Patricia Brunner – International Au Pair Association

No Visas, No Answers: Australia’s Working Holiday Visa Delays Leave Au Pairs and Families in Limbo

19. August 2026 by Patricia Brunner

Au pairs and host families affected by Working Holiday visa delays

At a glance Hundreds of young people preparing to take up au pair placements or other working holiday positions in Australia are stuck in limbo, unable to travel because of continuing delays to Working Holiday visa processing. The Australian families waiting to host them are just as much in the dark. Since 1 July, agencies in Australia and their international partner organisations have received a growing number of reports from young people who expected to have already arrived and begun their placements. Instead, many are still waiting on a visa decision, with no indication of when processing will return to …

99aupairs (Australia), joins IAPA as full voting member

10. August 2026 by Patricia Brunner

Matching families with trusted, screened au pairs across Australia – that’s the mission of 99aupairs, our newest full voting member. 99aupairs is a premium au pair and in-home childcare agency based in Melbourne, operating across Australia. Founded in 2017, the company has supported more than 1,000 families nationwide. The 99aupairs team matches families with carefully screened au pairs who live as part of the family. Every placement is backed by a year-round care guarantee, including unlimited rematches and nanny cover, so families are never left without support. 99aupairs is a proudly premium service built on trust, safety, and outcomes — …

Welcome Affiliate Member Omniepres from Namibia

22. July 202613. July 2026 by Patricia Brunner

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, …

Welcome Affiliate Member LEDEU Academia, Ecuador

31. July 202629. June 2026 by Patricia Brunner

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 …

Welcome New Affiliate Member Scandinavian Au pair Center

8. June 2026 by Patricia Brunner

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 …

Philippines Suspends Au Pair Approvals for the Netherlands

20. July 20261. June 2026 by Patricia Brunner

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 …

Welcome Full Non-Voting Member AIFS Educational Travel Switzerland

20. July 202616. April 2026 by Patricia Brunner

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 …

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

20. July 202626. March 2026 by Patricia Brunner

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 …

IAPA Elects Jean Quinn as new Chair and Reaffirms Board Leadership

20. July 202624. March 2026 by Patricia Brunner

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 …

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

22. March 2026 by Patricia Brunner

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 …