Respondents overwhelmingly agreed that having an au pair positively impacted their childhood and future aspirations.
Boston, MA (November 21, 2024) — A new survey by Cultural Care Au Pair, the largest designated sponsor of the U.S. State Department-regulated au pair program, revealed that children of American host families experience significant cultural, educational, and personal growth from their participation in the au pair program. Featuring insights from former host children across the country, the survey results underscore how the cultural exchange and childcare provided by au pairs shape children’s lives, fosters compassion for people from other cultures, and influence career aspirations.
Key Findings from the Cultural Care Study:
- Over 95% of respondents agreed that having an au pair gave them more compassion and empathy for people who are different than them.
- Nearly 93% of respondents agreed that having an au pair made it possible for them to pursue extra-curricular activities because of their flexibility and availability.
- Over 71% of respondents agreed that having an au pair impacted their decision to travel or study abroad.
“Time and again, host parents and children consistently share how profoundly the au pair program has enriched their lives,” said Natalie Jordan, Senior Vice President at Cultural Care Au Pair. “Families often opt for the au pair program for the childcare and flexibility it provides, but stay for the connections and cultural exchange.”
Culture and Compassion
The survey found that having an au pair fosters greater compassion and cultural understanding in children from a young age.
“I think the exposure to different cultures made me a more open-minded person,” explained former host child Madeline from New York. “The lifestyles of au pairs can vary greatly and they brought part of that into our home. It is much easier to be an accepting, nonjudgmental individual with being raised by people from so many parts of the world.”
- Over 94% of respondents agreed that having an au pair helped them understand other cultures better.
- Over 95% of respondents agreed that having an au pair positively impacted their childhood.
Family Connection
The survey also found that American families view the au pair program more than just a childcare option – the program is an opportunity to create connections across borders and lifelong bonds.
“My father passed when I was very young, and [au pairs] provided the support my mom needed to take care of us,” said former host child Madeline continued. “They were there for all my major life moments and I always saw them as a second parent.”
- Over 92% of respondents agreed that they considered their au pair(s) to be a part of their family.
- Over 93% of respondents had kept in touch with former au pairs through letters, text, or social media and over 42% of respondents had visited their au pairs in their home country.
Education and Career
Former host children confirmed that having an au pair inspires a passion for language, travel, and global studies, shaping educational and career aspirations for host children.
“As I begin to apply to college, I’m definitely looking for schools that have international programs, especially in Germany,” said former host child Brynn from Maryland. “Since Germany is where my Au Pairs are from, I know if I go there to travel I will have family to keep me from getting too homesick.”
- Over 55% of respondents agreed that having an au pair helped them learn another language.
- Over 50% of respondents agreed that having an au pair encouraged them to study international affairs, international business, foreign languages, global studies, or a similar course of study.
Methodology: Findings come from a survey of 231 former host children who have participated in the au pair program. The survey was authored by Cultural Care Au Pair and conducted through Survey Monkey.
About the Au Pair Program
An au pair is a young person from abroad who lives with an American family on a legal J-1 cultural exchange visa for up to two years, receiving a weekly stipend, room and board, and educational opportunities in return for providing limited childcare support to their host family. For decades, the au pair program has been an important form of ‘kitchen table diplomacy’ – breaking down cultural barriers and helping young adults become better global citizens.
About Cultural Care Au Pair
Cultural Care Au Pair is the largest designated sponsor of the U.S. State Department-regulated au pair program. For 35 years, we have placed more than 175,000 au pairs in the homes of American host families, creating memories and cross-cultural connections that last a lifetime. For more information about Cultural Care Au Pair, visit
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
