Go Au Pair Review 2026: What the Experience Is Really Like for Au Pairs in the U.S.
If you’re thinking about becoming an au pair in the United States, you’ve probably already worked out that it is about so much more than just childcare. It’s about the experience of living abroad, adapting to a new culture, and becoming part of a family’s everyday life for an extended period of time. It is not something you could or should do on a whim, and that’s where Go Au Pair Comes in.
Go Au Pair prides itself on being neither an employer or a recruiter but a sponsor and support organization that helps potential au pairs connect with the right families as part of a regulated cultural exchange program. Below, we are going to review them and what you can expect if you decide to be a participant in their program in 2026.
A cultural exchange first and foremost
One of the most important things to get to grips with about Go Au Pair is that they are structured differently to many similar programs in that you do not work for them. They are simply there to sponsor you and make sure you are supported throughout your stay in America and your time as an au pair. Day-to-day, it will be your host family that you need to work with and become a part of.
This means that they can help you to become an au pair, but they will not be paying you like an employee. Your host family, who you live with day to day will be the ones responsible for paying you a modest weekly stipend, and providing you with meals and accommodation, as well as a contribution towards your ongoing education.
This is a way of doing things that we think works well because it means that you truly become a part of your host family and get to know them, as well as the wider community well. It’s truly a cultural experience and not a job as we know it and that’s kind of the point.
Getting started
Applying to be an au pair through Go Au Pair is not a quick process, but you really should not let this put you off because it means that they are being thorough and taking the time to ensure that things go smoothly for you and your host family.
You will be asked to go through eligibility checks, interviews and background screening, as well as creating a profile, before you can be matched with a host family. But, there is no need to worry because local representatives will always be on hand to guide you through the process and answer any questions you may have, as well as helping you with paperwork such as visa applications.
It’s always better to make sure that you’ve made the right decision and chosen the right family, and Go Au Pair’s application and matching process does just that.
Finding the right host family
Matching with a host family is so important, and it is handled with flexibility by the Go Au Pair team. Au pairs are able to review family profiles, ask questions and join video interviews to get to know them before making a decision.
These conversations are invaluable and cover way more than looking after the kids. They take into account daily schedules, what the location is like and other lifestyle preferences, so it is possible for you to make a really good decision before making a match. Because au pairs live with their host families, compatibility matters more than credentials alone, and the process takes this into account.
Some matches are pretty fast while others will take a bit longer, especially if the au pair has very specific preferences about location or the type of family they want to live with, so it pays to be patient, but the process does work, and a match will be found.
Living in the US
Many of the au pairs matched by GO Au Pairs have found the experience of living in the United States to be much different to how they imagined, but in a good way. When they live day to day with one host family in a community, they tend to find that life is much more relaxed, people are morewelcoming, snf they get a real feel for what America is actually like, rather than just the media depictions of it.
Support through the program
One area where Go Au Pair stands out is via the ongoing support they offer their participants. Once au pairs arrive in the U.S., they are not left to manage challenges on their own. Local coordinators regularly check in, organise meetings with other au pairs, and step in if issues arise with a host family. This can be really invaluable in the adjustment period when au pairs might feel homesick, unsure, or confused about the loal culture. Having a neutral point of contact helps resolve issues before they become overwhelming.
While independence is encouraged, the program provides a safety net that makes a long stay abroad feel more manageable.
Financial and educational structure
Au pairing is not designed to be a high-earning opportunity, and Go Au Pair is transparent about that. Au pairs receive a weekly stipend from their host family, but the real value comes from having accommodation and meals fully covered.
Many au pairs choose to take classes at local colleges, improve their English, or explore subjects that support their long-term goals. This educational requirement reinforces the program’s exchange-based purpose, and offers a greater opportunity for persoanl development than just being immersed in the culture alone.
Pros and Cons
Now, let’s take a quick look at the pros and cons of Go Au Pair to sum up the experience:
Pros
- Deep cultural immersion through family life
- Clear structure and ongoing support
- Room, board, stipend, and education included
- Opportunity to experience everyday American life
- Emphasis on learning and personal growth
Cons
- Not a traditional job or fast way to earn money
- Requires flexibility and emotional resilience
- Living with a family limits independence
- Matching and preparation can take time
Who is Go Au Pair a good fit for?
Go Au Pair is best suited for people who are genuinely interested in cultural exchange and personal development. It works well for people who enjoy working with children, and who are happy to live with a host family adapting to a new way of life.
It is not so ideal for people who may prefer to live alone and want more flexibility than a role in childcare can give.
