Host family

A host family is a family consisting of at least one parent and one child under the age of 18 that invites an au pair from a foreign country for a specified period of time. The au pair lives “on equal terms” with the other members of the family and in return for food, board, and a salary, cares for children and does simple domestic work. Hosting an au pair is considered a program of cultural exchange, by no means an employment contract. Placement of the au pair shall initially be for a period not exceeding one year, but may be extended to permit a maximum stay of two years.

“Au pair” is French for “on par”, reminding host families that their international visitor is to be treated like a member of the family and participate in their day-to-day family routines. The host family should help au pairs receive the benefits of an exchange experience. The family must also be willing to share its own culture to the au pair, reach out to her to help her understand new experiences, and support her in the adjustment and functioning in a new language and culture. In exchange for the host family’s hospitality, the au pair’s responsibility will be to provide child care assistance, including light household duties related to the children.

A potential host family must:

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Wikipedia