[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 67 (Friday, April 29, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E629]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          HONORING THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF AU PAIR IN AMERICA

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                          HON. JAMES A. HIMES

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, April 29, 2016

  Mr. HIMES. Mr. Speaker, today, I am pleased to congratulate Au Pair 
in America on its 30th anniversary. Since its inception, Au Pair in 
America has been a leader in providing trusted live-in cultural care.
   Au Pair in America is part of the American Institute for Foreign 
Study (AIFS), based in Stamford, Connecticut. AIFS has maintained an 
exceptional record of leadership and innovation in the international 
education community for more than 50 years.
   In 1986, Au Pair in America was the first program sponsor to be 
designated by the State Department to administer an au pair program. To 
date, Au Pair in America has placed more than 90,000 au pairs from 
nearly 60 countries in Europe, South Africa, the Americas, New Zealand, 
the Middle East and Asia with American host families in 40 states and 
the District of Columbia.
   Au Pair in America has set a high standard for management of the 
program and its active engagement with both U.S. families and 
international au pairs. Its initial model--including careful screening, 
orientation and child safety courses for au pairs upon arrival, and the 
supervision of local Community Counselors--remains the program standard 
to this day.
   The au pair program provides a unique and rewarding experience for 
U.S. families and au pairs. And both host families and au pairs benefit 
from the cultural exchange that takes place and the creation of 
``global families.''
   I commend Au Pair in America for its dedication in providing host 
families with the most complete and fulfilling childcare and cultural 
exchange experience available.

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