As an International Co-operator, it is important to evaluate each Aupair candidate for her communication and problem solving abilities. A candidate who is unable to effectively communicate during his/her interview will have great difficulty once he/she arrives in the United States, particularly if his/her native language is not English.

Aupairs who are most successful communicating with their Host Families have many of the following traits:

·        Good command of the English language, (both spoken and written) and general comprehension

·        The ability to maintain eye contact and focus on what is being said

·        The ability to rephrase and restate what has been said to ensure complete understanding; willingness to ask questions.

·        Willingness to make mistakes (and in some cases be corrected) in order to be understood

·        An understanding that American cultural values are different than those in the Aupair's home country and that this affects the way Americans communicate.

Good communication between the Host Family and the Aupair is critical to the success of the placement. The Host Family and the Aupair should set aside time each day to talk to one another about the day's activities. The Aupair and the Host Family should both agree to solve problems as they arise so that they do not become major problems.

The Local Coordinator will be speaking with the Aupair and the Host Family on regular basis to make sure that the match is proceeding smoothly. The Local Coordinator will contact the Aupair within 48 hours of his/her arrival at the Host Family's home and meet with him/her within the first two weeks. Similarly, the Local Coordinator will be in contact with the Host Family. Thereafter, the Local Coordinator will call or meet with the Aupair each month. The monthly meeting often provides this opportunity.

Aupair's are strongly encouraged to approach the Host Family with any concerns they have about their relationship or their role in the family's home. Aupairs should talk directly to their Host Family about issues or problems as a family as would prefer to hear about these concerns from the Aupair rather than from the Local Coordinator, a neighbour or other Host Families and Aupairs. The Host Family/Au Pair relationship is built on trust and a host family cannot help resolve the problem or address a concern if they are unaware that it exists. Frequently, the problem stems from nothing more than simple miss-communication that can easily be addressed.

If the problem escalates and the Aupair feels that he/she needs help from someone outside the family or if he/she feels too uncomfortable to approach the Host Family about a problem, the Local Coordinator is there to provide support. The Aupair should feel at ease with the Local Coordinator and may contact his/hers at any time during the year. Local Coordinators are required to facilitate communication and act as mediators. They have difficult role to play. They must be equally supportive of both the Host Family and the Aupair.