Author: International Care, Ltd
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February 9, 2026 · 1 min read
Meet Annika 2026 Au Pair of the Year finalist from South Africa
Learn how au pair Annika a has made an impact on her host family and her new community during her time in the USA!
Each year, the Au Pair of the Year contest highlights the incredible individuals who leave lasting impacts on their host families and bring the magic of cultural exchange to life. Being a great au pair goes beyond providing childcare—it means sharing your language and traditions, while also learning about the USA and stepping outside of your comfort zone.
A Chance Meeting That Became Forever: Annika’s Story Started on a Holiday
Annika’s host family met her in the most unexpected way—during a month-long trip to South Africa, when they found her through a Facebook group to help care for their toddler. What could have been transactional quickly became natural and meaningful. When the time came to find childcare back home in San Francisco, California, Annika was the obvious choice—and she proved that the connection they felt on vacation was even stronger in real life.
“It felt less like onboarding someone new and more like welcoming back a familiar presence.”
The moment Annika chose to celebrate her birthday with “just family” said everything: she values closeness, connection, and belonging. Her host family says they can’t imagine life without her.
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