We had another big turn out for the APIA host family day at Lincoln Park this year in Seattle (over 150 people) and yesterday we combined an Au Pair In America 30th birthday with a celebration of J Day where au pairs from several of our 60 countries represented made dishes from their countries and families donated over 30 pairs of shoes for the Goodwill.

Cultural exchanges have always been at the heart of our US foreign policy and the State Department remains steadfast in its support of intercultural friendships through the J-1 visa programs.

“J Day is about celebrating the exchange visitors who enrich our local communities each year.  They not only bring the world to our hometowns and boost our local economies – but also give back to our communities in meaningful ways.”

To our host families and their children, we want to thank you for opening your home to a virtual stranger, for helping your au pair with her English, her driving, her homesickness.  For trusting us to find her and to support your program together.  Hosting takes courage and an open mind.

And to our au pairs, we also want to thank you for traveling across the world for this program. For trusting us to find you a warm, loving home. 85% of last year’s au pairs nationwide said their au pair year was the greatest year of their life thus far. We thank you for allowing us to be on this journey with you.  A journey that also takes great amounts of courage and an open mind.