in a Aupair. While applicants need to communicate well upon arrival as they will be left alone with the children shortly after arrival.

·        Strong Driving Skills

America is a land of automobiles. Most Host Families live in suburban areas outside of the major cities where public transportation is limited. Americans drive everywhere and most Aupairs will have responsibility for driving the children. Families expect their children to be safe in the car and they look for Aupairs with driving experience. Applicants, who have just passed their driving test with little or no actual driving experience may not be accepted by the program. In fact, this issue is so important to families that applicants to the Aupair USA program should have had a minimum of 50 hours (of actual driving time) experience before applyingto the program. In addition, Aupairs are required to obtain an international drivers license just prior to his/her departure for the United States and often they will be required to take a test in the U.S. to gain an American drivers license in the State in which they are placed.

·        Good Physical and Mental Health

Physically healthy Aupairs in good physical condition is a quality which many families find important as it is often physically challenging to keep up with the demands of active young children. Emotionally healthy Aupairs Who can deal with the stress of adapting to a new culture is also important to prospective Host Families.

·        Strong Family Relationship

Experienced Host Families find that Aupairs who have close ties to their parents, siblings and extended family often integrate in to a family setting better than those who do not have such close relationships. Applicants who indicate throughout his/her application that they have positive, close family relationships may be of interest to more prospective Host Families.

·        Diverse interests, hobbies and an active lifestyle

High energy, enthusiastic Aupairs fit well into the fast-paced lifestyle common in many American families. Some families look for applicants with interests and hobbies similar to their own (i.e. skiing, swimming, music). Others simply may feel that active Aupairs are more likely to have the energy required to be able to keep up with the children.

·        Applicants who know where they are going in their lives

Americans tend to be goal oriented. Applicants who demonstrate, through their application, that they have some sense as to where their life is headed are often more attractive to prospective Host Families than those who do not. Applicants who appear to be joining the Aupair program for lack of any other option will be of less interest to Host Families. Americans value education and some families may request Aupairs who are currently in university or applicants who intend to return to university after spending a year in the United States.