WHAT CAN I EXPECT?

An au pair is someone who is qualified to care for children and is able to take sole charge. Needs to have a drivers license & own car. May live in or live out. Organises and carries out children daily routine, including such duties as fetching the child/children from school, taking them to any extra-mural activities, supervision of homework and stimulating educational activities. Does not do housework unless it is child related.

DESTINATIONS - LOCAL/USA?

Trading Places can connect local young people with host families in either Durban SA, or in the USA.

LOCAL

Just to re-cap, the requirements of the program are as follows:

1. 18 yrs + (although families are happier with girls generally older than 19)
2. Drivers license & own car essential!!
3. 2 childcare references (preferably non-family) or if 1 very good one, then fine
4. Of benefit would be some childcare training and first aid related courses
5. Girls studying to be teachers are most welcome

Once you feel you meet the above requirements then you would need to contact us at Trading Places to set up an appointment for an interview.

You would need to bring the following documentation with you to the interview so that we can place you with a local family:

1. 2 I.D. photos
2. Copy drivers license & I.D. These must be certified.
3. 2 Written childcare refs
4. Dear Family Letter (address as follows: “Dear Family, my name is Sharon ...”
   This is generally a letter about you. Mention brothers, sisters, hobbies, what you are studying, why they want to Au Pair etc ...)
5. C.V.
6. Additional things like first aid certificates

If you do not have the 2 childcare references but did well at school, bring along your school testimonial.

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USA

I deal with an Agency in the United States called 'Inter Exchange'. They are the 3rd largest Au Pairing agency in the USA and have been in business for the last 30 years.  

Just to re-confirm, the requirements of the program are as follows: 

1. 18 - 26 yrs of age.
2. Driver’s license.
3. Matric certificate.
4. At least 2 written childcare ref’s from non-family members, preferably totalling more than 200 hrs of childcare experience  

Once you have all of the above the next step would be to register, this will cost you R 300.00. At this stage, I would have to meet you. 

Once you have been placed with a family in the USA - and at the time of collecting your papers from me that would enable you to obtain your J1 visa - you will then be liable to pay a program share fee of $550.00 (converted at whatever rate of exchange is applicable at the time).

A portion of this $550.00 goes towards airfares, medical insurance and your 4 night hotel stay plus training in New York.
The minimum time that you are required to stay with the family is 12 months, and maximum 24 months.
If you come back before your 12 months is up, you will be liable for your airfare home (otherwise the cost of the return airfare is covered in the $550).

You will be given an extended month for travel if you wish, therefore you can stay for up to 13 months.
It is also compulsory that you study while in the USA and the family will pay $500.00 towards a study course of your choice. You will receive a weekly pay of $176.85 working with children 2 years and older, or $180.00 per week for children under 2 years old.

There is a support structure in place in the USA to help with any problems that you may experience during your stay (they are called your local co-ordinators).

There is a shortage of girls wishing to work with children under the age of 2 years, therefore if you wish to work with this age group you can be guaranteed an immediate placement. You will need to have 200 hrs of childcare experience with children under the age of 2 years.

Please note that all costs except the cost of the visa is covered in the above fee structure. The cost of the visa at the moment is +- R700.00.

I hope the above answers most of your questions, but should you require any additional information or would like me to post you a brochure please feel free to contact me.