I am thinking about looking for an au pair to come live with us. We would prefer a German speaker.
Can anyone recommend a good agency?
I'm also open to advice about how to screen them, and ensure that both the au pair and the family have a good experience.
Mistakes you have made (or shall we call them "learnings?") are also helpful!
All of my friends who have au pairs went through the state department's educare au pair program.
http://exchanges.state.gov/jexchanges/programs/aupair.html
These 2 are the most commonly used agencies I know:
http://www.aupaircare.com/
http://www.aupairfoundation.org/ap-programs.htm
I would be happy to talk to you about hosting an au pair. I work for an au pair agency. My advice on screening an au pair is to be as honest as possible in your interview with an au pair about your expectations and household set up. That way you will screen out those that are not interested in your type of situation. Also make sure the au pair asks you questions about your family and children, not just about whether she gets to use the car whenever she wants!
Have a look at Au pair Selection Advice. A website by an independent lead au pair community counselor with lots of advice for the entire matching process. From how to pre-screen, to setting selection criteria, to phone interview questions, to how to prepare for an au pair, and how to maintain a solid au pair / host family relationship. All of the ingredients for a successful match.
You also find a "Feature Au pairs" section on the website with many German au pairs.
I've also researched for Au Pair programs and by fair the best assistance I had was with goAUPAIR, it was the only agency I didn't have to talk with a machine and people are so willing to help.Their website is www.goaupair.com and they have a toll free number 888.287.2471. It's worthy it to check it out!
I don't have any experience but I *do* have a friend who runs a program at Quincy College for au pairs and works with a specific agency. She's been involved with them for several years and has hosted several of the au pairs herself. If you will email me, I will forward your information to her! I know she would be happy to help.
Email:
____@____.com
I don't have an agency to recomend, but I do suggest using one. It gives you recourse if she turns out to be less than expected. My husband (when he was still a single dad) tried an au pair on his own and it was a disaster.
Hi There. Cultural Care is the USA's largest aupair agency. I would recommend visiting the following website www.culturalcare.com
Good Luck!
