Au Pair of the Year 2026
Some au pairs go above and beyond every day. They support their host kids with patience and creativity, share their culture with pride, and make a real difference in their host family’s life. Au Pair USA is proud to celebrate these exceptional au pairs. Whether you’re a host family or an au pair, tell us what makes your experience stand out. Enter the 2026 Au Pair of the Year contest!
Submit by November 20, 2026
Our 2025 Winner Lili from Mexico
Each — Au Pair & Host Family
- Au Pair: $1,000 travel voucher
- Host Family: $1,000 program fee credit
- Au Pair: $1,000 travel voucher
- Host Family: $1,000 program fee credit
Each — Au Pair & Host Family
- Au Pair: $500 travel voucher
- Host Family: $500 program fee credit
- Au Pair: $500 travel voucher
- Host Family: $500 program fee credit
How to Enter?
Required Submissions
- Host Family Nomination Essay: Write a short essay (300–800 words) about what makes the au pair so special that they deserve to be the 2026 Au Pair of the Year
- Photos: Submit 4–6 high-quality photos (at least one with the whole family).
Optional Extras: Short, candid video clips (no production required).
We can't wait to see your submissions!
The contest opens Friday, October 16, 2026, and all submissions must be received no later than 11:59 p.m. ET on Friday, November 20, 2026. Please see the contest rules, terms, and conditions.
Contest Rules
Overview: The contest lets host parents and au pairs nominate an au pair for recognition by submitting an essay with photographs. It celebrates experiences in the InterExchange Au Pair USA program. Participation is free and voluntary, and it doesn’t affect program status.
Eligibility: Open to au pairs who are participating in Au Pair USA and in good standing when the entry is submitted and through January 31, 2027. Au pairs who complete the program as scheduled before that date remain eligible. The following people are not eligible: InterExchange employees, agents, Local Coordinators, contest administrators, and their immediate families and household members. Entries may be disqualified if they are incomplete, late, fraudulent, or don’t follow the rules.
Contest Period: From Friday, October 16, 2026, at 12:00 AM ET to Friday, November 20, 2026, at 11:59 PM ET.
Entry Process: A host parent or the au pair submits an essay of 300–800 words explaining why the au pair deserves recognition. The essay must include at least four high-resolution photographs. Essays must be in English or include an English translation. Each au pair may be entered only once, and both the au pair and a host parent must agree to the rules.
Winner Selection: InterExchange judges entries equally on three criteria:
- the au pair’s positive impact on the host family
- their contribution to cultural exchange
- the specificity and quality of the examples in the essay and photos
Writing style and English fluency are not judged. Winners are not chosen by random drawing or public vote. Winners will be notified by email on or about December 7, 2026.
Prizes:
One (1) Grand Prize:
- Au Pair participant receives a $1,000 travel voucher.
- Host Family receives $1,000 credit towards future program fees.
Two (2) Runner-Up Prizes:
- Au Pair participant receives a $500 travel voucher.
- Host Family receives $500 credit towards future program fees.
Prizes are nontransferable, have no cash value, and must be claimed by January 31, 2027. Program fee credits expire 18 months after they are awarded. Winners are responsible for any taxes and must complete the required tax and release forms.
Rights and Permissions: Entrants must have written permission from everyone identifiable in their submission. For children, a parent or guardian must give that permission. Entrants keep ownership of their materials. They grant InterExchange and its partners a license to use those materials, including names, images, and stories, for promotional purposes. This applies whether or not the entry wins. To stop future use, email privacy@interexchange.org. Personal information will be handled as described in InterExchange's Privacy Policy.
Disclaimers and Limitations: InterExchange may modify, suspend, or cancel the contest if circumstances beyond its control affect its fairness or integrity. To the extent permitted by law, InterExchange is not liable for losses or damages arising from the contest or from prizes.
Governing Law: These rules are governed by New York law.
Read the full terms and conditions here.
