GENERAL INFORMATION

A. AUPAIR USA AND ITS HISTORY

We are international cooperators for InterExchange who since 1989 have been designated by the United States Government to sponsor the Aupair USA Program. Aupair USA is the third largest Aupair program in the United States and it is rapidly expanding due to overwhelming demand for Aupair services on the part of American families. Currently the organization places more than 1400 Aupairs across the United States

Aupair programs were established in response to then President Ronald Reagan's International Youth Exchange Initiative. It was designed to facilitate cultural exchange between American families and young international visitors between 18 and 26, who otherwise would not have the opportunity to visit the United States. Aupair programs are authorised by a branch of the U.S. State Department, which issues program regulations and monitors the activities of the programs currently operating in the United States. The government's goal for this "Exchange Visitor Program" is to provide young people with an opportunity to learn about American culture, improve English language skills and to assist host families with childcare while living with a family as an "on par" family member for a twelve-month cultural exchange.

Aupair means "on par" or equal and as a family member, Aupairs participate in daily American family life which, once the year ends, often leads to a long lasting relationship. There are three groups of individuals who strive to make the Au Pair experience a success for all parties. These include the U.S. based staff, the Local Coordinators and the International Co-operators.

In order to support the many host families and Aupairs taking part in the Aupair USA program, the organisation maintains a professional staff in New York City. The staff are structured into functional areas including Placement, Logistics, Marketing, and Field Support and Transitions.

In addition, a large network of Local Coordinators (or field representatives), make it possible to provide the best support and service to our host families and Aupairs. The Local Coordinator lives in the same community as the Aupairs and provides activities and cultural opportunities for them to enjoy throughout the year.

Lastly, the Aupair USA team consists of the International Co-operator. The Co-operator's promotion, recruitment and screening efforts are crucial to the on-going success of Aupair USA.

B. AUPAIR PROGRAM GUIDELINES AND REGULATIONS