What is an Au Pair ?

The Au Pair placement is the temporary stay of a young person in a foreign country as a member of a local family for a set amount of time, in exchange for a series of services. An au pair is usually a girl who wants to improve her linguistic and cultural knowledge while undertaking a professional activity, which will allow her to acquire a better knowledge of the country of her choice.

It is not considered a job, rather a remunerated activity in which the Au Pair should look after the children and help with the domestic chores.

The Au Pairs will discover a new country and a new way of life, a different education system, a foreign culture and a different gastronomy, new connections, emotions, etc…

They will also pick up the language of everyday life, from the family, the television, the radio…
There will be many memories and stories to share when they arrive back home. In order to make the experience positive, they will have to show plenty of energy, tolerance, understanding, patience and optimism.

Will I have my own room ?

Each Au Pair has the right to have her own individual room and privacy. In the exception that there are families who want to receive an Au Pair, but cannot offer a spare room and the au pair would share with one of the children. In this case, this would be communicated at the beginning, so that the Au Pair can choose freely to either accept or to turn down the offer.

Is it necessary to have experience with children ?

It is an essential element for you in order to be accepted in a foreign home, since the parents usually look for an Au Pair with experience with children.

What are the advantages of staying abroad ?

The real advantage is that, with a minimum amount of money, you are able to stay up to 18 months in a foreign country and have the time to learn the language and their culture: that is a real advantage itself.

Is it possible to go Au Pair with a friend and stay in the same family or in the same city ?

You both can register at the same time but it would be impossible for you two to be in the same family since they only look for one Au Pair per home.

However, there may be several families in the same city, which is always a possibility, but we cannot guarantee that you will be in the same city as your friend.

Will I have to respect the family schedule ?

You will of course have to respect the schedule. For every activity, the family will give you chores to do and you will have to do these on a daily basis.

You will have to work about 30 hours a week (plus 2 or 3 nights a week of babysitting.)
In your free time you will be able to do as you please, as long as it doesn’t interfere with the family life. Questions such as times to be back home at night or bringing a friend will be sorted out before the departure of the Au Pair.

For how long can I stay there ?

The duration of the stay will depend on how long you plan to stay for. The Au Pairs choose how long they want to stay with the host family. We take all the information and try to find a girl and a family that match.

What documentation do I have to take with me ?

• Identity card and/or passport
• Blood type card (if applicable)
• European social security card