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Using Erika Travel Insurance - Most Commonly Asked QUestions

Posted by: Joyce Johnson | July 1, 2009 | No Comment |

1.     How Do I Find a Doctor:  Look up an Aetna provider on www.aetna.com\docfind\erika - this will save you money if you use a participating provider.

2.     What is the difference between Aetna vs. Erika Insurance:  Call the doctor’s office and say you have “Aetna” (not Erika insurance because they will not recognize the Erika name).

3.     Do I Need My Insurance Card and What Other Information Do I Need?  Bring your Insurance Certificate Card with you to the doctor’s office

  • What is my ID number:  Give the doctor’s office your CCAP booking number - this is your insurance ID number (do not give them the policy number 10462 or 11190 as your id number because all au pairs have the same policy number). 
  • Your name:  Provide the doctor’s office with your FULL name (as it appears in your passport or visa) - Including all of your family names.
  • Billing address:  If the doctor does not send Aetna the bill, they will bill YOU instead. Tell your doctor to send bills to:

Aetna Student Health

P.O. Box 15719

Boston, MA 02215

  • Deductibles:  Do not pay the Aetna provider’s office for the visit except for your deductible:  $65 for Basic and $35 for Extended.

4.     Call Aetna if the doctor’s office can’t find your name:  Be sure to have the doctor’s office call Aetna at 800-783-7447 to confirm your insurance benefits and coverage dates.  Have them call while you are there in the office so you can have the insurance pay for the visit.  If they cannot reach someone or give you difficulties, be sure to take down the name of the person in the doctor’s office and we can contact them during the next business day. Call Aetna yourself and ask them to contact the doctor’s office on your behalf.

5.     If Aetna does not have your name:   Call Cultural Care at 800-448-5753 and they will confirm your eligibility with Aetna. All au pairs have insurance coverage while participating in the program, so do not panic! It is usually just a clerical mistake that can be easily fixed.

6.     Emergency Room:  Remember that you have an extra Emergency Room deductible if you go to the ER:  $150 for Basic and $50 for Extended, plus your normal deductible of $65 or $35. 

7.     Routine Care:  Remember that routine care is NOT covered - if you go for a doctor’s visit because you do not feel well, or something is wrong, remind the doctor’s office that routine visits are not covered and they must send Aetna a bill explaining why you needed treatment.

8.     Hospitalizations or Accidents while driving:  Be sure to contact the Assistance Company in the event that you have to go to the hospital or are in an accident with your car.  The Assistance Companies are open 24/7 and the phone numbers are on your insurance certificate and in the policy booklet. 

9.     If you get a bill at home:  if you receive a doctor’s bill at home, please contact the insurance at 800-783-7447 to be sure the insurance has also received the bill to pay it.  Otherwise, the doctor will expect payment from you and you may begin to receive Collection Notices.  To prevent this from happening, contact Aetna immediately after you get a bill.

10. Prescriptions:  If you have a prescription, you must first pay for it and then send in a claim form with the receipt from the pharmacy (both the cash register receipt and the medication information label attached to the prescription.)  You will be reimbursed for all medications except for acne, birth control or medication that you take for a pre-existing condition.

11. Claim forms:  go to www.erikainsurance.com and you can download claim forms.

 

 

 

under: LCC Tips, Links, News, Program Info
Tags:

Au Pairs - Switch Agencies and Save $1000

Posted by: Joyce Johnson | June 23, 2009 | No Comment |

“Repeat with Us” Discount for Competitor Families

I’m are asking all competitor families to “repeat with us!” Competitor families are entitled to the following savings:
-$350 application fee waiver
-$500 program fee discount
- Free overseas connection service ($150 value) 
TOTAL SAVINGS = $1,000!

Call me at 603-568-8093 so I can tell how easy it is to switch and to walk you through the process.

Families must submit proof of payment of their agency’s program fees (proof of payment of application fee does not qualify).

Why Families Switch to us?

  • One-to-one matching: We hand-select compatible applicants. Other agencies leave families to fend for themselves and don’t give exclusive rights to an au pair match resulting in frustration.
  • Affordability: Our program fees are about the same as other agencies despite the high quality we offer. Our competitors cannot match the excellent service we provide at our great price, especially with our “Repeat with Us” discount.
  • Superior training: Our au pairs are trained by our own full-time staff on an actual college campus. While our au pairs attend a one-of-a-kind training program at St. John’s University in Oakdale, NY, our competitors just hold classes in hotels or just use videos to show the curriculum.
  • Support all year long: Our amazing group of LCCs (me included!) is what will ensure a great year!
  • Caring for kids: Cultural Care Au Pair is committed to helping children in need through our Kids First program.
  • Lifelong relationships: Our superior program is the cornerstone to a successful exchange year for au pairs and host families—and friendships that last a lifetime!

Aside from the advantages listed above, Cultural Care offers even more benefits that the competitor just can’t live up to:

  • Male au pairs: In an industry where the majority of our au pairs are female, we continue to recruit qualified male candidates to fulfill our host families’ needs. Not all of our competitors can say the same!
  • Continuing Education Program: We are committed to the on-going education of au pairs, and our CEP program proves it. Cultural Care Au Pair has developed four seasonal safety units to supplement their training at the Au Pair Training School. Other agencies don’t offer continued safety training throughout the year.
  • Details, details, details: Do other agencies arrange domestic transportation from the au pair school to the family’s home? Do our competitors coordinate au pairs’ flights home at the end of the year? Not all au pair agencies take care of these details like we do.
under: Local Info, News, Program Info

Get in to the Swim of Summer with these Top 20 Water Safety Tips!

Posted by: Joyce Johnson | June 20, 2009 | No Comment |

With School Officially out, summer fun time is here! Make sure this summer is full of safe water practices. Our July Summer Safety Meeting is July 25, 2009 At Bucklin Beach, New London at 11:00 AM. Wear your Swimsuit and bring a towel, sunscreen, bottle of water and pack a lunch. 

Top 20 Water Safety Tips

  1. “Buddy Up!” That’s what swimming instructors say. Always swim with a partner, every time — whether you’re swimming in a backyard pool or in a lake. Even experienced swimmers can become tired or get muscle cramps, which might make it difficult to get out of the water. When people swim together, they can help each other or go for help in case of an emergency.
  2. Get Skilled. Speaking of emergencies, it’s good to be prepared. Learning some life-saving techniques, such as CPR and rescue techniques, can help you save a life. A number of organizations offer free classes for both beginning and experienced swimmers and boaters. Check with your YMCA or YWCA, local hospital, or chapter of the Red Cross.
  3. Know Your Limits. Swimming can be a lot of fun — and you might want to stay in the water as long as possible. If you’re not a good swimmer or you’re just learning to swim, don’t go in water that’s so deep you can’t touch the bottom and don’t try to keep up with skilled swimmers. That can be hard, especially when your friends are challenging you — but it’s a pretty sure bet they’d rather have you safe and alive.
  4. Strong Swimmers. If you are a good swimmer and have had lessons, keep an eye on friends who aren’t as comfortable or as skilled as you are. If it seems like they (or you) are getting tired or a little uneasy, suggest that you take a break from swimming for a while.
  5. Swim in safe AREAS ONLY. It’s a good idea to swim only in places that are supervised by a lifeguard. No one can anticipate changing ocean currents, riptides, sudden storms, or other hidden dangers. In the event that something does go wrong, lifeguards are trained in rescue techniques.
  6. Open Water. Swimming in an open body of water (like a river, lake, or ocean) is different from swimming in a pool. You need more energy to handle the currents and other conditions in the open water.
  7. Caught in a Current. If you do find yourself caught in a current, don’t panic and don’t fight the current. Swim with the current, gradually trying to make your way back to shore as you do so. Even a very good swimmer who tries to swim against a strong current will get worn out. If you’re going to be swimming in an open body of water, it’s a great idea to take swimming lessons that provide you with tips on handling unexpected hazards.
  8. Strong Currents. Some areas with extremely strong currents are off limits when it comes to swimming. Do your research so you know where not to swim.
  9. Be Careful About Diving. Diving injuries can cause permanent spinal cord damage, paralysis, and in some cases even death. Protect yourself by only diving in areas that are known to be safe, such as the deep end of a supervised pool. If an area is posted with “No Diving” or “No Swimming” signs, pay attention to them. A “No Diving” sign means the water isn’t safe for a head-first entry. Even if you plan to jump in feet first, check the water’s depth before you leap to make sure there are no hidden rocks or other hazards. Lakes or rivers can be cloudy and hazards may be hard to see.
  10. Watch the Sun. Sun reflecting off the water or off sand can intensify the burning rays. You might not feel sunburned when the water feels cool and refreshing, but the pain will catch up with you later — so remember to reapply sunscreen frequently and cover up much of the time.
  11. Drink Plenty of Fluids. It’s easy to get dehydrated in the sun, particularly if you’re active and sweating. Keep up with fluids — particularly water — to prevent dehydration. Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or nausea can be signs of dehydration and overheating.
  12. Getting Too Cool. Speaking of temperature, it’s possible to get too cool. How? Staying in very cool water for long periods can lower your body temperature. A temperature of 70° Fahrenheit (20° Celsius) is positively balmy on land, but did you know that water below 70° Fahrenheit will feel cold to most swimmers? Your body temperature drops far more quickly in water than it does on land. And if you’re swimming, you’re using energy and losing body heat even faster than if you were keeping still. Monitor yourself when swimming in cold water and stay close to shore. If feel your body start to shiver or your muscles cramp up, get out of the water quickly; it doesn’t take long for hypothermia to set in.
  13. Alcohol and water never mix. Alcohol is involved in numerous water-related injuries and up to half of all water-related deaths. The statistics for teenage guys are particularly scary: One half of all adolescent male drownings are tied to alcohol use.
  14. Water Skill Level. OK, so you do more splashing than swimming, but it’s just as important to know your skill level at the water park as it is at the pool. Take a moment to read warnings and other signs. And make sure you do slide runs feet first or you’ll put yourself at risk for a ride that’s a lot less fun — one to your doctor or dentist.
  15. Boating and Accidental Deaths. More people die in boating accidents every year than in airplane crashes or train wrecks, but a little common sense can make boating both enjoyable and safe. If you are going to go boating, make sure the captain or person handling the boat is experienced and competent.
  16. Alcohol and water still don’t mix. One third of boating deaths are alcohol related. Alcohol distorts a person’s judgment no matter where they are — but that distortion is even greater on the water. The U.S. Coast Guard warns people about a condition called boater’s fatigue, which means that the wind, noise, heat, and vibration of the boat all combine to wear you down when you’re on the water.
  17. Water and the Weather. Because there are no road signs or lane markers on the water and the weather can be unpredictable, it’s important to be able to think quickly and react well under pressure. If you’re drinking, this can be almost impossible.
  18. Personal flotation devices. It’s always a good idea for everyone on the boat to wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket, whether the boat is a large speedboat or a canoe — and whether you’re a good swimmer or not. Wearing a life jacket (also known as a personal flotation device, or PFD) is the law in some states for certain age groups, and you could face a stiff penalty for breaking it. Your state may also require that you wear an approved life jacket for water skiing and other on-water activities. Wearing a PFD is like wearing a helmet while biking. It may take a few minutes to get used to it, but it definitely can be a lifesaver. Don’t leave land without it.
  19. Stay in touch. Before going out on a boat, let somebody on land know where you are going and about how long you’ll be out. That way, if you do get into trouble, someone will have an idea of where to look for you. If you’re going to be on the water for a long time, it’s a good idea to have a radio with you so you can check the weather reports. Water conducts electricity, so if you hear a storm warning, get off the water as quickly as you can.
  20. Jet skis. If you’re using jet skis or personal watercraft, follow the same rules as you do for boating. You should also check out the laws in your area governing the use of personal watercraft. Some states won’t allow people under a certain age to operate these devices; others require you to take a course or pass a test before you can ride one.

Now Have Fun!

The pool and the beach are great places to learn new skills, socialize, and check out everyone’s new bathing suit, but YOU are responsible for the Children’s safety first! So don’t let paying attention to safety turn you off. Being prepared will make you feel more comfortable and in charge.

under: Au Pair Meetings, Fun Stuff!, LCC Tips, Local Info, News, Photos, Program Info

Tired of Hearing “I’m Bored?”

Posted by: Joyce Johnson | June 12, 2009 | No Comment |

 

 

 

Need ideas on what to do if you are tired of swimming at all of the local beaches. Had enough sailing, kayaking or boating. Need to get into the sun or or out of it. Below is a small calendar of events for the coming months in the Lake Sunapee Area.

June 12
Newport Farmers’ Market
Largest farmers’ market in the area. Over 40 vendors of produce, flowers, plants, meat, eggs, baked goods, take-home foods, and homespun crafts. Open rain or shine. Children’s story time at 4 pm each Friday and musical entertainment during the markets. On the Town Common in Historic Downtown Newport
3-6 pm, Rain or Shine

June 13
Workshop at The Fells: Scenery Photography 
This intermediate level workshop with photographer and owner of Portrait Design Photography, Larry Harper, will focus on macro photography; framing and photographing fauna; lighting conditions and setting; proper focusing; and camera settings to get the best picture and composition. Bring your own film or digital camera and two rolls of 36-exposure film or a 1-gig camera card. Members $25, nonmembers $35. To register call Portrait Design Photography 1-603-622-1001. Minimum of 8, maximum of 20 students. Meet at The Fells Gatehouse classroom.
10am-noon

June 16
Open Mic Night at One Mile West
Bring an instrument, sing a song, tell a story or a joke. 
One Mile West Tavern in Sunapee
9pm

June 17
Live Music at Cafe Andre
Weekly live music featuring the area’s best musicians.
Cafe Andre in Sunapee
7pm

June 17
At The Fells: Old Garden Renovation Project
2009 marks the centennial of The Fells first garden designed by Clarence Hay. Join Fells Landscape Director, Jeff Good, for a Powerpoint presentation and tour through the Old Garden as he discusses its ongoing renovation and master plan to recreate the clean north-south and east-west axes first created in 1909. Fells and NEWFS members $25, nonmembers $30. To register call NEWFS Registrar Lana Reed, 508-877-7630 ext. 3303, limit of 20. Meet at The Fells Gatehouse. 
10am-noon

June 18
At The Fells: Landscape Designer Tours I: Wheaton Gardens
A private tour the Wheaton’s fabulous hillside gardens featuring stone walls and ponds. Designed by Roger Wells, owner and president of the architectural and landscape architectural firm, RWELLS DESIGN, who will discuss the design process, site evaluation, hardscape and softscape choices and construction. Members $20, nonmembers $25. Advance registrations required, limit of 20. Rain or shine. Directions provided at time of registration.
6-7pm

June 19
Newport Farmers’ Market
Largest farmers’ market in the area. Over 40 vendors of produce, flowers, plants, meat, eggs, baked goods, take-home foods, and homespun crafts. Open rain or shine. Children’s story time at 4 pm each Friday and musical entertainment during the markets. 
On the Town Common in Historic Downtown Newport
3-6 pm, Rain or Shine

June 20
At The Fells: 18th Annual Plant Sale-Members Only
The Fells nursery staff offers an outstanding selection of quality perennials and shrubs from regional nurseries as well as those propagated and field dug from The Fells very own gardens. Get friendly advice from expert Fells gardeners! Held in The Fells Gatehouse Courtyard. Open to members 8-9am and to the general public at 9am. Members, bring your membership cards and save 10%! Free of charge. 
9am-noon

June 23
Open Mic Night at One Mile West
Bring an instrument, sing a song, tell a story or a joke. 
One Mile West Tavern in Sunapee
9pm

June 24
Live Music at Cafe Andre
Weekly live music featuring the area’s best musicians.
Cafe Andre in Sunapee
7pm

June 25
At The Fells: Landscape Designer Tours II: Saturley Gardens
Jeff Good, Fells Landscape Director and private landscape consultant, takes you on a private tour of the Saturley garden in Newbury. Observe how this once open lot has been transformed into a gentle garden using a palette of mostly native plants, and how it blends with the existing woodland edges and shoreline. Members $20, nonmembers $25. Advance registration required, limit of 20. Rain or shine. Directions provided at time of registration.
6-7pm

June 26
Newport Farmers’ Market
Largest farmers’ market in the area. Over 40 vendors of produce, flowers, plants, meat, eggs, baked goods, take-home foods, and homespun crafts. Open rain or shine. Children’s story time at 4 pm each Friday and musical entertainment during the markets. 
On the Town Common in Historic Downtown Newport
3-6 pm, Rain or Shine

June 27
At The Fells: Dinosaur Exploration 
Join Nancy and Glenn Walker as parent and child teams become paleontological detectives. Participants examine fossils and learn how they are exhumed and prepared. Children reconstruct a dinosaur skeleton and paint a mural to take home. Appropriate for ages 6-8. Members $16, nonmembers $20 (per parent/child team). Advance registration required, limit 8 teams. Dress for indoor and outdoor activity. Meet at The Fells Gatehouse. 
1-3pm

June 28
At The Fells: Animal Attractions Sculpture Opening Benefit Celebration
Take in this all new animal themed sculpture exhibit curated by Eric Johnson www.sculpturescapes.us. View animal forms of all shapes, sizes, fabrications and distinctions displayed in the Main House Gallery and on the grounds. You won’t want to miss this early summer fund raiser! $50 per person, for reservations call 603-763-4789 ext. 3. Exhibit continues in the Gallery through August 31 and on the grounds through October 12. Free with admission.
3-6pm

June 28
Free Concert at the Newport Town Common Bandstand
Upper Valley Community Band
6pm

June 30
Open Mic Night at One Mile West
Bring an instrument, sing a song, tell a story or a joke. 
One Mile West Tavern in Sunapee
9pm

July 1
Live Music at Cafe Andre
Weekly live music featuring the area’s best musicians.
Cafe Andre in Sunapee
7pm

July 4 – August 14
Mary Jane Q. Cross at the Library Arts Center, Newport 
Opening Reception July 3rd 5-7 PM
The Library Arts Center is thrilled to showcase our local treasure Mary Jane Q. Cross in a solo exhibition. During the exhibit, Mary Jane will hold a gallery talk, high tea and plein air painting extravaganza.

 

 

 

 

July 5
Free Concert at the Newport Town Common Bandstand
T.S. and the String Alongs
6pm

July 5
Fireworks at the Lake Sunapee Yacht Club
Best viewed on the water or from Blodgett Landing
Dusk

July 6
Story Time at Tattered Pages in Sunapee Harbor
Every Monday at 11:00 July 6th through August 24. Community members share fun stories with children of all ages.

July 12
Free Concert at the Newport Town Common Bandstand
Destiny
6pm

July 13
Story Time at Tattered Pages in Sunapee Harbor
Community members share fun stories with children of all ages.
11pm

July 18
Second Annual Sunapee Bike Fest presented by Infinite Persistence 
Free BBQ, Free Music, Free Bike Course,
Free Helmets, Free safety stuff & cool stuff
Helmets for all kids!
Learn about head injury and how to stay safe on your bike this summer.

July 26
Free Concert at the Newport Town Common Bandstand
Tammy Jackson Band
6pm

July 20
Story Time at Tattered Pages in Sunapee Harbor
Community members share fun stories with children of all ages.
11pm

July 26
Fairy House Event at Tattered Pages in Sunapee Harbor
Tracy Kane, Portsmouth, NH author of the Fairy House series, will be at Tattered Pages to read one of her books and then get children started on creating a fairy house village along the Riverwalk. She will also be available for book signing. Volunteers will be available to help families find natural materials and a spot to build their fairy house. Children must be supervised by an adult. Pre-registration is requested. Call 763-2539
1pm

July 27
Story Time at Tattered Pages in Sunapee Harbor
Community members share fun stories with children of all ages.
11pm

July 29
In Concert at Eastman: Caren Calafati, Mezzo Soprano and Lauren Stuligross, Piano
The concert will feature Italian songs and arias, Contemporary songs/Broadway and Inspirational Songs. You might hear art songs in other languages as well!
In the Draper Room at Eastman, Grantham, NH
7:30pm

August 1
Mad Beach Band Reunion Concert
St. Petersburg, Florida’s most popular band comes north! 
T.C. Carr, Lenny Austin, Pete Merrigan, Dave Williamson, Vinnie Seplesky, Bryan Austin in their first N.H. concert since 1988!
Admission $20. Tickets at Harrington’s Jewelers or by phone 863-6938
Newport Opera House 
8pm

August 2
Free Concert at the Newport Town Common Bandstand
Murphy’s Blues
6pm

August 3
Story Time at Tattered Pages in Sunapee Harbor
Community members share fun stories with children of all ages.
11pm

August 9
Free Concert at the Newport Town Common Bandstand
Cardigan Mountain Tradition
6pm

August 10
Story Time at Tattered Pages in Sunapee Harbor
Community members share fun stories with children of all ages.
11pm

August 12, 13 and 14 
Western Hemisphere Junior Championship Regatta
Silver star regatta for sailors 25 years of age and under on Lake Sunapee
Hosted by the Lake Sunapee Yacht Club

August 15 & 16
Sunapee Open Regatta on Lake Sunapee
Hosted by the Lake Sunapee Yacht Club

August 16
Free Concert at the Newport Town Common Bandstand
Ozzie’s Country Band
6pm

August 17
Story Time at Tattered Pages in Sunapee Harbor
Community members share fun stories with children of all ages.
11pm

August 18, 19 and 20
12th District Championship Regatta
Hosted by the Lake Sunapee Yacht Club

August 22 – September 24
Robert Carsten & Gary Hamel - “Bridges to the Unknown” at the Library Arts Center, Newport
Opening Reception August 21st 5-7 PM
This show will feature work of these two highly respected regional artists as they work together to explore “bridges to the unknown.”

August 22
The Apple Pie Craft Fair & Richards Library Festival
An annual event put on by the Library Arts Center, held on the Newport Town Common from 9am-4pm. 90 booths of crafts, music, and entertainment. Home-made apple pies for sale. Apple Pie Contest. Firemen’s BBQ. This is a truly town-wide event.

August 23
Free Concert at the Newport Town Common Bandstand
East Bay Jazz Band
6pm

August 24
Story Time at Tattered Pages in Sunapee Harbor
Community members share fun stories with children of all ages.
11pm

August 30
Free Concert at the Newport Town Common Bandstand
High Ground
6pm

October 4 – October 18
Quilt Show at the Library Arts Center, Newport
In this favorite bi-annual exhibit at the Arts Center, the Soo-Nipi Quilters Guild will display quilts by its members.

November 14 – December 19
Gallery of Gifts 2009 at the Library Arts Center, Newport
Opening Reception November 13th 5-7 PM
The work of dozens of area crafters will be on display and for sale in a “boutique-style” fundraiser to benefit the Arts Center. The event features jewelry, pottery, fiber art, woodworking, and other fine craft perfect for gifting during the holiday season.

 

under: News

Incredible Low Airfare Deals to Australia - Book by June 16, 2009

Posted by: Joyce Johnson | June 10, 2009 | No Comment |

Have Au Pairs from Austrailia who want to visit home or extend but want to see their families. Here is an incredible price fro airfare from New York, Los Angeles or San Fransisco.

Fly to Sydney from New York on Qantas from $289 each way – the lowest fare we’ve seen to Australia this year.These fares are each-way based on roundtrip travel and are valid over the following dates: Aug. 11 - Sept. 15; Nov. 9-30

To make a reservation, click here to book directly on Qantas. Prices listed on Qantas’ website will include taxes of approximately $120.  Book by June 16. 

http://airfare.travelzoo.com/international-airfare/598384?utm_source=top20_us&utm_medium=email_top20

Joyce Johnson

603-568-8093

http://jjohnson.aupairnews.com/

under: News

Cultural Care Au Pair Always Puts Families First!

Posted by: Joyce Johnson | June 7, 2009 | No Comment |

In these trying economic times, I am proud to work for Cultural Care Au Pair. Our Peace Of Mind Guarantee offers the most extensive protection against life’s uncertainties.

See the News Segment at: http://www.wjla.com/news/stories/0609/629004.html

With Cultural Care Au Pair, our families receive a financial safeguard against unexpected job loss. We’ve listened to our host families and heard their concerns loud and clear. So in response we have developed this Cultural Care Au Pair exclusive Peace of Mind Guarantee, which protects our host families in three ways:

  1. Price guarantee - we know that families are most concerned about the quality of our program but in these uncertain times, affordability is also an important factor. We have committed to keeping our prices stable for the entirety of 2009. While other au pair agencies are increasing prices, you know that with Cultural Care you have a price guarantee. Cultural Care Au Pair continues to deliver the highest quality program at the most affordable price.
  2. Program continuation guarantee - we understand that if a parent suffers an involuntary job loss, the main priority of that parent will be to secure a new job. Throughout this process, the family will need reliable childcare. In addition, it is always Cultural Care Au Pair’s goal to maintain the stability of the au pair/host family relationship. For these reasons, we will offer those families who suffer an involuntary job loss the opportunity to receive the standard contractual refund and to keep their au pair until the end of her program term.
  3. Financial safeguard guarantee - in the event that a family is forced to make the decision to withdraw from the program as a result of an involuntary job loss, Cultural Care will refund the unused portion of their program fees. Cultural Care will then make every reasonable effort to replace the au pair with a new family so she may complete her program term.

Peace of Mind is essential these days and while other agencies may offer one or two of the above options, only Cultural Care protects you in all three of these important ways. Families who apply or re-apply on or after March 1, 2009 are eligible for this new program. Some terms and conditions apply.

For more information, please call me, joyce johnson at 603-568-8093 or visit my website: http://jjohnson.aupairnews.com/

under: News

Keeping Track of Your Money - Here’s a Helpful Idea!

Posted by: Joyce Johnson | June 1, 2009 | No Comment |

 

 

 

 

 

A few days ago I bumped into one of my host moms, Pamela. She was in need of a change of scenery and a cup of coffee and had set up a portable office at Ellie’s the local coffee cafe. We started talking about how easily you can lose track of spending if you don’t stay organized.

She also mentioned that what she hadn’t anticipated was how much paperwork she had been doing trying to keep track of her au pair’s expenses and vacation days. Because of the recent economy, she wanted to know how much she was spending on gas for her au pair to go classes, drive the kids to different events, cell phone costs, vacation days, etc.

She decided to come up with a way to track it all in one easy to find electronic document. She created the au-pair-expense-information Spreadsheet and has given me permission to share it with all of you. It includes examples and if you have questions contact me at 603-568-8093 or visit my website at http://jjohnson.aupairnews.com

I hope this helps,

Joyce

under: News

The World is Yours - Just make Sure You have a Visa and your DS2019 Form signed!

Posted by: Joyce Johnson | May 29, 2009 | No Comment |

 

The World is Yours!

The World is Yours!

Quite of few of you have you have called to asked me the same question: “Do I need a visa to travel to Canada, Mexico, etc…”

Well, maybe! Not Everyone does. But make sure you know ahead of time!

You can find out by going to Project Visa: http://projectvisa.com/

CANADA

For a list of countries requiring visas for entry into Canada, go to the following site: http://www.cic.gc.ca/EnGLish/visit/visas.asp 

If you do need a visa for Canada: instructions for applying and forms can be found at: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/apply-how.asp

Mexico

For a list of countries requiring visas for entry into Mexico, go to the following site: http://mexico.visahq.com/

If you have additional questions regarding your visa, your tickets or anything else that is related to traveling, you can contact the Operations Department directly at 1-800-448-5753 or aupair.operations@culturalcare.com.

And Make sure you have your DS2019 Form signed. To get that signature, send a note and the DS2019 form to One Education Street, Cambridge, MA 02141.

If you have additional Questions, contact me at http://jjohnson.aupairnews.com/ or call me, 603-568-8093

Joyce

under: News

May Au Pair Meeting gets a Silver Medal!

Posted by: Joyce Johnson | May 26, 2009 | No Comment |

May’s AU Pair Meeting was so much fun! Au Pairs and Host Mom’s were treated to a silver Jewelry party. Everyone was able to try on and model their favorites. And, if the mood struck, could purchase what they liked. Au Pairs were asked to invite their Host moms so they could have fun together for Mother’s Day!

under: Au Pair Meetings, Fun Stuff!, Host Family Event, News

Au Pairs - Stay Longer - Extend 6, 9 or 12 Months

Posted by: Joyce Johnson | March 22, 2009 | No Comment |

You may choose to stay in the U.S. as an au pair for 6, 9 or 12 additional months! The U.S. Department of State has given Cultural Care Au Pair authorization to request program extensions. Under this program, you can choose to either continue the au pair program with your current host family or to experience life with a new host family.

Travel & Visa Information for the Extension Year is located half way down this post!

You can also choose the length of time you wish to stay in the U.S. as an au pair. We offer 6, 9 and 12 month extension programs. In order to stay in the U.S. as an au pair, you must complete a brief Extension Program Application which will become available when you are eligible to extend (a pdf version is also available). You will receive necessary information well before the end of your first year. All applications must be completedno less that 60 days before the end of your 12 month if you plan to stay with the same family, or 75 days before your first year is up in case you choose to go to a new family.

Extension Program Checklist:

Proof of completing 1st year educational requirements.
Before we can process your extension application, you will need to send us proof that you are completing, or have completed, the required 6 credits or 72 hours in your first year.

Acceptable forms of proof:
Proof of enrollment to the courses to be completed before the end of your first year. This would be an official letter from your teacher, copy of a transcript or enrollment to a course, as long as the document shows the name of the college, the class you are taking, dates and how many hours or credits you will earn upon finishing. 

 

Once you are done with classes you will need to send proof of completion to Cultural Care.

Certificate of completed courses:
If you have finished the required 6 credits or 72 hours in your first year already you will need to provide either a copy of certificates or an official letter from your teacher stating how many credits or hours you have earned.

All documents can be emailed to extend@culturalcare.com, faxed to 617 619 2106 or mailed to:

Cultural Care Au Pair
Attention: Extension Program
One Education Street
Cambridge, MA 02141

Please note: Cultural Care must receive complete extension paperwork, including the extension application, $246 extension fee payment and a proof of educational requirements no later than 40
days prior to the end of your first year (your last working day of your first year).

Visa & Travel Information for the Extension Year

 

Extension au pairs may travel to their home country during the second year.

Embassy posts around the world have been informed about the second year extension program for au pair participants:

  • An extension au pair wishing to travel to her/his home country and to return to the United States must have her/his J-1 visa renewed while at home before attempting to resume participation in the program in the United States. An au pair who does not renew her/his J-1 visa risks not being allowed to reenter the United States to continue on the program.
  • Au pairs and host families should be aware that it can sometimes takesix to eight weeks to obtain an appointment to renew a J-1 visa at U.S. embassies around the world. Au pairs must schedule appointments for J-1 visa renewals well in advance of their travel dates as waiting times for appointments vary greatly depending on time of year and demand at specific U.S. embassy posts. Cultural Care recommends contacting the U.S. embassy no later than six to eight weeks before traveling home. Contact information for U.S. Embassies abroad can be found at http://usembassy.state.gov/.
  • Cultural Care Au Pair is not able to book appointments at the U.S. embassy on the au pair’s behalf and has no ability to affect scheduling appointments at the U.S. embassy in any way.
  • Cultural Care Au Pair cannot guarantee the renewal of a J-1 visa. Although an au pair has been approved by the U.S. Department of State to participate in the extension program, the decision to renew the visa is at the discretion of the consular officer who interviews the au pair.

Extension au pairs must have all necessary documentation and paperwork to renew J-1 visas. 

In order to renew the J-1 visa, an extension au pair must bring the proper documentation with her/him to the U.S. embassy in her/his home country.

  • An extension au pair wishing to renew the J-1 visa must bring her/his passport and the original copy of the DS-2019 form renewed by Cultural Care Au Pair at the time of enrollment in the second year extension program. The DS-2019 form will reflect the dates of the au pair’s second year. Cultural Care Au Pair will also provide the au pair with a letter of good standing and a copy of the U.S. Department of State cable regarding the second year extension program.
  • In addition, au pairs will need to complete and bring forms DS156 and DS158. Male au pairs have to complete a third form as well; form DS157. Form DS156 can be filled out online and then printed. It is available at http://evisaforms.state.gov/. Forms DS157 and DS158 are available to be downloaded and printed at
    http://www.visapro.com/Department-State-Forms.asp.
  • There is a non-refundable visa of USD131 to apply for the second J-1 visa. The fee is paid directly to the embassy and the au pair is responsible for covering this cost.
  • It is the au pair’s responsibility to inquire with the U.S .Embassy in their home country to see if other forms are needed. It may be necessary for the au pair to bring a copy of her/his host family application, school diplomas or bank statements.
  • Cultural Care will not be responsible for any costs incurred by a visa denial or visa delay, and host families could be subject to breaks in childcare due to the renewal process.

Travel advisory for second year extension au pairs and host families.

  • International travel to countries other than an extension au pair’s home country is limited unless the extension au pair completes the J-1 visa renewal process in her/his home country first. If an au pair fails to complete the J-1 visa renewal process before traveling internationally to a country other than her/his home country, she/he will most likely be denied reentry to the United States. An exception for this requirement exists for Canada, Mexico and adjacent islands. Please see the section below on travel to those countries.
  • Au pairs traveling to their home countries at the end of their first year may experience difficulty in returning to the United States. The airlines carefully review visas and visa expiration dates for U.S. bound passengers, and airline officials will not take any risks as they may be penalized with substantial fines if they allow someone to fly to the U.S. who does not have a proper visa. Consequently, even if the visa dates in the au pairs’ passport are still valid, airlines are likely to deny boarding to anyone whose visa is close to expiring. To address this, Cultural Care Au Pair advises all extension au pairs returning home within 30 days of the end of their first year to complete the J-1 visa renewal process before attempting to return to the au pair program in the United States.

Travel to Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean in the second year

Travel to Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean (except Cuba) for fewer than thirty days is allowed, even with an expired J-1 visa
in your passport. This is known as “visa revalidation.” The following conditions must apply in order for you to travel to these
countries:

  • You must have an unexpired I-94 card indicating your J-1 status in your passport when you enter the U.S. Do not surrender the I-94 card when you leave the U.S. If you do, you will not be eligible for visa revalidation.
  • You must have your DS-2019 form with your extension program dates.
  • You must have a passport valid at least six months into the future on the day you return to the U.S.
  • You should contact the Cultural Care Operations Department for a copy of the visa revalidation regulation.
  • You can travel only to one of the destinations named above and for fewer than thirty days. For example, you cannot use automatic revalidation to enter Canada, depart to another country, return to Canada, and then return to the U.S. within 30 days.
  • You cannot apply to renew your J-1 visa while in Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean. If you apply for the J-1 visa during your visit to one of these destinations, you must wait for it to be issued before you return. If your visa application is denied by the American consulate, you are not allowed to use automatic revalidation to return to the
    U.S. You will be required to travel to your country of citizenship to apply for a new visa.
  • You must have a J-1 visa (expired or valid) in your passport. If you lost your passport during your first year and had it replaced, you will not have the J-1 visa in that new passport and therefore cannot take advantage of travel to Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean.
  • If you are a citizen of Syria, Iran, Iraq, Sudan, North Korea, Cuba, or Libya you are not eligible for visa revalidation. If you are a national of one of the above countries, you must always have a valid visa in your passport to enter the United States.
  • You may be required to have a visa from either Canada or Mexico to enter those countries. The visa you have for the United States does not automatically grant entry into these countries. We recommend that you check with the Canadian or Mexican consulate in the U.S. before travel:http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/index.html or
    http://www.consulmexny.org/
  • The decision to allow an au pair back into the U.S. is at the discretion of the immigration officer at the port of entry.
    Cultural Care cannot guarantee reentry into the United States and will not be responsible for any costs incurred due to reentry problems.
under: LCC Tips, News, Program Info

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