Philadelphia Au Pair Wins National Recognition

After her Host Mom nominated her as the top Au Pair in the U.S., Ukranian Au Pair, Mariia, won national recognition as a runner-up in the 2019 Love My Au Pair Contest. Her Host Family cites Mariia’s connection with the kids, as well as her dedication to their needs, as examples of Mariia’s wonderful work as their Au Pair. But these traits don’t begin to touch on how deeply Mariia has affected her Host Family.

Mariia’s Host Mom, Alla, initially decided to host an Au Pair because she knew she would need help as a single working mother.

“I feared having to get the kids ready in the morning to go to daycare and school and still make it on time to work,” Alla says. “I knew having an Au Pair was the answer as soon as I met some Au Pairs from Go Au Pair when they volunteered at a local event.”

Au Pairs come to the U.S. on the J-1 Visa, through an exchange program that allows them to study abroad for up to two years. The program offers Au Pairs a weekly stipend along with free housing and food, in exchange for proving childcare for the Host Family’s children. Families can hire Au Pairs through a DOS-designated sponsor agency, like Go Au Pair.

Alla says she knew Mariia was the right match for her family because they clicked during their video interviews. “[We] had so much in common… My family and Mariia instantly connected during our video call.”

When Alla’s 6-year-old daughter, Mariella, had an accident in gymnastics that resulted in a deep cut on her chin, Alla says her daughter refused to get stitches until Mariia joined them at the hospital.

“Mariella was so scared… Instead of going forward with her evening plans, Mariia canceled without hesitation and came with us. She held Mariella’s hand and comforted my daughter the whole time we waited at the hospital and helped her get through her fear of doctors.”

Fortunately, Mariella only needed a quick medical adhesion to seal the cut, but Alla says Mariia’s presence kept her calm at the doctor’s office.

“Mariia was there when Mariella, and frankly I, needed her the most. This is the type of connection that Mariia has formed with my children, that they will remember for a lifetime.”

Through her actions, it’s evident Mariia has formed a strong connection with her Host Kids over the past year and a half. In fact, they’re so close, Mariia says she plans to name her future daughters Mariella and Eliana, after her beloved Host Kids.

“Every day I see how these lovely girls are growing up,” Mariia says, “how they are losing their first teeth, how they are starting to read, and how they perform gymnastics and dancing. We love each other and I will never forget this great experience.”

Alla says Mariia has been instrumental in helping their family grow and stay happy, healthy, and sane.

“I love to travel, and with Maria by my side, I’m able to take my family on vacations without too much stress for me. Some of my favorite memories with Mariia and my girls was when we went on family vacations together.”