A male au pair from South Africa, named Daniel (last name not listed) is from goAuPair agency and was recognized as one of the 6 international finalists for the Au Pair of the Year Award in 2009.

Daniel was nominated by his Host Family who said that he "exemplifies the qualities of an excellent Au Pair. Daniel arrived in the U.S. in March of 2008 and began providing care for two boys, aged 12 and 2. In December 2008, the youngest child was diagnosed with a developmental delay in speech and Daniel began working with him each day to help develop and improve his skills. In addition to his duties as an Au Pair, Daniel volunteers at a local community group for at risk youth.

"There will never be enough words to describe my time and experience here in the United States! I have to constantly remind myself that this is not a dream, but that I'm actually part of an American family and living in America. Don't get me wrong, it is hard to live so far away from my family and give up the life I've always known. However, through the ongoing support from my family and the loving care from my host family, it has made it so much easier for me to participate in this extraordinary program. I love it so much that I have extended for another year.

Coming to the States has been more than a dream come true. I have learned more this past year than ever before about the American culture, sports, and, of course, American politics. But what I value most about my experience is the relationships I have with Dylan (the boy I take care of), my host family and my friends.  My dad always told me how awesome the American people are and he was right. I’m also involved with a non-denominational Christian church called Elevation, where I attend house church, Bible studies and Sunday gatherings. I am a volunteer in the nursery and love playing with the kids. Lots of people tell me that I am a kid magnet. The people I have met there are unbelievable. They are the greatest friends I have ever had. They are constantly showing me the American way of life. I try to show them some South African things too like taking them to a professional rugby game in Salt Lake City. I got them hooked on rugby!

Over the past year, I attended classes at the University of Utah which was a lot of fun. I got to know some of the members on the University of Utah rugby team. What an awesome experience!

This has truly been the greatest and most enjoyable experience of my life. I wouldn’t trade this American Dream for anything in the world. This program has taught me so much about myself and I definitely see life from a different perspective. I would recommend is program to any young person, because it has a lot to offer and has positively changed my life.

I am honored to be a finalist for the International Au Pair of the Year. I would like to thank God for giving me this awesome opportunity and for giving me my daily strength. I would also like to thank everyone that made this possible for me. They know who they are and I will never forget you!"

Male au pairs seem to be the hot commodity this year - and we are happy to see that American host families are taking to "mannies" (the term the au pair industry use for male au pairs)!  They are a great choice for a host family with all boys or a host family with very active children who play lots of sports, etc.  See our article on Male Au Pairs

The International Au Pair Association (IAPA) presents the Au Pair of the Year Award annually to one outstanding Au Pair. This award is based on nominations sent in from Host Families around the globe which detail the many ways their Au Pair has made a positive impact on their lives.  goAUPAIR (www.goAuPair.com), one of the 12 agencies designated by the U.S. Department of State, provide affordable childcare from qualified Au Pairs and Au Pairs from our agency have been internationally recognized through this award in 2009 (finalist), 2005 and 2004.