Host Family of the Year Contest 2026

Do you have the BEST host family? Let the world know!

Every year, Au Pair International celebrates one outstanding host family as our Host Family of the Year. This prestigious award is your chance to express gratitude to your host family for welcoming you into their home as a cherished part of their family. Plus, if they win, they’ll receive $500 off their next year’s program fees and a spotlight on our website and social media!

Nominee Eligibility

To participate, the host family must have hosted an au pair during the 2025 calendar year.

What You Need to Submit

Get creative and share why your host family is extraordinary! Your nomination must include:

  • A creative video (.mp4 or .mov, less than 3MB) or 500+ word essay, addressing the topics below.
  • A short statement detailing why your host family should be our next Host Family of the Year.
  • Photos of you with your host family.

Video and Essay Submission Guidelines

We want to hear what makes your host family amazing! In your video, be sure to answer these questions:

  1. What makes your host family truly exceptional? Be creative and show off their awesomeness!
  2. How did your host family help you integrate into American culture?
  3. How did they support you in overcoming challenges during your time in the U.S.?
  4. What unique ways have they helped you experience American culture?
  5. How have they made a meaningful difference in your life?
  6. How has the au pair program impacted your journey?

Important Details

  • Deadline: Submit your nomination by midnight on January 23, 2026.
  • Judging: A panel selected by Au Pair International will review all entries.
  • Ownership: All contest entries, including videos and photos, become the property of Au Pair International, with rights to edit and publish.

What’s in It for the Winning Host Family?

  • $500 off their next year’s program fees
  • Featured recognition on the Au Pair International website and social media as the 2026 Host Family of the Year!




Nominate Your Host Family








Please provide a URL where your video can be accessed for download. Alternatively, you may send the video via email or a file-sharing service like Google Drive to padams@aupairint.com.


As an alternative to providing a nomination video, you may instead choose to prepare a 500+ word essay addressing the topics above.


In a few sentences, tell us what makes your host family truly special and how they’ve enhanced your cultural exchange experience. We’d love to hear about their impact on your journey, the meaningful connection you’ve built with them, and any unforgettable moments that showcase their role in your life and your cultural adventure.


Please upload photos that capture your cultural exchange experience with your host family. We’d love to see moments that highlight the connections you’ve made, the adventures you’ve shared, and the memories that showcase your time together. Alternatively, you may send the photos via email or a file-sharing service like Google Drive to padams@aupairint.com.




Pin It on Pinterest

Share This