Julieta Araujo, known on TikTok as @julieta.araujo79, has gone viral with a video addressing a straightforward question: "Do the parents of the teenagers charge you rent?" In the clip, which has garnered over 31,600 likes, she outlines the conditions of the Au Pair program for those who come to work as nannies in the United States.
Julieta, who shares content about her experience as a nanny for teenagers in the U.S., explained that as an au pair, she does not have to pay for rent or food. She even receives a car for personal use and phone data, although she noted that not all families provide the same perks. "We’re given a card to purchase what we need, but in return, we care for their children and receive a salary of $200 per week," she said. She added that the minimum wage for this program is around $195 for 45 hours per week, though some families pay more.
Mixed Reactions to Au Pair Program on TikTok
The video sparked a wave of comments, with some expressing interest in the program and others criticizing the low pay. Comments included, "Only $200 a week? I make that in three hours cleaning houses," "Is fluent English required?" "I get paid the same for four hours of babysitting!" and "It's too little, and families take advantage, especially with young children." Meanwhile, others showed enthusiasm for the idea of participating in the program, asking about requirements like minimum age, English proficiency, or necessary documents.
Pros and Cons of the Au Pair Lifestyle
Julieta also addressed some questions, mentioning that it is not possible to work elsewhere during the program and that expenses such as medications or clothing must be covered separately. However, she emphasized that the program is a viable option for those who want to travel and live in the U.S. while working as child caregivers.
The debate continues to grow in the comments, with some viewing the salary as insufficient for the amount of work required, while others see this experience as an opportunity to travel and save on living expenses.