Hello I want to be an aupair

Hello everyone, love the forum by the way just what I was looking for.
I am lissy I am 20 years old and I am a trainee teacher in my 3 year and the course is 4 years so i'm pretty close to having no life haha. I decided that this summer I really want to aupair in the US just cause I love the country and would love the experience of becoming part of an american family for the summer, also I love children, so much i want to work with them as a career. I have so much childcare experience i thought it seemed pretty obvious to use this and travel at the same time.
I am planning to do my summer aupair with the company Aupair in america, just basically for the security, as I know the family is checked and i know I will be properly prepared for the experience, I've heard people on here say never to go with agencies to find a family by yourself.
Anyway basically, tell me, Is aupairing a worthwhile experience, tell me the pro's and the cons of what I am about to embark on!!!
xxx

Does anyone have any insight on being an Aupair whatsoever? Come on most of you are Aupairs or Nanny's already arent you!? x

Lissy

Going through an agency is great. I went through Au Pair in America and I'm glad I did......but they don't do short term placements. The minimum stay is 12 months. So going through an agency probably wont be good for you as all are for 12 months.

I wish you luck in finding a family for the summer.

Erin

Hi, I was an au-pair in the UK, so I don't have my own experience with that, but I will tell what I've heard.
You can't be an au-pair in the USA wihout an agency. It's illegal. You can find your family somewhere else, if you want, but you have to register with an official American agency (there are 6 of them -

• American Institute for Foreign Study AIFS
  
• AuPairCare
  
• Educational Foundation for Foreign Study EF
  
• EUR Au Pair Intercultural Child Care Programs
  
• Exploring Culture and Learning Go Au Pair
  
• Interexchange Au Pair
  

I think you can go for summer, too, but I am not sure.

Yeah thanks guys, I've already done research into agencies so I know which agency I am going with. I am choosing to go with Interexchange aupair usa programme, they offer a 3 month Summer placement which is perfect for me. I was looking more for advice in general, maybe if you could give me your best experience and worst experience whilst aupairing in America. If a few people provide me with this info then I will get a wide website! you guys are great and were all in the same position, have been or will be! xx