Pairing up

The AIFS, says Naomi Stenham, its acting programme director, thinks 'We're into a new generation since the Louise Woodward case, and we feel the time is now ripe to turn the market round again.' The agency, which also runs the Camp America programme and two levels of schemes for au pairs, is trying to lure foreign students to work for American families with a new programme called EduCare in America.

The difference is that the candidates, called 'companions' rather than au pairs, are contracted to provide out-of-school care for up to 30 hours per week only for school-age children. The host family, who pay thousands of dollars in fees to the agency, must ensure the 'companions' are free to study for at least six hours a week at a local community college or university, pay tuition costs and provide free room and board and $105 per week 'pocket money'. Candidates must make a 12-month commitment to stay with the jobs they're placed in. For details of EduCare and the other AIFS au pair programmes, contact them on 020 7581 7350.