As an au pair you agree to:

1Provide child care (a maximum of 45 hours per week, you will have one and a half days off per week and one full weekend off per month)

2Be enthusiastic and participate in family life

3Provide help with family chores

4Attend a local educational institution for about 3 hours a week in order to learn more about the US and to become more involved in your community Click here for more info on classes

Your host family agree to:

1Provide a return ticket from South Africa to the final destination (placements in all states)

2Welcome you as a member of the family and provide you with your own furnished room

3Give you pocket money of $195.75 (US dollars) per week

4Allow you 15 days paid holiday

5Provide payment for classes (up to $500 US dollars for the year)

6Pay for your comprehensive cover insurance policy, including medical, travel, personal liability and life insurance. You will not need to take out another insurance policy.

Sometimes I have to pinch myself to realize that I am getting paid to go the the park and eat ice cream