Only the most qualified candidates are selected to participate in the Au Pair program. During the course of a very detailed screening approach, each candidate is evaluated as to their suitability for placement with an American family. This includes background checks, psychometric testing, work history, and an evaluation of his/her personality and motivation for becoming an Au Pair, as well as objectives for the year are also assessed.
Every prospective Au Pair completes an application and sends it to the Au Pair International office in their home country. If the candidate fits the requirements of the Au Pair Program profile, he/she will be invited to attend a Screening and Orientation Meeting with a local interview leader in his/her country.
Au Pair candidates complete a comprehensive application with detailed information about their education, family background, experience, work history, interests and goals. They also provide specifics about their child care experience and responsibilities, including the ages and genders of the children for whom they have cared. The candidates also include a personal photo collage of family and friends, a letter to their Host Family written in English and three related personal and employment references. All references are carefully checked.
All Au Pair candidates have successfully passed a background investigation that includes verification of school, three, non-family related personal and employment references, a criminal background check (police record or its recognized equivalent) and a personality/psychometric profile (a standardized personality analysis specifically developed as a tool for assessing personalities in different cultures and languages). Each Au Pair must also pass a medical examination by a physician testifying that they are in good health.
An interview is conducted by trained Au Pair International representatives. Each candidate has a personal interview in both English and his/her native language. During the personal interview, we assess English ability, the candidate's personality and motivation for becoming an Au Pair. Each candidate's suitability for placement with an American family is carefully evaluated. The interviewer writes a report outlining their impression of the candidate.
As a prospective Host Family, you will interview the Au Pair and have the opportunity to communicate via email before selecting your Au Pair. You may also have the opportunity to interview his/her references before making your decision.
