Improving Management & Practice in Au Pair Industry: Systems Overview, from a Central Europe–U.S. Perspective

Abstract

Recruiting agencies in Central Europe partner with various companies in the Unit­ed States to place young women and men (ages 18–26) from their countries into the homes of U.S. families as au pairs, i.e., live-in child care providers. Ideally, the arrangement combines cultural exchange with useful services, to the benefit of all. However, many “matches” do not go well. In over one-fourth of the cases surveyed for this paper, the au pair did not complete the agreed-upon stay with the U.S. host family, often leaving at the family’s insistence. These failures are harmful to the persons involved as well as to the Central European recruiting agencies and the U.S. companies they work with. This paper examines how suc­cess rates could be improved through better practices by all concerned. Success factors include: setting realistic expectations for au pair candidates and host families, coaching them for online interviews (including optimum use of the tech­nology), and providing strong follow-up support. Research for the paper included a survey of U.S. host families and comparative studies of sources such as news reports, academic publications, public websites used in the au pair industry, and other materials. Background. Recruiting agencies in Central Europe partner with various com­panies in the United States to place young women and men (ages 18−26) from their countries into the homes of U.S. families as au pairs, i.e., live-in child care providers. Ideally, the arrangement combines cultural exchange with useful ser­vices, to the benefit of all. However, in over one-fourth of the cases surveyed for this paper, the au pair did not complete the agreed-upon stay with the U.S. host family, often leaving at the family’s insistence. Research aims. This paper examines how success rates could be improved through better practices. Success factors include: setting realistic expectations for au pair candidates and host families, coaching them for online interviews and providing strong follow-up support. Methodology. A survey of U.S. host families and comparative studies of multiple sources, e.g., news reports, academic publications, public websites from au pair industry. Key findings. A successful placement gives the au pair valuable career experience, enhances the home country’s human capital and its image abroad, helps Central European agents recruit further good candidates. Failures impose financial losses, burdens on all parties. It can damage the au pair’s morale and create obstacles in one’s path to a productive career.