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[quote=Anonymous]We have been doing the au pair program for several years now, and I find that it runs us about $24K per year.  We do provide a car (but she pays for her gas), we do not provide a cell phone.  The rest of the costs are hidden in additional activities she joins our family for (dinner out, vacations, etc.).

You are smart to be thinking about the transportation issue.  It is my firm belief that in order to be happy, au pairs NEED a way to get out and socialize with their friends.   If it is too hard (or time consuming) it will really limit their ability to get out of the house.   This doesn't necessarily mean a car, but it depends on several things:  1) your access to nearby fun stuff (movies/mall) via public transportation; 2) what country she is from; and 3) how many other au pairs are in your immediate area.

For example, if you live in Georgetown, I would not worry AT ALL about not having a car.  If you live where I do (Vienna, in the suburbs) it would be problematic.  If you choose an au pair from Germany or Brazil (very popular au pair countries), and are in a large cluster, it is also possible that her friends will have a car and can pick her up.  If you choose an au pair from, say, China (far less common), or live in a geographically large cluster, it may be harder for her to get a ride.[/quote]

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