We Help you Find the Right Au Pair from the Best Au Pair Agencies

More than one-third of enrolling families request a country of preference and 85% prefer Western Europe, mostly due to similarities in language and culture.

Au pair agencies recruit their au pairs from over 50-55 countries worldwide. We review these countries and cultures for you, the consumer. Cultural differences abound and understanding your au pair's culture and nationality is key in your decision to hire the right au pair for your family.  

We outline the Potential Strengths and Weaknesses of Au Pairs from the Most Popular Countries agenices recruit from!

Au Pair Clearinghouse will help you make the right choice for your family! 

Japan    France    Brazil    Mexico    Thailand    China    Colombia    

South Africa    Germany

Russian Au Pairs

Mexico's cities and urban areas underwent a rapid growth and development during the 20th century, resulting in a contemporary lifestyle that is similar to those of the United States and the capitals of Europe. Only between 4 and 9 percent of Mexicans still live on less than one dollar a day, a level close to that found in some of the world's poorest countries (Worldbank.org). Mexican au pairs are very keen on improving their English skills! This is a a primary reason behind their desire to join a cultural exchange program and come to America.

Mexican au pairs seek to improve their career and job opportunities by spending a year in the U.S.A. - their English will be greatly improved and the American experience and college credit they receive will enhance their job options. Mexican au pairs are characterized as warm, loving and full of fun and energy. Read the entire article here

Overview of Thai Culture and Thai Au Pairs: Thailand is known as the "land of smiles" for its warm and friendly people. Thailand means "land of the free" and is the only country in Southeast Asia that was never colonized. Thailand has a 800 year old history and was formerly known as Siam. The name was changed to Thailand when it became a democratic government in 1939. Thailand is roughly the size of France with the shape similar to the profile of an elephant, with the long trunk stretching down its peninsular. Thailand, a friendly country that boasts perfect weather, warm gulf waters, beautiful beaches and delicious cuisine, is a tourist's delight and a popular destination worldwide. Thai au pairs are usually college educated but their English and driving skills are.....Read the entire article

Overview of Chinese Culture and People

The Chinese government opened its doors to foreign business in the 1970s and has not looked back since. Business is booming and statistics show that by 2025, China will be the world's largest economy! China has low unemployment due to their strong economy and au pairs do not have difficulty paying fees to sign up with au pair agencies. China is known as a state of etiquette and ceremonies. Courtesty to others, especially one's elder, is still very important in Chinese culture. The "one child only policy" still exists in China, so remember most, if not all, au pairs are an "only child" and are not used to large families with sisters or brothers. China's economic miracle impresses all those who travel there. As you stroll through major cities, you will see signs of progress everywhere: tall new office buildings, posh five-star hotels, gleaming, new and high-spead trains and modern and sleek airports, fancy residential towers and beautiful shopping malls that offer all the newest designer "goodies." However, despite the new, rich and modern China, there is significant poverty for most of the population. Because of a vast disparity of income levels and a developing "class" system, most au pairs will have difficulty finding the money to pay for program fees. So, we expect that most of the Chinese au pairs arriving in the U.S.A are from the new and prosperous families who have the financial resources to foot the bill to send their daughter to America. Read the entire article.

Colombia is a relatively new market for au pair agencies and becoming increasingly more popular. We attended a workshop last year on Colombian au pairs and what the agent told the group about these young ladies was very impressive. The demographics of the group of au pairs coming from Colombia reads like the Mary Poppins of au pairs! First, the majority of young women applying for the program come from the middle and upper classes in Colombia and most of them are educated in private schools. So, they are highly educated compared to the rest of the population. In addition, most Colombian families have between 2-3 children and therefore the "only child" is not common (experience with siblings provide a teaching model in sharing with others, learning to wait for their turn and experience in caring for younger siblings). Read the entire article

The idea of traveling to the United States to become an au pair is a very familiar concept in Germany. These young women are motivated by several factors including a desire to become more independent, to improve their English skills, and to experience American culture. German youth are fascinated with American music, TV programs, Hollywood stars and movies. In addition, young German women know that a year abroad that improves her English is a significant plus on her resume, greatly increasing her job potential once she returns home. Therefore, the au pair program continues to be a highly popular gap year for young women who usually return to Germany to continue at University. Approximately 37% of all au pairs who arrive in the United States are from Western Europe and 23% of that number are from Germany (although in recent years, that trend seems to be declining). Read the entire article.

Russian Au Pairs

Russian Au Pairs are a great option for any family considering au pair child care.