Are you ready to explore the United States while gaining valuable international experience? The Au Pair in America Program is an exciting cultural exchange opportunity that allows young South Africans to live with an American host family, care for their children, and experience everyday life in the U.S. With the chance to travel, study, and connect with au pairs from all over the world, this program is the perfect mix of work, adventure, and personal growth.
As an au pair, you’ll have the unique opportunity to:
To qualify for the Au Pair in America Program, applicants must meet the following criteria:
The Au Pair in America Program is more than just travel — it’s about cultural exchange, building confidence, and creating memories that last a lifetime.
Becoming an au pair isn’t just about loving kids – it’s about showing that you’ve already got what it takes to care, connect, and create memorable moments with them. The great news? You don’t need to be a professional nanny to qualify — your everyday experiences with children can open the door to your American adventure.
Here are some fun and relatable ways you can build (and prove) your childcare experience:
👶 Babysitting: Whether you’ve looked after the neighbour’s little ones on a Friday night or helped out family friends over the weekend, those hours count!
🏫 Nursery work: If you’ve worked in a crèche or nursery, guiding toddlers through playtime and early learning, you’ve already gained valuable au pair skills.
💙 Volunteering with children: Helping in children’s hospitals, Sunday schools, or charities? That experience shows heart, patience, and responsibility.
🎨 Holiday camps or after-school clubs: From sports coaching to arts & crafts, running activities with groups of kids proves you can keep children safe, engaged, and smiling.
✨ The key is that your experience must be with children outside of your own family, and references will need to come from people who can vouch for your childcare skills.
So, if you’ve ever babysat, volunteered, or worked with kids in your community – guess what? You’ve already started building the foundation to become an au pair in America. Combine that with your adventurous spirit, and you’re ready to live like a local, travel, and make global friendships that last a lifetime. 🌍💫
Starting your au pair journey is a big step — and at iLiketravel, we believe your adventure should begin in one of the most iconic cities in the world: New York City. Our exclusive orientation program gives you the perfect launchpad to settle in, gain confidence, and connect with fellow au pairs before meeting your host family.
During this 3-day orientation, you’ll:
🗽 Learn about life in the USA — from cultural tips to everyday essentials, we’ll prepare you for a smooth transition.
🤝 Meet other au pairs from around the world — build friendships and networks that will support you throughout your journey.
💡 Get expert training & support — covering childcare, safety, and cultural adjustment, so you feel ready and confident.
🌍 Experience New York City — explore the sights and energy of the Big Apple, making your first days in America unforgettable.
What makes this orientation special? It’s exclusive to iLiketravel. Unlike other agencies, we ensure your first stop in the U.S. isn’t just about training — it’s about creating an experience you’ll treasure for life. Standing in front of the Statue of Liberty with new friends isn’t just a photo moment, it’s the start of your American story.
With iLiketravel, you don’t just arrive — you arrive prepared, connected, and inspired.
The Extraordinaire Program is designed for experienced childcare providers who can offer even more to their host families. While it includes all the features of the standard Au Pair in America program, there are additional requirements and extra benefits just for you.
Additional Requirements
To qualify for the Extraordinaire Program, you must have:
Extra Benefits
By choosing the Extraordinaire option, you’ll receive:
The Extraordinaire Program is perfect for those who want to take their childcare expertise to the next level while still enjoying all the amazing cultural exchange, travel, and adventure opportunities that come with being an au pair in America.
At iLiketravel, we are proud to be an official partner of Au Pair in America (AIFS) — one of the global leaders in cultural exchange programs. With decades of experience and an excellent reputation in the industry, AIFS has been helping young people explore the world, gain international experience, and grow personally and professionally. Partnering with such a trusted organization ensures that every participant we send is in safe hands and supported throughout their journey.
We are also proudly affiliated with IAPA (International Au Pair Association), the leading worldwide trade association for au pair organizations. Choosing a company affiliated with IAPA means you are choosing security, credibility, and quality. IAPA sets high standards for ethical practices, participant care, and program delivery, so you can have peace of mind knowing your cultural exchange experience is backed by an organization that protects your interests.
By choosing iLiketravel, you’re not only choosing a company that cares, but also one that is recognized, regulated, and trusted worldwide.
