Reply to Do most AP expect more than the $200 stipend?

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]

The "living wage" comparison is ridiculous. When APs have to pay all of their living expenses -- i.e. rent, groceries, utilities, car, car expenses (maintenance, gas, insurance), and incidentals out of their stipends, then it should become a living wage. Until then, the "living wage" poster clearly doesn't know what the term is supposed to mean.

Yes, this.  Thank you.  That is because "living wage" poster is a disgruntled AP who needs to leave the program, find a "living wage" job, her own place to live, her own car, phone, tutition, food, utilities, etc, etc.  [/quote]

Exactly. Most APs do not come to the US for an AP year thinking they will be making significant money. The stipend is just that - a little extra to give them spending money during a year when their other costs are covered. For many of them it will be more than they're used to getting at home, after expenses. Most young people who need money-making jobs are not looking to be au pairs - unless they are coming under false pretenses and plan to find extra jobs or overstay their visas because they want to stay in the country (which is rare but does happen). [/quote]

Every single AP i've had says exactly this - that they do not come here as an AP for the money.  All have been young women who genuinely  like to spend time caring for children (usually they are the big sibling/cousin) and who wanted to come experience life in the USA with an American family for a year (or two).  All have said the money is plenty for them to do fun things (several have done amazing travel months to the West Coast), to buy clothes, fun makeup,  see a few concerts, and take the bus into NYC for low cost fun almost every single weekend (we are right outside NYC).  Comparing this  to an American nanny gig, and "living wage" is apples/oranges.   [/quote]

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