Medical Report completed by a qualified physician (if he/she has not already done so) and he/she must pursue getting this report to Aupair USA as soon as possible.

Also during this time period the Aupair must secure an international driver's license so that he/she can legally drive in the United States. An international driver's license is only valid for 12 months; therefore it is important that the Aupair obtains it just prior to his/her departure. It cannot be obtained in the U.S.

It is extremely important for the co-operator to be able to reach a matched Aupair in the weeks prior to his/her departure, as numerous travel details will require attention. Aupairs should notify the Co-operator should he/she go on holiday, how long he/she may be away and if there is an alternative telephone number to reach him/her during this time period.

The Co-operator should encourage Aupairs to write a letter to their Host Family to let them know that he/she is looking forward to spending a year with them. A special note to the children is always welcome and families would enjoy receiving photographs as well.

Departure dates and deadlines for matching with a Host Family

Departure dates are scheduled by Aupair USA and shared with Host Families as part of their program materials. Generally Host Family wish to have an Aupair arrive on a particular date as it coincides with the departure of their current Aupair or caregiver. Each departure date has a corresponding placement "cut off" date (i.e. the last day for a Host Family to match with an Aupair for a particular departure date and notify the Local Coordinator who in turn will contact Aupair USA staff). These dates vary by country and may be anywhere from three weeks prior to a scheduled departure date to five weeks. These cut off dates are established to allow sufficient time for an Aupair to secure his/her J-1 visa.

THE YEAR ABROAD

A.     THE TRAINING/ORIENTATION PROGRAM IN NEW YORK

The Training/Orientation Program in New York must be attended by all Aupairs, this is a U.S. Government requirement, and it may not be missed for any reason.

Aupair USA provides a through, hands-on child development and safety training program for Aupairs upon arrival in the United States. The training program is intense and the content exceeds government requirements for Aupair program training. The program begins on the Tuesday morning following the Aupair's New York arrival on Monday. Classes are held at the New Yorker Hotel located in midtown Manhattan. The size of the class will vary, depending on the time of the year, with the largest groups in the summer months.