ADVICE NEEDED: Au Pair? Which Agency?

Hi we are considering an Au pair. The list of possible agencies to go through is 3 feet long! I'd really love a recommendation from someone who's been through the process, so if you have or have had an au pair and would recommend the agency you used please let me know which one

thanks for all your help

 

We're actually in the process of searching for our 5th au pair right now. I find it helpful to sign up for a couple agencies and go with the agency that your au pair is partnered with. Currently I'm signed with Cultural Homestay International (CHI), Cultural Care Au Pair (CCAP), and Au Pair in America (APIA). I've already turned off APIA because their customer service annoyed me. I literally feel like a number to them. CHI is very small and very personable. CCAP, so far, has been the greatest (complete opposite of my first go-round with them in 2008). They have a matching coordinator that spend time LISTENING to your wants/needs/desires for an au pair. Then they comb through their vast list of candidates and select the ones that they think match what you want. You also have the ability to search their site yourself. CHI and CCAP have GREAT customer service. CCAP is by far one of the biggest agencies, but you have to understand that no matter what agency you go with, their fees will vary (not too much) and they ALL have to adhere to the same regulations from the Dept of State and Dept of Labor.

I have written a lot on the au pair selection process and am more than happy to share my experiences (both good and bad). Drop me a PM if you'd like more info.