OUR
STORY
Sawubona, Hello, Molo, Dumela, Thobela, Hoe gaan dit!
You’ve probably stopped by because you love children, have a serious case of wanderlust, and are curious about exploring new cultures and experiencing life beyond your borders.
If that sounds like you, then you’re in the right place.
At Diverse Au Pairs, we are passionate about helping young women turn their dreams of living, working, and traveling abroad into reality. Becoming an au pair is more than just a job—it’s an adventure, a cultural exchange, a personal growth journey, and an opportunity to create lifelong memories and friendships.
Before we tell you how we can help you get there, let us share a little bit about who we are.
Diverse Au Pairs was founded by sisters Mbali and Cece, who share a passion for cultural exchange, travel, and empowering young women through international opportunities.
What makes our agency unique is that we understand the au pair journey from both a professional and personal perspective. Cece, who is now based in the United States, was once an au pair herself. She experienced the excitement, nerves, challenges, and life-changing moments that come with moving across the world to live with a host family. Because she has walked this path herself, she is able to offer practical guidance, honest advice, and support that comes from real experience.
Having one founder based in South Africa and another in the United States also allows us to support our au pairs from both sides of the journey. From your first application to your arrival in America, you’ll always have someone in your corner.
Unlike many large agencies where applicants can sometimes feel like just another file in the system, we intentionally maintain a more personal approach. We take the time to get to know each applicant, answer questions, provide guidance, and support you throughout the process. Our goal is not simply to help you become an au pair, it is to help you become a confident, well-prepared, and successful au pair.
The inspiration behind Diverse Au Pairs came from a simple observation. South Africa is proudly known as the Rainbow Nation, yet we noticed that the diversity of au pairs being represented abroad often did not reflect the incredible cultures, backgrounds, and communities that make our region so special.
Today, we are proud to work with aspiring au pairs from diverse racial, cultural, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds across Southern Africa. We believe talent, compassion, and potential can be found everywhere, and we are committed to creating opportunities for young women from all walks of life.
Above all, we believe in adventure, courage, friendship, personal growth, and sisterhood. When you join Diverse Au Pairs, you are not just joining an agency; you are joining a community that genuinely cares about your success. We have successfully placed many girls who have gone on to don’t amazing things after the program!
Your journey starts here, and we would be honored to be part of it!
Program Fees
At Diverse Au Pairs, we believe in transparency. We want you to understand exactly what you’re paying for and when payments are due. There are no hidden fees and no unexpected charges along the way.
Program Fee
Total Program Fee: R10,000
To make the program more affordable, we offer flexible payment plans. Specific payment plan options will be discussed during your interview.
Payment Schedule
Additional Costs
The following costs are not paid to Diverse Au Pairs and are paid directly to the relevant
service providers:
- U.S. Visa Application Fee: USD $185 (paid directly to the U.S. Embassy)
- SEVIS Fee: USD $35 (paid directly to the U.S. Embassy)
- Police Clearance Certificate: Approximately R180
- Medical Examination/Health Check: Cost varies depending on your physician
- Passport Application or Renewal Fees: If applicable
What Is Included?
Your program fee includes professional guidance and support throughout your entire au pair journey, as well as access to a life-changing cultural exchange experience.
Financial Benefits
- Minimum weekly stipend of at least USD $195.75
- Approximately USD $10,000+in annual earnings
- USD $500 educational allowance to complete six credit hours at an accredited
American college or university
Travel Benefits
- Round-trip international airfare to and from the United States
- Flight arrangements made on your behalf
- Transportation from orientation to your host family’s home
- A bonus travel month in the United States upon successful completion of your program
Accommodation & Living Expenses
- Private bedroom with a carefully screened American host family
- Free room and board throughout your stay
- Daily meals provided by your host family
Health & Safety
- Basic medical insurance coverage
- Sponsorship of your J-1 Au Pair Visa
- Support throughout your placement
Training & Orientation
- Orientation and training program in New York City
- Accommodation during orientation
- Three meals per day during orientation
- Preparation and guidance before departure
Ongoing Support
- A dedicated local counselor within approximately one hour of your placement
- Monthly cluster meetings with other au pairs
- Social events and activities
- Continuous support throughout your year in the United States
Program Flexibility
- Two weeks of paid vacation during your program year
- Opportunity to extend for an additional year
- Option to extend with the same family or a different family in another city
- Additional travel month after completing your program
What Is Not Included?
The following expenses are the responsibility of the applicant:
- Passport application or renewal fees
- Police clearance certificate
- Medical examination required for visa processing
- Personal spending money and travel during your free time
No Hidden Fees
We pride ourselves on being transparent and honest. The fees outlined above represent the costs associated with our services. If you ever have questions about pricing, our team will be happy to explain every step of the process.
Ready to begin your au pair journey?
Apply today and let us help you turn your dream of living in the United States into reality.
WHY CHOOSE US
We get it, there is a plethora of other agencies out there so why choose us when they are all promising you the best service and similar things?
- We have the practical experience about everything to do with being an aupair and living in USA.
- We are multi lingual and will ensure that we communicate with you in a language you best understand it’s one of the languages we understand.
- We really do give you that extra personalized service.
- We are honest, despite the prospect of travel that comes with this job it’s important to set realistic expectations and be transparent. Our agency does just that to ensure you are not taken for ride but you have healthy expectations and being considerate to your host family.
- We genuinely care. We will listen and not judge you or make you feel bad. For example if you should find yourself in rematch? We’ll take the time to listen to the whole story and work with our partners to find the best possible solution to help you transition. We do not want you to ever feel alienated.
- we will keep in touch with you throughout your au pair experience.
- We treat you like the individual you are and give you a personalized customer experience tailored to your own unique needs because we care.
- We offer advice from personal experience on making the most of your gap year with your host family, innovative ideas of engaging with your host kids tips on how to stretch that coin so you can travel or do fun things during your downtime.
- Speaking of travel, we know a thing or two about travelling cheap on an aupair’s limited salary. It’s possible and we know a lot about the USA cities, transport systems and what things to do and where.
