El programa au pair: Entre la realidad laboral y el sueño cultural

Abstract

This article is a research project conducted for my undergraduate thesis in Sociology at the Universidad Santo Tomás, focusing on migrants to the United States who participate in the Au Pair program. The document aims to explore the perspectives and characteristics of individuals between the ages of 20 and 27 who choose to migrate through this option. Although the primary purpose of the program is childcare, the Au Pair program offers the opportunity to reside in the United States while performing childcare duties in exchange for housing, meals, and a weekly salary. Initially conceived as a cultural exchange, the program has evolved into a way to improve language skills and gain work experience. However, it presents challenges such as the lack of appropriate regulation in some countries, the failure to comply with working hours, and the uncertain position of Au Pairs within the host family. This research examines the motivations of the participants and the expectations of the host families, highlighting the tensions between the cultural experience and the labor responsibilities involved.