Driving in the United States — A Driver Safety Course Custom Designed with Au Pairs In Mind

No matter how much driving experience your new au pair may have, she is now preparing to drive in a foreign country. If you have ever driven in a foreign country or even rented a car somewhere you have never driven before, it may help you to recall what that feels like. It can be a challenge for even the most experienced of drivers.

This is why Au Pair in America has partnered with AAA, the nation’s most trusted name in driver safety and instruction, to offer a custom course specifically designed for au pairs. This course differs from those offered in your community, in that AAA has taken the best of several of their courses, adapted them to be the most accessible to the au pair population, with special focus on driver and child passenger safety. Key components of the course include:

 Driver Safety
 Child passenger safety (car seats, communication, expectations)
 Communication and traffic devices
 Vehicle Awareness (understanding what your vehicle is “telling you.”)
 Reducing Risks while Driving (includes defensive driving techniques, phone/texting issues, and drinking and driving awareness)

The course includes:

– AAA course designed exclusively for Au Pair In America. Course includes a combination of lecture, group exercises, video/other media to ensure the maximum understanding to speakers of other languages or newly arrived to the US participants.
– An extra night and meals at the Holiday Inn Select, Stamford CT. Au Pairs will arrive at orientation a day early, and attend the AAA course before the main orientation sessions begin. Au pairs will depart from orientation on the regularly scheduled departure day to your home.
– Certificate of completion from AAA* with supporting documents for au pair and host family resource throughout the year.

Course Cost: $250. Please fill out the enrollment form and fax back by the due date. Because airline tickets need to be booked, the deadline is firm. In addition, enrollments will be on a first come basis. Should the class be full when you enroll, you will be notified immediately.

Payment for the course can be made via credit card or check. If mailing a check, please also fax your enrollment form so that we can move ahead with the travel arrangements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this course have on-the-road training?
This course is a classroom course. The best place for an au pair to practice driving is in her host community after she has had an adjustment period and has attended the AAA course to give her a foundation of information regarding driving in the US. Please see the Au Pairs Behind the Wheel document included in your confirmation packet for tips on driving practice.

Are there AAA driving schools our au pair can attend?
Yes, there are AAA driving schools in many communities. A listing will be enclosed in her course folder. After the practice period is complete with you, you or your au pair may feel that some formal instruction or a professional driving assessment is needed. Discuss the driving practice with your au pair and community counselor and what might be the next step to help you au pair feel comfortable and gain confidence.

How is this course different from one in my community? If my au pair has to take a course in my community in order to get her license, why should I sign her up for this course?
The course is specifically designed with au pairs in mind. AAA has worked closely with Au Pair in America to design the course to focus on things most relevant to au pairs and driving, such as transporting children. The language of the program will be tailored to address the varying English levels of au pairs. This would not happen in your local community school or defensive driving school.

Will there be a delay in my au pair’s arrival to our home because of this course?
No, au pairs attending the course will arrive a day early to orientation and take the course prior to beginning the regular orientation courses.

How will my au pair know she is attending this course? Do I need to tell her?
Our overseas offices will communicate directly with au pairs, letting them know she will be attending the course. She will receive an outline of the course, instructions on the fact that she will be arriving a day early and all the necessary information for her arrival to the US.

Will there be a staff person on hand to attend to my au pair when she arrives early?
Yes, there will be an Au Pair in America representative at the hotel Sunday night to ensure the well-being of the au pairs.

PREPARING YOUR AU PAIR’S TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS FROM ORIENTATION TO YOUR HOME

You are responsible for arranging your au pair’s travel from the orientation site to your home. Travel information should be sent to the Orientation Staff at least 10 business days prior to your au pair’s arrival in the United States:

Orientation Travel
Au Pair in America
1 High Ridge Park
Stamford, CT 06905

Orientation@aifs.com
Tel: 203-399-5042
Fax: 203-399-5242

It is very important that we receive your au pair’s travel information 10 days prior to her arrival in the United States. Your au pair will be much more at ease at orientation if she has her travel arrangements in hand. An au pair without a ticket will worry about her arrangements and will not give the full attention needed to absorb information at orientation. The information from the tickets is used to coordinate transportation to the correct departure point. Safe and timely departure from the hotel requires pre-planning.

• To ensure that au pairs receive a training program that meets the standards of Au Pair in America and the regulations governing Au Pair programs established by the US State Department, your au pair must attend the full orientation session.

• If you have purchased an e-ticket, please forward a copy to orientation@aifs.com. If you have purchased a paper ticket, it is recommended that you send it using a traceable service. Au Pair in America is not responsible for delayed or lost tickets sent by regular mail.

TRAVEL BY TRAIN:

• Au Pairs must depart from the Stamford Train Station and tickets must be booked by Amtrak only. (Amtrak Reservation number is 1-800-USA RAIL or website: www.Amtrak.com)

• Trains must leave no earlier than 4:00 p.m.

• Trains must be direct from Stamford to final destination. Train Connections are not permitted due to difficulty of moving about with luggage.

• Please make sure that your au pair’s name is spelled correctly on the ticket. For security reasons, photo identification is required to check in. If your au pair’s ticket has the wrong name on it, she may experience difficulties boarding the train.
• Amtrak has a 2 piece baggage limit. Personal items such as purses and laptop computers are not included in this limit. Each bag may not exceed more than 50 lbs. and 28” x 22” x 14” in size.

*Suggested North-bound train: #176 leaves at approximated 4:18 p.m.

PICK-UP AT HOTEL OR CAR SERVICE:

• When picking up your au pair at the orientation site, please arrange to pick her up no earlier than 3:00 p.m. Please note that the au pair Orientation takes place at:

Doubletree Hilton Hotel Tarrytown
455 South Broadway
Tarrytown, New York 10591
914-631-5700

If you have any questions regarding your au pair’s travel from Orientation to your home, or if you would like to arrange an overnight package, please contact the Orientation staff at: Orientation@aifs.com

Visa Regulations

All program participants should be aware of the terms and conditions under which the United States government issues the J-1 visa. Such visas are reserved for individuals participating in a bona fide cultural exchange opportunity.

DEFINITION OF TERMS:

SEVIS DS 2019: United States Department of State Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor J-1 Status. This form is required by a United States Embassy or Consulate as proof of acceptance into a cultural exchange program. This white form will be stamped by immigration inspectors upon entry into the United States. You should keep this copy in a safe place with your passport.

J-1 Visa: The document placed in your passport by the United States Embassy or Consulate Office upon approval for participation in a cultural exchange program. The visa should be valid for one year from the time of application.

I-94:The Arrival and Departure Card (white) stapled into your passport by the (ICE) Immigration and Customs Enforcement division of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) upon arrival in the United States.

The I-94 card and DS 2019 form should be valid for at least one year from the date you entered the United States. This would be indicated by a stamp indicating your arrival date and the code “J-1 D/S”. This stamp and code would be located in the middle of the I-94 card and in box number 6 of the DS 2019 form.

If there are any serious discrepancies with your J-1 visa, DS 2019 form or I-94 card, such discrepancies should be identified during the orientation program in New York.

TRAVEL OUTSIDE OF THE UNITED STATES:

Every time you leave the United States, even for only one day, you must have your passport, DS 2019 and I -94 card with you in order to return. The first time you are planning to travel outside the United States, you must:

• Send your DS 2019 (white paper) to:

Au Pair in America
Attn: Evelyn Blum
1 High Ridge Park
Stamford CT, 06905
Phone number: (800) 928-7247 ext. 5027

This need only be done one time. Once the DS 2019 is signed, this signature is valid for your entire program year and does not need to be sent in again.

This form should be sent at least three weeks prior to travel outside the country. You should only send your white DS 2019. DO NOT SEND YOUR PASSPORT! A valid signature of good standing on the front of the DS 2019 is required and you may experience difficulty re-entering the United States without it.

• When mailing in your DS 2019, it is imperative that you address the envelope properly including a return address on the outside of the envelope.

• Include the “Travel Validation Request Form” (or a letter if you do not have this) with your DS 2019 stating where you will be going and the dates of your trip. A SELF ADDRESSED, STAMPED ENVELOPE SHOULD ACCOMPANY ALL DS 2019 FORMS.

• If there is less than three weeks before your departure date, you can use Express Mail. If you wish to have your validated DS 2019 sent back to you by United Parcel Service (UPS), you must include cash, a check or money order for $10.00 made payable to AIFS. A complete mailing address must accompany the check (Au Pair in America cannot send mail overnight to a P.O. Box number) along with your daytime telephone number. If you are having your DS 2019 returned by UPS, you do not need to provide a self addressed stamped envelope.

• NOTE: It is very important to call the embassy or consulate of the country you plan to visit before making your travel plans. Certain nationalities require additional documents (visas) to enter a particular country. (For example, a citizen of Brazil needs a tourist visa to enter Canada.) Certain countries also have various requirements to obtain a visitor’s visa. Make sure you can meet all the requirements before making your travel arrangements in order to avoid disappointment.

VISA EXTENSIONS:

The Department of State, Office of Exchange Coordination and Designation will not, under any circumstance, permit Au Pair in America (APIA) to extend a visitor’s stay in the U.S. beyond the 24/25 months authorized by the extension DS 2019. While you must return home at the end of her program, you may return to the U.S. as a student on either an F-1 or J-1 visa. To obtain one of the above, a school must issue you a Form I-20 (for the F-1) or a new DS 2019 (for the J-1). Au pairs are also permitted to return as a tourist on a B-2 visa provided that you satisfy the American consular officer that you are a bona fide tourist. To be considered a bona fide tourist you must demonstrate:

• a residence in a foreign country which you have no intention of abandoning; and

• adequate funds to cover expenses that may incur during the period you intend to be in the U.S. This may include proving that you have a return trip non-refundable ticket as well as sufficient funds. The consul has the right to ask for any type of proof, as the burden of proof rests upon the applicant.

We anticipate that some Host Families may request that you return to the U.S. to be an Au Pair under a B-2 visitor’s visa. If such a situation develops, you and her Host Family should be aware of two points:

• Anyone on a B-2 visa is not permitted to participate in an Au Pair situation; and

• Under current immigration legislation, any person employing an illegal alien is subject to a fine. Please note that while the B-2 visa may be legal, working while in the United States on such a visa constitutes an illegal activity and violates the terms of the visa.

Should you remain in the United States beyond the 12/13 months authorized by the Program, or up to 24/25 months if you have extended your stay, APIA is required by Exchange Visitor Program Regulations to notify the immigration authorities. Further, if your participation in the program is terminated either by you or by APIA prior to the date listed on your DS 2019 form, APIA will immediately notify the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of State of the date on which your participation was terminated. Should you be deported by immigration, your chances of obtaining another visa in the future would be seriously jeopardized.

APIA will be offering you a flight home at the end of either your first year or the end of your extension term (6, 9 or 12 months). You may remain in the United States for an additional travel month, should you wish to travel to experience other regions of the United States. APIA will then arrange a return flight home during your travel month. You should not leave and re-enter the U.S. during your travel month (for example Canada, Mexico) unless you have a valid J-1 visa in your passport.

The regulations for the program are set by the United States State Department, and can be found in their official form in the Host Family Handbook in your Host Family Orientation packet. The State Department carefully monitors the program for compliance to the regulations.This is intended as a supplement to the Host Family Handbook, please read both documents carefully.

Au Pair Hours: Au Pairs may work no more than 10 hours in a day and no more than 45 hours in a week. The 45 hours is a maximum and no deals may be made with an Au Pair for extra work time. Any time that the Au Pair is not free to leave the home, or is the adult responsible for the welfare of the children, even if it is during the night, is considered work time, and must be counted towards the 45-hour limit. The 45 hours may be spread over no more than 5-1/2 days in week.

There is no banking of hours permitted, an Au Pair who works 30 hours one week does not owe the family 15 hours at a future time.

Au Pairs should be given a written weekly work schedule at the beginning of the week. Au Pairs greatly appreciate knowing an accurate time when they will be finished for the day.

Au Pairs must have 1-1/2 days off each week and one full weekend off per month, from Friday night to Monday morning. The one-half day is defined as no more than one half of the usual number of working hours on a typical day (therefore a maximum of 5 hours).

Backup sitters may be needed if the parents need more than 45 hours of child care during one week, if they need additional weekend coverage, if the Au Pair is too ill to work, or when the Au Pair has a class, a cluster meeting or is away on vacation.

Note: An Au Pair is not to be given sole responsibility for the children until she has been in your home for three days. In addition, no Au Pair may ever be left alone with any child under three months of age.

13th Month – The Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) allows the holder to take an additional (13th) month at the conclusion of the exchange to travel in the United States. They are not permitted to provide child care during the 13th month.

Household Responsibilities: The federal regulations permit an Au Pair to do only child related housework: straightening children’s rooms and play area, doing children’s laundry, preparing and cleaning up children’s meals. When your Au Pair participates in family routines (such as meals) it is reasonable to expect that she will help with preparation or clean up, the same degree that host parents participate. This is not to be exploited; she is to be considered as a member of the family, not as a domestic. Au Pairs may be asked to do some of the grocery shopping, but family marketing should not be their exclusive responsibility.

Car Use: Talk to your Au Pair in clear terms about the factors of responsibility, safety and privilege in the use of the car. Remind her that seat belts are mandatory for everyone.

Do not let her use the car until you have taken her for “test drive” to acquaint her with the use of your car. This will also give you an opportunity to point out typical placement of traffic signals and signs as well as signs for speed limits and parking restrictions. If you prefer particular gas stations or type of gas, please remember to share this information. Remind her that seat belts are mandatory for everyone.

RI law allows most foreign nationals to drive in the state for one year with either an international driver’s license or a license from their home country (along with a translation of the license). Your au pair may choose to get a RI license, even though it is not mandatory; and she must obtain a RI driver’s license if she extends for a second year. The procedure for getting a license is included in the Au Pair’s welcome pack. This information is also listed in our RI cluster website.

Be sure your insurance covers the Au Pair as a driver; payment of the premium is the family’s responsibility. Should an accident occur, and the Au Pair was completely or partially negligent, she could be asked to pay part of the deductible. In any event, this should not exceed $250. You may also want to take into consideration if she was using the car for work or pleasure when you determine her responsibility for the deductible.

If the Au Pair is using the car for work, the host family should assume the expense of the gas used for work purposes. Many families choose to provide gas for leisure use as well. Routine car maintenance is the responsibility of the host family, but make sure your Au Pair is familiar with the warning signs for your particular car.

Some host families create an emergency envelope for the glove compartment containing step-by-step instructions in case of accident or mechanical failure, as well as essential papers and instructions for the Au Pair if she is pulled over by the police. Some families include emergency cash.

Education: Host families are expected to help Au Pairs identify appropriate and affordable educational programs. The Au Pair is required to take accredited post-secondary courses as part of her program, for a total of 6 credit hours (or approximately 80 classroom hours) over the course of her year (Community adult education is not acceptable for the requirements of the program). The host family is to pay up to $500 per year in course fees, books and materials. Once an Au Pair has enrolled in a class that is in accordance with the host family’s schedule, she should not be asked to miss class in order to accommodate a change in schedule. An exception to this might be when a child is sick and the Au Pair is taking a daytime class. Host families should remember to inform au pairs of upcoming vacations that might effect her ability to attend class. Host families are responsible for transportation to and from the class; if the Au Pair takes public transportation to her classes the Host Family should pay the fare.

Vacations and Au Pair Travel: Each Au Pair is entitled to a minimum of two weeks off during the year with pocket money paid in advance. Ideally, one week would be taken near the end of the first six months, and the second week would be taken toward the end of the Au Pair’s stay with you. Vacation days are to be decided on by mutual agreement, and should be agreed on well in advance. If vacation is taken by the day rather than by the week, it should be calculated on the basis of a total of ten or eleven days (depending on whether the Au Pair typically works five or five and one-half days per week). These vacation days are in addition to the full weekend off every month.

If you are taking a vacation with the children that does not include the Au Pair, you are still obligated to pay the weekly stipend for that period of time. If she does stay behind, she may assume plant and routine pet care, but should not be given additional household responsibilities that are not hers under ordinary circumstances.

If the Au Pair joins you on a family vacation and will be taking care of the children, it cannot be considered her vacation and she must be paid. She is not responsible for her travel expenses if she is traveling with you and working. While away, it is especially important to be clear about when the Au Pair is working and when she has free time.

If the host parents travel overnight and leave the children at home with the Au Pair, it is important to arrange backup childcare. Any time, day or night, when the Au Pair has sole responsibility for your child/children, it is considered working hours.

Whenever your Au Pair travels out of town, please ask her for a number where she can be reached in case of emergency. If you are traveling at the same time, please leave emergency contact information with the community counselor.

If your Au Pair is traveling out of the country, she must make special arrangements for her visa. Please have her contact the Community Counselor for more information.

Weekly Stipend: Choose the day of the week you will give your Au Pair her weekly stipend; this makes it easier to remember. It helps to keep a written record as well.

The weekly stipend is paid to the Au Pair every week during the contract period even if the Au Pair is ill and unable to work, when she is on vacation, if the host family is on vacation and has chosen not to include the Au Pair, or if she is working a reduced schedule. Au Pairs are not allowed to accept employment outside your home under any circumstances as it is in direct violation of her visa.

Decide what expenses you will be paying for in addition to the Au Pair’s tuition: telephone allowance, transportation, gas, health club membership, etc. The weekly stipend minimum does not take into consideration the number or ages of children the Au Pair cares for, nor does it adjust for the geographic differences in cost of living. Many families find that a pocket money increase based on merit during the year is greatly appreciated.

Health and Accident Insurance: Your Au Pair is covered under a medical insurance policy arranged by Au Pair in America. Details of the medical insurance, including policy number, dollar limits of coverage, and exclusions are available in the Insurance Brochures:
http://www.aupairinamerica.com/resources/life_in_the_us/insurance_3.asp

Emergencies: Please handle accidents and medical emergencies as you would for any family member, then call the counselor. In a true emergency, if the counselor cannot be reached within a reasonable amount of time, call the 24-hour answering service at the Stamford office (1-800-928-7247).

Living with an Au Pair

Day One: You have opened your home to someone else’s daughter; please make her feel welcome. When your Au Pair arrives, she will be tired, excited and probably anxious. It’s a good idea to give her a few days to unpack, rest and get acclimated to your home, family and neighborhood before expecting her to assume child care responsibilities. According to USIA regulations, she is not allowed to assume sole responsibility for your children until after she has been in your home three days. Allow her to find ways to make her space her own; mounting a bulletin board on the wall is one easy way to do this. You can expect the Community Counselor to call and/or visit within the first forty-eight hours of the Au Pair’s stay with you.

Cultural Exchange: The spirit of this exchange program is that Au Pairs be welcomed as family members and should be included in some family activities (meals, outings, and holidays). The Family is expected to help with information about the area. It has been proven that Au Pairs who find interesting and stimulating things to do during their free time are happier, and thus more energetic and creative with the children. Please remember to consider your Au Pair’s food preferences when buying groceries. Even as your Au Pair becomes more integrated into American life and her own peer group, it is a good idea to have her join you for at least one family meal a week.

Communication: Talk, share feelings, listen. If your schedule is too hectic for daily check-in, be sure to arrange a scheduled weekly “meeting” to keep communication open.

Write down particularly important instructions.

Try to keep communication straightforward and clear. Even native English speakers have different styles of communication and may misunderstand your words or your intent.

Try to double check on comprehension if the issue is particularly important.

Try to explain family and American customs.

The affection your Au Pair develops for your children is encouraged by the support and understanding she gets from you.

Unwritten family rules: Please think about your family customs which are assumed but rarely articulated. Your Au Pair needs to have these explained so they do not become issues later on.

Examples of such “rules” are: Table manners, limits on noise levels in the home, acceptable house for phone calls, limits on the use of TV and stereo, limits on computer use, family modesty, where food can be eaten in the house, taking shoes off when entering, recycling, subjects not to be discussed with children, private vs. communal property.

Telephone: Please discuss specific rules with regard to phone time limits, calling hours, call waiting, which line to use if there is more than one, calls during work hours, cell phone use, desired method for answering phone and taking messages, use of the answering machine, use by children.

Explain that phone bills are itemized and international calls are very expensive. It is a good idea to suggest that your au pair purchase a pre-paid phone card to be used with a land line for any international calls. Au Pair in America is not responsible for any expenses the Au Pair may have caused using your phone.

Au Pair Events: There are usually cluster and/or regional events every month. It is important for your Au Pair to participate in at least one per month. Please try to be sure that she is free to do so and has the necessary transportation to participate.

Holiday Blues: Special sensitivity should be shown around holiday times when the Au Pair is likely to be homesick. If possible, either include her in your celebrations or allow her to celebrate with friends.

Emergency Fund: It may be helpful to put a specific amount of cash in a designated spot for unexpected events that require payment – anything from a last minute run to the market for milk to having to take a taxi home in an emergency. You may also want to consider an envelope in the car for car emergencies.

Community Counselor: The counselor is available to both the au pair and the family for assistance, support, and mediation when necessary. Approximately two weeks after placement, the counselor will make a home visit to assess the progress of the match. Monthly contact will be maintained; families are encouraged to call the counselor to help maintain regular contact. The counselor holds regular meetings and other social/cultural events for the Au Pairs. These provide the Au Pair with a much needed peer group as well as a forum for discussion of concerns and issues that might arise.

A special family day event will be scheduled once a year to address cross-cultural issues. Host families are expected to make every reasonable effort to attend.

Stress: Please be sensitive to warning signs of stress, and be prepared to adjust the Au Pair’s work schedule if necessary. Share your own strategies for coping with the normal stresses of caring for children. Help the Au Pair to minimize isolation.

What makes a great host family: Based on information from a survey of au pairs: Show appreciation, remember to pay the au pair every week, show interest in what the au pair does in her time off, give the au pair a chance to talk to you after you return from work without being rushed, respect the au pair’s privacy.

Au Pairs should apply for a social security number — it is generally required when registering for classes, opening a bank account, applying for a driver’s license, and filing a tax return. Au pairs may now apply for a social security card as early as 5 days after their arrival in the U.S. (in most cases the Friday following their arrival in the U.S.) Your computerized I-94 record (arrival/departure card) is available for you to print out in as little as 24 hours after your arrival. You will need your I-94 card information in order to apply for a social security card and/or driver’s license. The I-94 card electronic record can be accessed and printed out from the Customs and Border Patrol website at: www.cbp.gov/I94. You will need to input certain information (passport number, date of birth, entry date into the US and class of admission (J/1) in order to pull up your I-94 card record.

You can print out a Social Security Card Application form by clicking on the link below, or you may pick up a form at your local social security office. After filling out the form, you must bring it to your local Social Security Office to apply for a Social Security card. You can click on the “office locator” link to get directions and a map to the office that is closest to you.

Please be sure to bring all of your paperwork with you to the Social Security Office. You will need:

1) Passport
2) J-1 Visa
3) I-94 Card
4) SEVIS DS-2019

This is the only documentation that you will need. If the clerk at the Social Security Office is not familiar with the Au Pair program and with the fact that au pairs are entitled to apply for a social security card, please ask them to check with their supervisor. These procedures are outlined in the Social Security Administration policy manual (POM) section RM 00203.480.C.1.

You will not receive your social security card the same day that you file your application. The Social Security Administration will mail it to you at your host family’s home address. It generally takes 2 – 4 weeks for your application to be processed and your social security card to be mailed to you.

It may be helpful for you to take this information page with you when you apply for your social security card.

Here are helpful links:

Social Security Card Application Form: http://www.ssa.gov/online/ss-5.pdf

Social Security Office Locator: https://secure.ssa.gov/apps6z/FOLO/fo001.jsp

Your role as an Au Pair: This is not something clearly defined by the regulations, and you have heard lots about it at orientation; but what you bring to your job as an Au Pair can make a tremendous difference in your year for both you and your host family. Your host family will expect that you will be attentive and creative with the children. What you do with them represents a year of development for them – a year is a long time in their young lives. If you need ideas for activities or discipline, ask your host parents for their advice. In many ways you are the eyes and ears for the parents – stay alert and share information with them. For preschool and school age children you may be the main link with the school. This communication is extremely important, and you will be expected to keep parents informed. When you are involved and the children are happy, everyone benefits – including you!

Role of the community counselor: Your counselor is available for information, counseling, mediation and for help with social activities (she can be a policeman, social secretary, mother, judge, mentor and a friend). She is there for both you and for your host family. Call during her regular office hours unless you are calling about a true emergency. If you get her voice mail, leave a message and she will call you back.
There are two things you must tell your counselor. They are if you have had a severe injury, or if you are in trouble with the law. The counselor would like to know about any accidents (car, personal, or those involving children), if there are any concerns with your host family, or if anything has happened which might make it impossible to complete your year.

Every month there will be a cluster meeting or cultural/social activity. It is expected that you will participate in these events. If you are unable to participate, you must call or e-mail your counselor to keep in touch with her – she needs to either see or hear from you at least once every month. Your host family is expected to provide transportation to and from cluster events.

Au Pair Hours: Au Pairs may work no more than 45 hours per week and no more than 10 hours per day. There is no “banking” of hours permitted; an au pair who works 30 hours one week does not “owe” the family 15 hours at a future time. The 45 hours is an absolute maximum and no “deals” should be made with the host family for extra work time. Au Pairs must have 1-1/2 days off each week, and one full weekend off per month, from Friday night to Monday morning. Holidays are usually work days, unless your host family tells you otherwise. Use them as a time to learn more about America and our celebrations. Any time, day or night, when you have sole responsibility for the children, it is considered working hours.
According to your visa, NO additional employment is allowed. This means no paid baby-sitting for neighbors, no paid housework for your host family, etc.

Household duties: The program expects that you will accept responsibility for child-related chores (keeping children’s rooms tidy, preparing and cleaning up from their meals, doing children’s laundry and tidying the toys). In addition, as a member of the family it is reasonable for you to help out when appropriate with other household chores.

Education: You are required to participate in educational courses equaling six credit hours (or 80 classroom hours) during your year as an Au Pair. Your host family and your counselor can help you find courses you are interested in. Courses can be taken mornings, evenings or weekends, depending on your work schedule. Your host family is responsible for transportation to and from the course. Please check with your counselor to be sure that your chosen course is acceptable. You must attend a college; adult community education courses are not acceptable. If you choose a daytime class you might have to miss class if a child is ill or during school vacation.

Money: It would be a good idea to open a bank account. Use your passport for identification. As a foreign visitor you should not need a Social Security Number to open an account. Think about budgeting your money to save for vacations and recreation. You may also have to pay a surcharge for your flight home. You would do well to try to have enough in the bank to cover your health insurance deductible and the car insurance deductible in the event of an accident (this should not exceed $250), and any income tax payments that may be due if you file a U.S. tax return. If you do not need this money for emergencies then you will have more money for travel at the end of your year! You are responsible for your phone bills, personal expenses (toothpaste, shampoo etc.) and any costs you may incur in your time off. Your visa does not allow you to be paid for any other employment.

Vacations: You are entitled to two weeks of vacation with pocket money during your year. If you take your vacation in days rather than weeks, it is 5 – 5-1/2 days of vacation per week. It is up to you to choose times to take vacation that are also convenient for your host family. Plan to take one week near the end of the first six months and the other week towards the end of your year.

If your family takes a vacation with the children that does not include you, and you are not taking your vacation at the same time, you must still receive your payment for that period of time. If you join the family on vacation and will be taking care of the children it cannot be considered your vacation and you must be paid. You are not responsible for your travel expenses if you are traveling with your host family and working. While away, ask for clear information about when you are working and when you are free. If the family invites you to join them on vacation, pays for your expenses, and does not require you to baby-sit; you should be prepared to take that time as part of your two weeks vacation.

Passport and Visa: Keep these in a safe place at home, do not carry them with you unless you are vacationing away from home. Please see “Visa Regulations” and “If You Are Traveling Outside the United States” for instructions on travel outside the country. If you are traveling on a very short notice, contact your community counselor. When you leave the country be sure to take your passport, DS-2019, I-94 and your AIFS Au Pair Identification Card.

Telephone: Long Distance phone calls made from the US are itemized on the phone bill. Cost of calling will depend on length of call and time of day the call is made, but generally they are very expensive. It is a good idea to purchase a prepaid telephone calling card, which you can use to make all of your long distance phone calls from a land line. Your host family may have house rules about the telephone – ask them.

US Postage: The amount of postage needed will depend on the weight of the letter or package.

Visitors: Before you invite anyone, either locally or from home, please be sure that your host family welcomes them in their home.

Safety: Never leave young children alone. For the few moments every day when you must, be sure they are in an absolutely safe environment. Ask you host family about proper use of car seats, child gates, etc.

We are concerned about your safety as well. Do not get into a car with a man who you have met only recently. Do not go to isolated places with people you don’t know well. When you go out at night you should plan to go with one or more friends, especially if you are going into the city. If you are planning to meet someone, always meet in a public place. Do not give out your address or phone number.

As you begin to meet new friends, you may develop close personal relationships. If you should choose to become sexually involved, you must remember that sexually transmitted diseases are serious concerns. Do not take any chances. Abstinence is the best protection; condoms are widely available, and probably offer the next best protection.

Car use: This is a privilege, which calls for a high level of responsibility. Make sure you discuss with your host family their expectations and restrictions on the use of the car. Learn the basic warning signs of mechanical failure; ask what to do in an emergency and in case of accident. Do not drink and drive. Watch the signs and obey speed limits! An open container of alcohol in a car is illegal. Pay attention to parking restrictions, parking tickets can be very expensive and cannot be ignored – the police will trace the car to your host family. Read your driver’s manual and learn the rules. If you are stopped by the police for a violation or because of an accident it is important to identify yourself as an “international visitor”. Rhode Island law allows international visitors to drive for one year with either an international license or a license from their home country.

Drinking and Drugs: The legal age for drinking or purchasing alcohol is 21 in this country. Drinking and driving is a serious offense. If you are over 21 and choose to go drinking with friends, choose one person who will not drink so they can safely bring everyone else home. An open container of alcohol in a car is illegal. Alcohol abuse and any use of illegal drugs are grounds for being terminated from the program and you will be sent home. Fake IDs are punishable by law by fine, imprisonment or both.

Tips for Success:
• Offer to help – when you are sharing “family time” help out when you can, especially at mealtime.
• Take initiative – don’t wait to be asked, anticipate children’s needs, think of new activities for the children
• Show appreciation – return the favors your family does for you with kindness and generosity
• Communicate – share your ideas, discuss cultural differences, ask questions when you don’t understand
• Have reasonable expectations of yourself – be patient as you learn to adjust to life in America
• Try to understand and accept cultural differences – that is part of why you came here; learn from the experience
• If you are feeling homesick or house bound call someone and give yourself something to look forward to
• Call your counselor when you need help or advice
• Ask about, and be sure you follow, the house rules
• Keep reasonable evening hours if you are expected to get up early to work the next day
• Remember that your host parents may be tired when they get home from work.

RI law allows au pairs to drive in the State of Rhode Island for one year with either an international driver’s license or a license from your home country (along with a translation of the license).

If you plan to apply for a Rhode Island driver’s license, you must take all of the following documents to the DMV:

1) Passport
2) I-94 Card
3) DS-2019
4) Valid Social Security Card
5) Written confirmation of your participation in the Au Pair in America Program and documentation of your Rhode Island address. (You may use your Au Pair in America identification card)

You will be required to take a written exam and an eye test; and will then be issued a RI Driver’s “permit”. You should study the RI Driver’s manual before taking the test. The manual can be accessed on the internet at: http://www.dmv.ri.gov/licenses/manuals/index.php

After receiving your permit, you will be given a date to take a road test (driving test), and after passing thst test, you will receive your Rhode Island Driver’s License.

For current information about DMV hours and fees involved to obtain a driver’s permit and RI license, please visit the DMV website: http://www.dmv.ri.gov/licenses/
(Current fee for written test/permit $6.50; License Fee $26.50; Total Fees: $33.00)

Many of our Au Pairs and some host families enjoyed a Holiday Open House at Glen Manor House in Portsmouth, Rhode Island on December 11. The charming country mansion was decorated beautifully for the holidays. There was holiday music, performances by local talent, and festive treats were served. Santa soon arrived and was happy to spend time and take pictures with the Glen Manor guests.