Host Family Qualifications
One of the most important host family characteristics is not only the need for childcare, but for the family to incorporate
and treat the au pair as a family member. Including the au pair in family leisure activities and family events, reinforces
CHI Au Pair USA's goal of promoting intercultural sharing and exchange.
Other host family requirements include:
• Host parents are U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents.
• English is the primary language spoken in the home.
• Family has adequate financial resources to support hosting an au pair for 12 months.
• Family agrees to a personal interview by a CHI representative.
• Family supplies character references for background check.
• Family reads and agrees to the U.S. Department of State' Exchange Visitor Program regulations.
The Host Family Provides:
• Private room and meals.
• A stipend of $195.75 paid per week.
• Up to $500 in tuition toward completing the au pair's required program educational component.
• Automobile insurance coverage if the au pair is expected to drive.
• Two weeks paid vacation; one full weekend off per month.
The Host Family Agrees to:
• Schedule no more than 10 hours of childcare per day; no more than 45 hours per week.
• Participate in at least one CHI sponsored Family Day event with the au pair during the year.
• Be available for monthly follow-ups conducted by the CHI
Au Pair USA coordinator.
What is the Educational Component?
Au pairs are required to take approved classes at an accredited post-secondary institution. A total of six semester units must be earned to fulfill the mandated educational component of the program.
As a condition for a family to host an au pair in a cultural exchange visitor program, the family is required to:
1) Help facilitate the enrollment and attendance in classes at a post-secondary educational institution.
2) Ensure that the au pair has adequate transportation to attend classes.
3) Pay up to $500 toward the costs of required academic course work. Any additional expenses, above and beyond the $500,
associated with acquiring the six academic credits are to be absorbed by the au pair.
