OP, you need to break it down like this:

Nanny:
Pros: more childcare experience, knows the area, can hit the ground running, doesn't live with you (generally), no complicated relationships (not "part of the family")
Cons: Expensive, may quit at any time, no split schedule abilities

AP:
Pros: Less expensive, can be a wonderful addition to your home, younger and energetic, generally predictable start and end dates, ability to split the schedule around the school day, works any holiday you need, very flexible schedule.
Cons: Less experienced, more complex relationship, lives with you, English may be weak at first, matching and rematching hassles, you have to write a big check to the agency at one time,

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:200 per week my goodness no wonder all of the au pairs in my area seem like runaway slaves at the park. they all hate their jobs and look for anyone to complain to. even with the living expenses being paid 200 seems like it should be illegal

$800 a month and no bills. Better situation than 60% of the US population.

Save it or spend it on American clothes, fast food, and movies. That is the APs choice. $9600 USD in the bank at the end of the year if you don't spend anything.

You pay all her off-duty expenses? How generous of you!

Such as?

This question probably belongs in the AP forum, but just to give a quick sense of what's covered in the AP package -

Mandated: room, all meals, health insurance, international airfare, course fees, and car insurance if required to drive
Typical: Phone, car access off-duty, and inclusion on family members to the gym, as well as inclusion on at least some vacations

So, with rent, food, utilities, health insurance, phone, and car costs fully covered - what's left? $200/week purely for social and travel costs.

My last AP went home with $4K in the bank and had traveled the US extensively.