From 2005, it has become much easier for Chinese students to obtain a visa to study or participate on student exchange programs in the USA. An increasingly popular option for Chinese girls is to participate in an au-pair program for one year in the USA. It is a great opportunity to learn English and to get to know an American family and their way of life.

To qualify, applicants must be between the ages of 18 and 26. Applicants must provide two childcare rerences, one character rerence, a medical report and a police clearance report. In addition, applicants must be interviewed in English, complete a personality profile test and show proof of secondary school education.

After first arriving in the US, the au pair organization will organize an orientation and training program. During this, au pairs learn Child Development for Newborns through Age 12, Communicating with Children, Age-Appropriate Activities, culture shock and Insurance, J-1 Visas and Program Regulation. In addition, au pairs will also learn the following items regarding children safety: First Aid, CPR and Rescue Breathing, Accident Prevention Awareness and car, Fire, Toy, Indoor and Outdoor Safety.

Au-pairs spend up to 45 hours per week of caring for the children, including preparing meals and packing lunches, bathing, cleaning play area, children s laundry and making beds. Au pairs are also expected to clean up after themselves and behave as an extended member of the host family. It must be emphasized that au-pairs are not cleaners, they are treated as an extended member of the host family. Other than picking up after the children, preparing snacks, lunches, children s laundry and performing regular chores, it is not acceptable for the au pair to clean the entire house, do the family laundry or to regularly prepare meals for the entire family. Au pairs always have their own bedroom.

A Driver s license is not a requirement of an au-pair in the USA, but almost all host families require that their au pair be a safe and experienced driver. If you are a good driver, it will be easier for you to find a host family. In most American cities it is necessary to drive.

Au pairs on J-1 Exchange Visitor visa must complete 6 credit hours at an accredited educational institution, which is typically English tuition.

Au-pairs are paid about $140 per week plus room, board and up to $500 toward 6 credits at an accredited educational institution. They au-pair organization will also purchase medical insurance for the girl. The au-pair program lasts for 1 year. An extension option is available for an additional 6, 9 or 12 months if agreed upon by the au pair and the host family. Extensions must also be approved by the U.S. Department of State

After the au pair successfully completes their time with their host family, au pairs may stay in the United States on the J-1 visa for 1 more month of travel. Au pairs may not work during the travel period. Au pairs may travel freely within the United States. If traveling out of the United States with the host family, the au pair must research and comply with the specific visa rules and regulations of the destination country prior to departure. An au pair must carry her/his DS2019 form at all times.

Girls from other parts of Asia have been going to the USA as au-pairs for many years now. It has proved to be an exciting new way to learn a new language and a foreign culture. This activity is an increasing trend in China now.

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