If you’ve been researching au pair programs, you’ve probably come across the acronym IAPA. But what does the International Au Pair Association actually do — and why does it matter for a South African planning her gap year?
We sat down with Patricia Brunner, Managing Director of IAPA, to find out.
What Is IAPA?
Founded in 1994, IAPA is the global membership organisation for au pair agencies and cultural exchange programs. It sets industry standards, provides a complaints mechanism for both au pairs and host families, and functions as a watchdog for the sector.
“When you work with an IAPA-member agency, you have recourse,” Patricia explains. “There is a standards body that has agreed to hold member agencies accountable.”
Why It Matters for South Africans
South Africa has no domestic regulatory body for au pair agencies. That means any outfit can call itself an agency, take a fee, and disappear. IAPA membership is one of the strongest signals available that an agency operates with integrity.
“We see a lot of non-member agencies making promises they cannot keep,” says Patricia. “IAPA members are required to maintain specific insurance standards, complaint-handling procedures, and program quality benchmarks.”
What to Look For
Patricia’s advice for prospective au pairs is practical:
- Verify IAPA membership directly on the IAPA website, not on the agency’s own materials
- Understand what your agency fee covers and what it does not
- Know that the host family also pays fees — an agency that charges only au pairs, or asks for money before any placement, warrants scrutiny
- Ask specifically about the rematch process — what happens if the placement doesn’t work out
The Human Side
Beyond standards and compliance, IAPA is fundamentally about connection. Patricia has met thousands of au pairs over the years. She describes a consistent theme: the year abroad is rarely what people expect, and almost always better.
“It changes young people,” she says. “It builds confidence, adaptability, empathy. These are skills no degree program fully teaches.”
For Hanlie, this is exactly why the vetting work matters. Every agency she recommends is one she would trust for her own child. IAPA membership is one, but not the only, factor she considers.
