Au Pair of the Year

Thousands of young people around the world embark on the journey to become au pairs every year. They leave their homes and their families to accept the huge responsibility of caring for their host family’s children. For many au pairs, this is their first experience living in a new country and adjusting to a new culture.

In order to honor this brave undertaking, the International Au Pair Association—or IAPA—chooses one outstanding “Au Pair of the Year” every year. This award is an important way to recognize not only one young person’s achievements as an au pair, but to salute the efforts of all au pairs around the world. This award also gives credibility and positive recognition to the au pair program as a whole through its wide international media coverage.

Our 2013 finalists
IAPA has presented nine “Au Pair of the Year” Awards, and Cultural Care au pairs have won the title twice; in 2008 and 2009. Each year, Cultural Care Au Pair also recognizes our own three finalists as well as state winners among the nominees. Congratulations to our 2013 finalists: Franziska Stahl from Germany, Isabel Hermenau from Germany, and Pilar Torres from Colombia!

The au pair who earns the title of “Au Pair of the Year” is expected to act as a spokesperson for the au pair program and will attend the IAPA Annual Conference that occurs in March. The winner of the “Au Pair of the Year” Award is officially announced by IAPA in February.

Regardless of whether an au pair wins the official title or is simply nominated, it is an honor she can be proud of and remember for years to come. We will also recognize our state winners on our blog, the Au Pair Buzz, so be sure to subscribe today!