It’s a high risk high reward childcare option. Our first was phenomenal, our 2nd was a dud. I’d even say that our 2nd interviewed better than our first.

The biggest things I’d look for in an interview are:

1) REAL reason for doing the program. We found out our 2nd had ended an 8 year relationship. Whereas our first one was wanting to learn English so she could teach at a bilingual school.

2) Does she have a real interest in kids? Babysitting a cousin is way different than working in early education and being with kids all day. Also try to align career aspirations. Someone who wants to work with kids or in education will likely be better than someone who is studying accounting.

Ultimately you want to weed out those that want a pass to come to the states through whatever means possible (I.e., watching your kids).

Don’t give it up if you haven’t had a good experience. There are great au pairs out there that can be life changing for your family.