Au Pair USA: Celebrating 30 Years of Bringing International Understanding into the Homes of American Families
Since 1989, Au Pair USA has connected American families with international au pairs to create immersive, life-changing cultural exchange experiences. We are proud to have been among the first group of U.S. Department of State-designated sponsors of this amazing program, as well as a founding member of the International Au Pair Association (IAPA).
It’s been 30 years since we made our first au pair-host family connections, and we believe more than ever in the power of Au Pair USA’s ability to bring international understanding into the homes of American families and communities across the USA.
Our Impact, by the Numbers60,000+
American kids introduced to cultures of the world
20,000+
International
au pair alumni
40+
Countries
represented
60,000+
American kids introduced to cultures of the world
20,000+
International
au pair alumni
40+
Countries
represented
Read Our History
In 1968, following their belief that living and working abroad should be a part of everyone’s personal education, Uta and Paul Christianson began International Student Visitor Services, the organization that would become InterExchange. We celebrated our 50th anniversary in 2018.
When the U.S. Department of State created the Au Pair exchange program in 1989, Uta and Paul recognized how beneficial au pair agencies in the USA could be, and how the program was a perfect fit for InterExchange and its nonprofit mission. Au Pair USA was born.
As a native of Germany, Uta believed that the European tradition of families hosting au pairs provides one of the most rewarding ways for young people to travel, experience a new culture, and enhance language skills. She also knew that when young children are exposed to new cultures and learn new languages, it can have a transformative effect on their futures. Quality childcare has long been expensive and difficult to obtain in the US, and there simply weren’t many au pair programs in the USA. Uta believed that the Au Pair Agency USA would be a program with incredible mutual benefit for au pairs and host families alike.
Thirty years later, her vision has proved true. At Au Pair USA, we’re motivated every day to help simplify the world of live-in childcare for thousands of American families while creating friendships between au pairs and their host kids and parents that last a lifetime.
1968
International Student Visitor Services (ISVS) is founded
1973
ISVS becomes United States Student Travel Services (USSTS)
1986
U.S. Information Agency launches “pilot” au pair program.
1988
USSTS becomes InterExchange, Inc.
1989
InterExchange launches Au Pair USA
1994
Au Pair USA becomes a founding member of the International Au Pair Association (IAPA) to advocate for best practices and standards among au pair agencies around the world.
1998
InterExchange greatly expands its coverage of the USA and exchange opportunities to more families and au pairs
2010
Au Pair USA wins the IAPA Au Pair of the Year award.
2012
Au Pair USA launches online matching system to provide families and au pairs transparency into the matching process.
2014
Au Pair USA celebrates its 25th anniversary.
2019
Au Pair USA enters its fourth decade stronger than ever!
Hosting an au pair gives you an extra set of eyes, ears, and hands to help you manage your busy life. At Au Pair USA, we’ve made becoming a host family as simple as possible. Just utilize our easy online system to be matched in only a few short days!
