About – International au pair association

About Us

The International Au Pair Association

We are the leading global trade association representing organisations active in all aspects of au pair and cultural exchange programmes. We are dedicated to supporting au pair and cultural exchange opportunities for young people, protecting the rights of all au pairs and host families and establishing internationally approved guidelines for au pair exchange programmes.

IAPA is a global not-for-profit organisation with 30+ years of history. We currently have more than 150 member organisations in over 40 countries worldwide. We ensure that our member organisations meet strict business and ethical standards, agreeing to abide by the IAPA code of conduct, signifying competence, fair dealing and high integrity.

”History”

Objectives

The Aims and Objectives of the Association Are:

We are the dedicated voice for the au pair and cultural exchange community with a mission to support and represent our members, giving au pair programmes a presence on the international stage.

We foster mutual understanding and cooperation between member organisations helping them to provide high quality au pair experiences.

We develop and strengthen cultural ties between nations by promoting au pair programmes among young people and host families, creating opportunities for them to take part in a transformative cultural exchange experience.

We act as an intermediary between agencies and governments, lobbying for the expansion of programs worldwide and their fair treatment as a valuable cultural exchange experience.

We advocate for safe and supportive placements for au pairs and host families by ensuring our members adhere to our specific guidelines/ rules and regulations.

You can download our current constitution

Constitution

Read Our Constitution

Organisation

”The

Who We Are

The IAPA Board: Led by Members, Driven by Experts

The Executive Board of the International Au Pair Association (IAPA) is the cornerstone of our organization’s leadership. Composed of passionate and experienced professionals, the Board is elected by our members during the Annual General Member Meeting, ensuring that our governance reflects the diverse voices and needs of the global au pair community.

Leading with Vision: Advocacy, Support, and Growth

The Executive Board sets the strategic direction for IAPA, focusing on advocacy, member support, financial sustainability, and community growth. They define the vision and priorities, while our Management executes these initiatives to ensure impactful results. Together, they work to:

Advocate for fair and ethical au pair programs worldwide.
Support members with resources, training, and networking opportunities.
Ensure financial sustainability to fund initiatives and secure the future of IAPA.
Drive strategic initiatives to strengthen the au pair community.

Election and Tenure

Executive Board Members serve a three-year term, providing stability and continuity while allowing for fresh ideas and perspectives to shape the future of IAPA.

Once that period has ended any Board Member is eligible for re-election.

Find out more about the IAPA Board members´ duties and responsibilities and the different roles within the Board.