Message from the IAPA Chair: Supporting the Au Pair Program Post-U.S. Elections
Dear IAPA Members
Another U.S. election has come and gone so we find ourselves heading into a transition period again. We know that the U.S. is an important market for many of our members and a popular destination for au pairs who wish to spend a year abroad. With this in mind, any changes in a presidential administration will create a degree of uncertainty. At IAPA, we are focused on the important role our members play in supporting American families as well as au pairs and fostering international exchanges.
Over the years, cultural exchange programs, including the au pair program, have enjoyed robust support – and faced scrutiny – from leaders on both sides of the American political spectrum. Despite these shifting perceptions and priorities, one thing remains clear: our work has a meaningful, positive impact on families, au pairs, and international relations between countries.
While we don’t yet know how the U.S. au pair program will be affected by a second Trump administration, we do know that finding quality childcare is one of the most pressing needs for American families today. The au pair program provides a valuable solution, helping tens of thousands of American families each year balance work, childcare, and life’s many other demands. But our program offers even more – it fosters cultural exchange, enriches lives, and creates lasting bonds through temporary hosted placements.
IAPA, along with its allies, will seek opportunities to add your voice to the important discussion that will likely occur over the next four years about the vital role exchange programs play in promoting international understanding. This work is not without its challenges, but we are driven by a clear purpose: to support our members as they engage in the important work of facilitating au pair programs.
We will keep you updated with any developments as we navigate this upcoming period of uncertainty. Thank you again for working together to help change lives. Thank you for your commitment to make a difference in the lives of many and your continous support of IAPA´s international community.
Best Regards
Michael McHugh, IAPA Chair
