Do most AP expect more than the $200 stipend?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The intent of the program is not to come to the USA to "get rich". This is not a career. It's a 1-2 year exchange program. Live with a family, take classes, babysit, and travel smartly (youth hostels). If AP doesn't want that, she shouldn't come as an AP.

Have you done youth hostels? I have done them here and in Europe and in Europe they are often near public transportation, which is cheaper and more accessible in Europe. In the US, you need a car or transportation and they aren't always that cheap. Its a very different experience.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The intent of the program is not to come to the USA to "get rich". This is not a career. It's a 1-2 year exchange program. Live with a family, take classes, babysit, and travel smartly (youth hostels). If AP doesn't want that, she shouldn't come as an AP.

Have you done youth hostels? I have done them here and in Europe and in Europe they are often near public transportation, which is cheaper and more accessible in Europe. In the US, you need a car or transportation and they aren't always that cheap. Its a very different experience.

One of my former APs and her AP friend stayed at a hostel in Miami (twice, they loved it so much). Didn't need a car whatsoever. Met other young people from their home country whom they became friend with.

Lots of APs travel by staying at hostels. They also travel for 2plus weeks during travel months via groups, often populated by mostly APs and those trips involve a combo of hotels and camping. One program that two of my APs have done takes them to LA, Arizona, Grand Canyon, Utah and San Francisco. Another one takes them to Hawaii. My APs have LOVED it. Camping was part of the adventure and the trip came with a tour guide.

[Anonymous]

PP can you tell me the name of the youth hostel in Miami? My au pair and some friends will travel there next week. Thanks!

[Anonymous]

New poster here -- my au pair loved the Freehand hotel/hostel in Miami (South Beach, great bar and pool hang out scene, not trashy or flashy).

[Anonymous]

and the Freehand bunk rooms are like $25/night per person!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The intent of the program is not to come to the USA to "get rich". This is not a career. It's a 1-2 year exchange program. Live with a family, take classes, babysit, and travel smartly (youth hostels). If AP doesn't want that, she shouldn't come as an AP.

Have you done youth hostels? I have done them here and in Europe and in Europe they are often near public transportation, which is cheaper and more accessible in Europe. In the US, you need a car or transportation and they aren't always that cheap. Its a very different experience.

One of my former APs and her AP friend stayed at a hostel in Miami (twice, they loved it so much). Didn't need a car whatsoever. Met other young people from their home country whom they became friend with.

Lots of APs travel by staying at hostels. They also travel for 2plus weeks during travel months via groups, often populated by mostly APs and those trips involve a combo of hotels and camping. One program that two of my APs have done takes them to LA, Arizona, Grand Canyon, Utah and San Francisco. Another one takes them to Hawaii. My APs have LOVED it. Camping was part of the adventure and the trip came with a tour guide.

No, you have not. Some places you don't but most do. Group tours are expensive.