Foreign nanny program becoming more popular
Au pair isn’t French for “cute couple” or “awesome fruit.” The term literally translates to “on par” or “equal to” and is used to describe a foreign-born nanny who takes care of children in exchange for room, board and a small stipend.
Au pairs are expected to be welcomed as a member of the family. Many see the program as an inexpensive way to travel, improve their foreign language skills and study abroad.
Au pairs are generally unmarried women between 18 and 26 years old. The number of male participants has increased in recent years and is now upwards of 7 percent.
With the high level of publicity that Britney Spears Manny received, I’d think the levels will be on a consistant increase over the coming years.
Families with large numbers of boys often seek male au pairs to serve as an older brother figure. Single mothers also might desire a “manny” to serve as a positive male role model.
Au pairs provide 45 hours of childcare and light housework per week. They typically stay with the family for one year and must complete six semester hours of academic study while in the United States.
Au pairs aren’t to be treated as servants. They eat meals with everyone at the dinner table and are invited on family vacations. They are also commonly given a private room.
The fees vary, however. Cultural Care Au Pair, a Cambridge, Mass.-based agency that has placed more than 60,000 au pairs in American homes since 1989 - charges a one-time application fee of $250, then $280 per week. Of this weekly fee, the au pair receives $139, which is often used to pay for day trips to nearby museums or local concerts.
I would imagine this would be a wonderful opportunity for any young adult wishing to travel and study abroad.
Tags: nanny, au pair, foreign nanny program
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