Go Au Pair

This was the very first agency we used (we have switched to a new one) and honestly, I would NEVER recommend another friend, relative, even an acquaintance to use this company again. We had problem after problem with this company from the get go.

For starters, our first LAR never was around. You could never reach her with any question, by either email or phone. Even our contacts at the agency changed 3 times in the 2 years we used this agency.

One of the biggest problems occurred when we went to extend with our au pair, the agency checked the wrong box on the forms -- we asked for a 12 month (a full year) extension, they checked 6 month and sent it into the Dept of State. They informed me there was nothing we could do to get it changed. They would not even provide me the contact at the Dept of State so I could see if we could get the form changed. After going all the way up to the Director, I got the contact information and GOT THE FORM CHANGED MYSELF. I mean the agencies charge so much, you would think they wouldn't mess up one of the only items of paperwork they need to do.

When the same au pair up and left us with no notice (she was young and stupid and got promises from this crazy boyfriend's family she was dating), it was even more of a mess. The new LAR was not on our side at all. This LAR has gone around after the fact restating ridiculous claims that she heard from the au pair about my husband and I -- to the point where I have thought about taking legal action. The au pair threatened the physical safety of my children and they let her stay in the country for TWO WEEKS after she left. There were no repercussions for her breaching our contract and we got a measly $450 back. Unbelievable. When I asked if we could get a new LAR if we even decided to go back to them, the only option was the same LAR's (who badmouthed us) friend.

Before all that happened I had recommended a friend who is using an au pair from there and was promised a $100 Visa card from Go Aupair, which we never received.

I ditto the other poster that this agency tends to support very young, unqualified au pairs with no morals and values. The au pair we received through them was from Sweden she had had an abortion the year before she came here. This was n ever was disclosed on her medical forms nor did GoAupair even ask that question (Au Pair in America does). I am all for women's rights but a young woman who doesn't care enough about the life of a baby is not going to take good enough care of my children (in my opinion) and I wish we would have known that and been able to choose an au pair more in line with our morals and values.

I just truly cannot convey enough how much emotional distraught this agency caused my family and I. It was the most awful experience I have ever been through. We now use Au Pair in America and I highly recommend them. They have been fabulous, the LAR is amazing. The difference in the caliber between our last au pair and our current au pair is FANTASTIC. Holy moly! I never knew how bad our family had it with the previous au pair until we got this one. She is the sweetest and kindest woman and is so amazing with my children. She is older and more experienced and comes from a close-knit family -- where her mom and dad love each other very much and her siblings are close. I seriously cannot believe the difference in the caliber of the au pairs between the two agencies (because I got to meet other ones through this agency as well). Even the caliber in how the interviewing of the au pair and everything, I was so impressed with.

There are so many other agencies to choose from -- do yourself a favor and do not choose this one. If you are a working mom, like I am, it will only cause you trouble and stress.

Be very careful if choosing this agency. Even though the agency is small, once they have your money, they are done with you. This agency does not follow agency protocol or rules and regulations. Very disappointing. Go with a bigger agency - better pool of aupairs, better customer service.

Before you go with this agency, do your research. We assumed this agency would be fantastic since it is so small. However, that is not the case. They offer no support for host families. And if and when you need them, they will run with all your money!!!