“When, if not now?” — if this thought crossed your mind, maybe you just finished high school, need a break from university, or simply want to experience something new. Many people at such moments begin searching for opportunities to go abroad—to fulfill their dreams of travel, see new places, gain valuable experience, or learn a language.
Young people have a unique chance, at this stage of life, to take part in a cultural exchange program. One of the most popular is Au Pair—living with a foreign family in exchange for childcare. You can also choose Work and Travel or a student/school exchange—each of these programs offers different opportunities and experiences. So how do you decide which is best for you?
Program Au Pair in the USA – childcare with a host family
Let’s take a closer look at what characterizes the Au Pair program and what you can achieve through it.
The Au Pair in America program, run by AIFS, is the longest-running Au Pair program in the world, earning years of trust and a strong reputation.
An Au Pair is someone who agrees to live with a host family, usually for 12 months. In exchange for childcare and help with daily household duties, the Au Pair receives accommodation, meals, and pocket money. But the Au Pair program is not just work—it’s above all cultural exchange. The name itself indicates this: the term “Au Pair” comes from French and means “on an equal footing.” Yes, the Au Pair works, but becomes a temporary member of the family, not just an employee.
Advantages of the Au Pair program
- Daily language contact – living with the family gives you a unique chance to immerse yourself in conversational English; you’ll polish your language skills in everyday settings, beyond what a course can offer.
- Explore American culture – living in the U.S. offers a full spectrum of experiences. You learn the American way of life from the inside—shopping, restaurants, and family travels.
- International friendships – you’ll meet other Au Pairs from different countries; these intercultural friendships are invaluable.
- Live abroad affordably – accommodation, meals, insurance, and weekly pocket money that covers personal expenses mean you can live abroad without major costs.
- Gaining childcare experience – beneficial both personally and professionally.
Disadvantages of the Au Pair program
- Limited privacy – living in another person’s home can be a challenge, especially for introverts. You adapt to the family’s routine; sometimes, bathrooms are shared with other family members.
- Childcare responsibilities – you will spend most of your week (around 45 hours) caring for children—school runs, play, meals, homework help etc.
Who is the Au Pair program for?
Suitable for young people who:
- have some childcare experience (e.g., siblings), and like children;
- are communicative and open to new experiences;
- flexible and able to adapt to others;
- want to learn a foreign language and explore another culture.
- In the U.S., having a driving license is also required.
Work and Travel program
If you’re a student with a long summer break dreaming of going to the USA, Work & Travel is a great option. Participants go for a few months during the summer to take seasonal jobs. You can choose sectors like tourism, hospitality, or agriculture. The work and travel are based on the J-1 visa.
Why choose Work & Travel
- Legal work in the USA – you not only earn money but gain international experience that enhances your CV.
- Travel across the USA – if travel is on your bucket list, with W&T you both work and have the chance to explore America.
- Improve English – working and traveling offers vocabulary growth and English practice.
Disadvantages of Work & Travel
- You have upfront costs—visa and flight tickets may be a financial barrier.
- Travel window is short—post-contract you have ~30 days, which may feel limited for U.S. travel.
- The work can be physically exhausting—long shifts in restaurants, parks, or hotels during peak season.
Who is Work and Travel for?
Students who:
- speak conversational English and want to improve it.
- want legal work in the USA;
- dream of traveling the States;
- can cover initial costs (visa + flight);
- understand the physical demands of the work;
Student and school exchanges
Working abroad isn’t the only option. If you’re a student wanting to focus on learning abroad, consider study exchange programs in the USA or Europe.
- Erasmus+ – a leading European student mobility initiative. Study for a semester or full year at a partner university with funding. Sometimes includes U.S. placements.
- High‑school exchange via EF Education First – live with a host family and attend a local school.
Pros and cons of exchange programs
- Pros: Learn in an international environment, improve language, make lifelong friends; boost in university admission or future job prospects.
- Cons: Long time away from family/friends; adapting to a new education system.
Who are exchange programs for?
Those who:
- speak the target language well;
- are independent and not afraid of separation;
- often need good grades and school/university recommendations.
FAQ
Does Au Pair require prior childcare experience?
Yes, informal experience like babysitting siblings is fine.
Will the agency support me during preparation?
Definitely! Easy Travel Abroad staff are past participants—ready to guide you from profile filling to visa interview.
Do Au Pairs take college classes in the U.S.?
Yes! Each participant must complete at least 6 credits; host families supply $500 for accredited courses—linguistic, creative, or business.
