Patricia Brunner

Welcome Affiliate Member Omniepres from Namibia

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The International Au Pair Association (IAPA) is proud to welcome Omniepres Au Pair Agency, based in Namibia, as our newest affiliate member. Serving candidates since 2022, Omniepres is a professional international recruitment and cultural exchange organization specializing in preparing and screening qualified au pairs for placement, primarily in Germany and across Europe. Built on strong values of integrity, transparency, and genuine care, Omniepres guides every au pair through the complete journey, from application and German A1 preparation to visa processing, embassy preparation, and successful departure. Host family matching  and care throughout the au pairs stay is carried out through trusted, …

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Welcome Affiliate Member LEDEU Academia, Ecuador

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We Welcome our new Affiliate Member LEDEU Academia Ecuador. Logo LEDEU below in small the IAPA logo in while. Everything on dark blue background

LEDEU Academia is a language and international education academy based in Quito, Ecuador. The academy offers practice-oriented courses in German, English and French, as well as structured exchange programmes to Germany and the United States, including Au Pair, vocational training, university preparation and qualified employment pathways Language courses are clearly goal-driven (levels A1–C2), with a strong focus on communication, intercultural competence and exam preparation (e.g. telc/Goethe). Classes are taught by qualified and experienced teachers who understand both the requirements of the German-speaking education and labour market and the specific needs of young learners from Latin America.   As a school …

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Welcome New Affiliate Member Scandinavian Au pair Center

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Scandinavian Au Pair Center (SAPC) is a full-service agency that has been supporting au pairs and host families for more than 20 years. Over the years, the agency has gained extensive experience in matching, visa processes, and the rules and regulations governing au pair programmes in Scandinavia and related countries. SAPC manages the entire process, including matching, agreements, insurance, documentation, visa applications, legal guidance, language school applications, tax-related matters, and ongoing support for both au pairs and host families. The agency works in accordance with the rules and regulations of each destination country and cooperates closely with local immigration authorities …

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Philippines Suspends Au Pair Approvals for the Netherlands

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The Philippine Embassy in The Hague has announced that it will suspend the notarization and approval of new au pair contracts for Philippine nationals travelling directly from the Philippines to the Netherlands, effective 1 July 2026. Read the official statement This development affects a significant segment of the Dutch cultural exchange system. According to Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) statistics, Filipino nationals account for approximately 36% of au pairs in the Netherlands, making them the largest nationality group within the programme. See also IND au pair statistics.   Reasons Cited by the Philippine Authorities According to statements from the …

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Welcome Full Non-Voting Member AIFS Educational Travel Switzerland

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We are pleased to welcome AIFS Educational Travel Switzerland as our new member. AIFS Educational Travel is an experienced provider of international exchange programmes that has been supporting young people on their journey abroad for many years. In addition to its headquarters in Germany, the Swiss branch of AIFS has now also joined IAPA. This step underscores AIFS’s commitment to being a safe and trustworthy organisation that upholds the rights and responsibilities of au pairs. AIFS Germany is a founding member of IAPA, reflecting its long-standing dedication to quality and safety in cultural exchange programs. As a Swiss company, AIFS …

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Meet 2026 Au Pair of the Year Runner-Up Anethea Klein

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Anethea Runner-Up of the IAPA Au Pair of the Year Award 2026

The Au Pair of the Year Award celebrates extraordinary au pairs who embrace cultural exchange and personal growth. While we’ve already introduced you to our winner, Jemimah, we’re excited to spotlight Anethea Klein from Namibia, our Runner-Up, placed by The Dutch Au Pair Agency HBN Au Pair. Anethea’s journey in the Netherlands was marked by her enthusiasm for new experiences, her strong bond with her host family, and her courage to step beyond her comfort zone. “You have to put yourself out there,” she reflected. “I’m proud I did.” Her achievement was announced at the WETM-IAC conference in Sofia, where …

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IAPA Elects Jean Quinn as new Chair and Reaffirms Board Leadership

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New IAPA Chair Jean Quinn

  Sofia, March 19, 2026 – The International Au Pair Association (IAPA) is pleased to announce the election of Jean Quinn, Senior Vice President of AIFS /Au Pair in America (USA), as its new Chair. The elections were held during IAPA’s Annual General Meeting, which took place as part of the WETM-IAC conference in Sofia, Bulgaria. Jean Quinn succeeds Michael McHugh of InterExchange (USA), who served in the role for the past three years and chose not to stand for re-election.   Introducing  IAPA´s new Chair Jean Quinn: A Leader in Cultural Exchange Jean Quinn brings over 30 years of experience in the au …

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Jemimah Waceke Mwithiga from Kenya wins 2026 IAPA Au Pair of the Year Award

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Sofia, Bulgaria, March 18, 2026 – The International Au Pair Association (IAPA) is delighted to announce Jemimah (Mimah) Waceke Mwithiga from Kenya as the winner of the prestigious 2026 IAPA Au Pair of the Year Award. This award recognizes au pairs who exemplify the spirit of cultural exchange, resilience, and dedication, and Mimah´s journey is a remarkable testament to these values.   A Journey of Cultural Exchange and Growth Jemimah´s au pair adventure began with Family Enevoldsen in Denmark, where she embraced a life that was entirely new to her. From adjusting to the cold Scandinavian climate to navigating a …

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Who will be the next IAPA Au Pair of the Year? We´ll announce the winner 18 March in Sofia

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The IAPA Au Pair of the Year Award is more than just recognition, it’s a celebration of the incredible bonds formed between au pairs and host families around the world. This year, we were once more impressed with the heartfelt and inspiring videos submitted by IAPA agencies, showcasing stories of cultural exchange, mutual growth, and lifelong friendships. Each submission was a testament of the deep impact this cultural exchange experience has on au pairs and the families who welcome them into their homes.   To every au pair, host family, and agency who took the time to share these beautiful …

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CAPAA Elects New Chair and Board

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New CAPAA Chair Nicole Kofkin

The Cultural Au Pair Association of Australia (CAPAA) has elected a new Board and Chair. The International Au Pair Association (IAPA) warmly congratulates Nicole Kofkin, founder of Hello Au Pair, on her election as Chair. Nicole succeeds Anna Prasad (AIFS Australia), whom we thank for her dedication and valuable contributions as well as positive cooperation with IAPA  during her tenure as Chair. Nicole Kofkin brings nearly two decades of experience in the au pair and cultural exchange sector, having been actively involved in the industry since 2006. As a founding member of CAPAA, she has played an important role in …

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