who want a more personalized, low volume experience, this is a good choice.
Spending a year or more in the US as an au pair can be one of the most rewarding paths to cultural exchange. Starting with Go Au Pair gives you strong support, sponsorship and the chance at true immersion into US family life.
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