What inspired you to work for Carla's Au Pairs?
I founded CAP in 2012 after experiencing firsthand how life-changing cultural exchange can be. My own au pair year in the USA shaped who I am today and inspired me to create an agency that truly supports young people with heart, integrity, and a deeply personal approach throughout their journey abroad.
How do you use your education and international background in your current role?
My education in early childhood development helps me understand both the childcare aspect of the program and the needs of our au pairs. Having been an au pair myself, and having travelled extensively, I can relate to the challenges and joys of living abroad — and I use that perspective to guide our team and support our participants authentically.
At The Office
What challenges do you often face, and how do you overcome them?
The industry is constantly evolving, and young people’s expectations change too. We also face external challenges like visa delays, regulatory changes, or shifts in the economy. I overcome these by staying adaptable, fostering open communication with our partners, and leading with transparency and empathy.
What advice would you give your pre-travel self?
Be open to everything and let go of the need for perfection. Not everything will go as planned, and that’s often where the most magical moments happen. The most meaningful experiences take place when you step outside your comfort zone. Resilience, flexibility, and curiosity are just as important as excitement when living in a new country. Embrace every opportunity with an open heart and mind.
Talking About Our Programs On A Podcast
What makes Carla's Au Pairs special?
CAP is built on personal experience, care, and integrity. Having lived the au pair journey ourselves, we truly understand it and walk alongside our participants at every step. We don’t just offer a program. We create a supportive community where each young person feels prepared, valued, empowered, and part of something meaningful.
Why should someone choose Carla's Au Pairs over competitors?
We offer a highly personal, hands-on approach that begins with the very first contact and continues long after our au pairs return home. Our dedicated team provides exceptional support, thorough preparation, and genuine care at every stage. We focus on quality over quantity. Every au pair truly matters to us. Our commitment to their growth, safety, and success consistently sets us apart from competitors and builds lasting trust with both au pairs and host families.
What is your organization's mission, and how do you continue to work toward it?
Our mission is to empower young people through life-changing cultural exchange, helping them develop confidence, adaptability, resilience, and global awareness. We actively work toward this every day through exceptional preparation, continuous support, and genuine mentorship. Our goal is to ensure every au pair feels seen, valued, supported, and truly ready to thrive abroad: personally, culturally, and professionally. We are passionate about shaping experiences that leave a lasting, positive impact on their lives.
What do you hope participants take away from your programs?
I hope participants return with greater confidence, independence, and a deep understanding of the world and themselves. I want them to build lifelong friendships, develop adaptability, resilience, and cultural awareness, and leave with a renewed appreciation for their own strengths, potential, and ability to thrive in new environments. These skills will serve them long after their program ends.
At One Of Our Au Pair Training Sessions
How do you help support participants?
We provide comprehensive support at every stage of the journey: From guiding participants through applications, training, and pre-departure preparation to offering continuous mentorship, regular check-ins, and practical advice while abroad. Our dedicated team is always available to answer questions, encourage growth, and help participants navigate challenges with confidence. We aim to ensure that every participant feels supported, valued, and empowered to make the most of their experience abroad.
Why is it important for people to travel abroad and experience new cultures?
Travel opens minds, builds empathy, and fosters true global understanding. Experiencing new cultures helps people see beyond their own perspectives, challenge assumptions, and embrace diversity with curiosity and respect. It also teaches adaptability, resilience, and open-mindedness, which are skills that are invaluable for personal growth and for contributing positively to an increasingly connected, globalized world. These experiences shape more compassionate and culturally aware individuals, which benefits both their personal and professional lives.
What advice do you have for individuals thinking about going abroad?
Go with an open mind, patience, curiosity, and a willingness to learn. Be flexible and embrace every opportunity, even the unexpected challenges. Real growth happens when you step outside your comfort zone. Prepare well, but stay adaptable. The friendships, resilience, cultural awareness, and self-confidence you’ll gain abroad are truly priceless and will serve you for a lifetime. Every experience, both joyful and difficult, will shape you in ways you cannot imagine yet.
Promoting Our Programs At A Career Fair
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Meaningful travel is about genuine connection, not consumption. It means engaging deeply with local cultures through respect, curiosity, and empathy. It’s about building authentic relationships, listening and learning from new perspectives, and contributing positively to the communities you visit. Meaningful travel leaves a lasting, reciprocal impact, not only enriching your personal growth but also honouring and uplifting the local people and culture. It’s about travelling with intention and heart.
What qualities in program & host community relations are essential to you? (And Carla's Au Pairs?)
Mutual respect, open communication, and cultural sensitivity are fundamental to us. We value partnerships that foster genuine relationships, transparency, and shared responsibility. We aim to create programs where participants and host communities feel equally valued, respected, and enriched. Listening to local voices, promoting cross-cultural understanding, and ensuring ethical engagement are central to building trust and long-term positive impact for everyone involved in the exchange experience.