Celebrating 15 Years of Partnership & 40 Years of Au Pair in America: LoPair Joins the Global Celebration in Greece

This year LoPair marks 15 years of collaboration with AIFS and Au Pair in America, attending the 40th anniversary celebration in Greece. Discover our journey of cultural exchange and trusted childcare.

🤩A Milestone Moment in Greece 

In the first week of May, LoPair representative had the honor of traveling to Greece to take part in a truly historic celebration—the 40th anniversary of Au Pair in America, the nation’s first and longest-running au pair program.

But this was more than a birthday party. It was also a celebration of 15 years of trusted partnership between LoPair and AIFS (American Institute For Foreign Study), the organization behind Au Pair in America.

Since 2012, LoPair has worked hand-in-hand with AIFS to bridge cultures across two continents—through both Au Pair in America and Au Pair in China. What began as a shared vision has grown into a lasting friendship, built on mutual trust and a deep commitment to meaningful exchange.

🗽Four Decades of Firsts: Honoring Au Pair in America’s Legacy 

In June 1986, Au Pair in America welcomed the first 200 au pairs to the U.S. through a pilot program developed with the U.S. Department of State. Back then, the idea was simple yet powerful: combine the European tradition of live-in au pair childcare with a structured cultural exchange.

Today, over 120,000 au pairs from more than 60 countries have participated in Au Pair in America programs. They’ve provided trusted, flexible live-in childcare to American families—and in return, gained lifelong friendships, cross-cultural skills, and a second home halfway across the world.

“While the world may look a bit different than it did in 1986, the value of cultural understanding and dependable childcare assistance has only grown, said Jean Quinn, Director of Au Pair in America and a former host mom.“Au pairs help children experience the world from home, and we’re proud to carry this mission forward.”

💕The Numbers That Speak to the Heart 

Behind every statistic is a real relationship. A recent Au Pair in America survey found that:

- 95% of host families maintain contact with their former au pairs

- 92% consider their au pairs family

That’s not just a program. That’s a legacy of connection.

✨LoPair & AIFS: 15 Years of Bridging Cultures 

While 2026 marks Au Pair in America’s 40th anniversary, it also marks 15 years of active collaboration between LoPair and AIFS. Since 2012, LEPAI has served as a key partner in:

- Au Pair in America – helping over 1,000 young Chinese participants experience life in U.S. host families while providing quality childcare

- Au Pair in China – bringing international au pairs from Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Australia into Chinese homes, fostering mutual understanding from the other direction

This two-way exchange is rare. It reflects a shared belief that cultural immersion should never be one-sided. Whether an American au pair in Shanghai or a Chinese au pair in New York, the goal is the same: build bridges, one family at a time.

The celebration in Greece was a moment to look back on how far this partnership has come—and to look forward to the next chapter.

 Jo Burns,Senior Vice President of Au Pair in America and Michael, founder of LoPair, pose together at the 40th anniversary celebration

Are you a young adult dreaming of a cultural exchange experience in America?

Learn more about Au Pair in America – https://www.aupairinamerica.world/en/about-us/our-story/