For over 35 years, we have been creating meaningful connections that change lives, building global families, and opening hearts to the world
Au Pair Agency for South Africans
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Our mission: To build a community of global families with the power to change the world
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Our story
Since 1989, we’ve held a simple but powerful belief: that bringing people together across cultures creates understanding, empathy, and lasting change. What started as a small cultural exchange program has grown into the largest and most trusted au pair organization in America—backed by decades of experience in cultural exchange and a deep commitment to every match we make.
We began when a group of passionate educators and cultural exchange advocates saw an opportunity to help American families access flexible, caring childcare while giving young people from around the world the chance to experience life in the United States. From our very first match, we knew we were creating something special: not just a childcare arrangement or an exchange year abroad, but genuine family bonds that would last a lifetime.
Over the decades, more than 175,000 au pairs have trusted us to help them find their perfect host family, build confidence, and create memories that last forever.
Our vision
We envision a world where cultural exchange is a path to understanding, growth, and connection. We believe your au pair year should transform you and create ripples of empathy and openness that extend far beyond a single year.
As an au pair, you will discover confidence you did not know you had. You will build a second family on the other side of the world. You will learn what you are truly capable of. And when you go home, you will carry those lessons with you for the rest of your life.
Our vision is simple: to build a community of global families with the power to change the world.
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Why trust Cultural Care?
Cultural Care is a leading au pair agency for South Africans going to the USA. Since 1989, we've helped more than 175,000 au pairs travel to America for a life-changing cultural exchange. Unlike local SA agencies, we're designated by the U.S. Department of State to sponsor the J-1 Au Pair Program and recognised by IAPA, so you're matched, prepared and protected under strict U.S. program standards. With a global team largely made up of former au pairs and dedicated support in South Africa before you travel, and Local Childcare Consultants in the US, you're never on your own if you need support.
175,000+
au pairs have trusted us with their adventure
35+
years helping au pairs discover themselves
20+
recruitment countries of au pairs
+50%
of our recruitment staff are former au pairs (we have been where you are!)
1,000+
Local Childcare Consultants ready to support you near your host family home
4.7/5
TrustPilot review rating from au pairs that have travelled with us
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A brief history
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1989
Cultural Care Au Pair was founded and our first group of au pairs depart for the U.S. to live with families in Boston, Chicago and Los Angeles.
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1990s
Regulations around the au pair program established in the USA, setting high standards for program quality and safety.
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2000s
The au pair program gains popularity, introduces 12-month extensions, and expands to include au pairs from all over world.
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2010s
Cultural Care Kids First Foundation launched to enrich the lives of children in need around the world, and we launched the Ambassador program to empower our au pair community.
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Today
With 175,000+ au pairs placed and four-time winners of the International Au Pair Awards, Cultural Care Au Pair is the largest and most trusted program in the U.S.
Our core values
When you choose Cultural Care, here is what you can count on
We live the program
Many of our staff have been host parents or au pairs themselves, giving them a firsthand understanding of the program’s impact and a deep commitment to creating the best possible experience for families and au pairs.
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Amanda
Former au pair
From au pair to Director in Latin America she was driven by personal transformation and a passion for helping others.
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Natalia
Former au pair
Her passion for the program is rooted in her own experience as an au pair and over 15 years with Cultural Care.
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Amy
Former host mom
After hosting 12 au pairs from five countries, Amy believes that great host families aren’t born; they’re made!
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Hélène
Former au pair
Inspired by her own time as an au pair, she now helps others discover the Cultural Care experience.
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Johanna
Former au pair
Based in Switzerland, she leads sales across several countries, fostering meaningful cultural exchanges.
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Samantha
Former host mom
Her personal passion for quality childcare is based on 13 years of experience as a host mom to au pairs.
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Lauren
Former host mom
With firsthand experience as a nine-time host mom, Lauren brings real-world understanding to the process.
Cultural Care Kids First Foundation
We believe in the importance of giving back by enriching the lives of children around the world. Our Kids First initiatives include funding a STEM school for girls in South Africa and an urban garden for at-risk youth in Mexico City.
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Our community of au pairs
“My au pair experience in the U.S. has had an amazing impact on my life after returning home.
I learned so much and grew so much personally, now I have an incredible job and I have the program to thank for. Not only the experience of being there and indulging in the culture, but also being constantly learning the language really helped me with my career and I absolutely adore what I am doing now. I am a Spanish interpreter and help people in the US who does not speak in English to communicate!"
Luciana, au pair from Argentina
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“The time as an au pair in the U.S. completely changed my life.
Seeing that there is a whole world out there makes me want to leave home again, but this time with more confidence and as a different person. I’ve grown so much from this journey. One lesson that still stays with me is that leaving is hard, but it is so worth it; you really have to get out of your comfort zone to grow. 🌱"
Logan, au pair from South Africa
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“The best thing about being an au pair is meeting new people and getting to know their culture.
It is so easy to find new friends during your stay! Besides finding new friends, your host family is definitely the best part about being an au pair. Strangers turn into family, your host kids turn into your siblings and the memories you make together will forever stay in your heart❤️"
Mia, au pair from Germany
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"What I like most about being an au pair is connecting with others!
It is incredible how people you don’t know become a family and same with friends, I love having friends from all over the world. My perspective on the world completely changed, and I also became a more independent person. Things you don’t learn in school, like driving and cooking, I learned while being in the program."
Carmen, au pair from Mexico
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Frequently asked questions about au pair agencies
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