São Paulo, April 2026 – At a time when the discussion about women’s autonomy is taking center stage in public debate, interest is growing among young Brazilian women in international experiences that go beyond tourism or language study. Among these options for building independence and female empowerment, the Au Pair program—exclusively for women—has established itself as a journey that combines paid work, study, and intercultural exchange in the United States.

This trend is part of a broader movement toward internationalization among Brazilian students. Data compiled by the global platform Flywire, based on UNESCO statistics, indicates that the number of Brazilians pursuing education abroad has grown by more than 50% since 2017, rising from about 58,000 to more than 89,000 students worldwide.

Aimed at women between the ages of 18 and 26, the program—which is regulated in the United States—provides for participants to live with a host family, work in child care, and receive weekly pay, in addition to having the opportunity to study during their stay in the country. The program allows participants to improve their English, learn about new cultures, travel, and gain work experience abroad. 

According to Experimento Intercâmbio Cultural, a leading provider of international education and educational experiences abroad, many applicants view the au pair program as an opportunity to gain independence and experience life abroad while working and studying.

“It’s not just about traveling. Many young women choose to be au pairs as a way to take control of their own path, live in another country, manage their own daily routines, and achieve financial independence while gaining international experience,” says Carla Gama, CEO of Experimento.

Stories that illustrate this experience

Letícia Servilha Peres, a 24-year-old physical therapist from Jundiaí (SP), decided to participate in the program shortly after graduating from college. In 2023, she moved to California in search of an international experience that would allow her to learn about another culture and gain independence.

At first, her enthusiasm was mixed with insecurity. “I was really afraid I wouldn’t be able to communicate, and I was also worried about my own safety,” she recalls. As time went on, her routine underwent significant changes. Letícia began handling everyday situations in English, managing her own money, and planning trips with the funds she earned during the program.

“When I realized I could handle everything on my own in another language and travel to other places with the money I earned myself, I felt that I was truly independent,” she says.

The search for new challenges also motivated Bruniele Rodrigues Carnero, 28, a native of Cabreúva (SP), to head to the United States in January 2023. Before the exchange program, she worked as an e-commerce assistant and decided to participate in the program in search of a change in her life. “I wanted to try something new and challenge myself to become a different person,” she says.

Throughout her journey, everyday challenges helped build her confidence, such as driving in areas with heavy snow and communicating in another language. One of the most memorable moments was when she decided to travel alone to New York a few months after arriving in the country. “That’s when I realized my communication skills were improving and that I could handle things on my own,” she says.

According to Bruniele, the experience also led to important personal discoveries. “I really discovered who I was, my interests, and my hobbies. Being exposed to different cultures had a huge impact on my self-esteem.”

Strengthening Personal Skills

International experience also helps develop important skills for adult life, such as organization, time management, intercultural communication, adaptability, and problem-solving.

For Carla Gama, the combination of everyday responsibilities and international experience explains the growing interest in the program. “The Au Pair program places participants in a real-life environment where they must adapt and make decisions. This builds self-confidence, resilience, and the ability to handle new situations.”

Interest in the program highlights a practical aspect of women’s autonomy: young women who choose to live abroad, take on responsibilities, and build an international experience that broadens their cultural and personal horizons.

About Experimento Intercâmbio Cultural
With over 60 years of experience in Brazil, Experimento Intercâmbio Cultural is a leader in international education and educational experiences abroad. Operating in Brazil since 1964, the company focuses on preparing, supporting, and providing comprehensive care for students throughout their entire international experience. A brand of CVC Corp since 2016, Experimento advocates for exchange programs as an educational process that goes beyond language learning, contributing to the cultural, emotional, and personal development of participants.