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An “au pair” is a person from another country who lives with a family and provides childcare services, usually in exchange for room, board, and a small allowance. This arrangement offers a cultural exchange experience, as the au pair learns about the host country’s culture and language while the host family benefits from having a live-in childcare provider who can also bring a different cultural perspective. The term “au pair” comes from French, meaning “on par” or “equal to,” indicating that the relationship is intended to be more of a mutual, familial one rather than a strictly employer-employee dynamic.