Designated in 1989, Go Au Pair is one of the original six sponsoring agencies designated by the US Department of State to operate the Au Pair Program. Starting out as a nanny business, Go Au Pair has been childcare focused since the beginning and continues its full-time focus on childcare by exclusively offering the Au Pair category Bridge USA programme. Over the last 35+ years, we have helped tens of thousands of Au Pairs and families with successful exchange experiences. We are a solid medium-sized agency in terms of volume, which allows us to have personalised service to our host families and au pairs. Our headquarters office remains in its original location in beautiful Salt Lake City, UT.

1. You have been in business for a few years now. How do you think you have had to adapt to changing travel trends and stay relevant in the industry? 

The industry has been impacted by US government regulations, COVID, and general trends of the industry. To adapt, Go Au Pair has emphasised its mission to help host families and au pairsfoster worldwide relationships and achieve their personal goals. We have built systems to more closely integrate our International Representatives, au pairs, host families, headquarters, and Local Area Representatives (LAR). We have also worked on understanding the goals and expectations of both au pairs and host families to enable more successful placement. Also continually reinforcing the goals of the Au Pair Program as a cultural exchange programme and not a work programme.

2. How does your company incorporate cultural immersion opportunities into your Au Pair programmes? (E.g., language classes, cultural exchange activities etc.)?

All of our Local Area Representatives (LAR) are required to conduct at least 7 cultural events in the local area. Many do more. We also work with au pairs and host families to have local educational classes conducted and work with host families for additional driving classes to augment training/experience in their home country.

3. What sort of pre-departure training or resources do you offer potential au pairs to prepare them for cultural differences and social etiquette in the US?

All au pairs are provided with 32 hours of training and the Au Pair Success Workbook. These tools allow au pairs to learn about US cultural differences and social etiquette. We also encourage au pairs and host families to communicate regularly BEFORE the au pair comes to their home—no different than any other member of the family living abroad.

4. With the rise of AI, how do you see the role of AI and technology evolving in the cultural exchange sector in the coming years?

We believe AI can support the matching of au pair and host family by better matching some of the needs of both parties. Even so, there are many personality traits that need to be evaluated by the individuals to finally ensure the “chemistry“ feels right.

5. What sets Go Au Pair apart from its competitors?

Our core values are integrity and providing personal service to our au pairs and host families. We realise both au pairs and host families have goals/objectives for the programme. To be successful in a placement, both parties need to meet their personal expectations. Our Successful Placement Questionnaire (SPQ) provided to all au pairs and host families goes well beyond typical applications to allow both to best determine if the family is right for the au pair AND the au pair is right for the family.