Find out what is an au pair, the benefits of au pairing, how to become an au pair and how to find au pair jobs.
A lot of young people wish to gain new experiences in a foreign country during their gap year. While there are a lot of opportunities to study or work abroad, most of them are expensive and brief.
Working as an au pair combines all of the advantages of an international exchange programme with the ability to spend a whole year abroad and gain work experience without the cost.
- What is an au pair?
An au pair lives abroad with a host family, supporting them with childcare and some light housework duties in exchange for free board and lodging as well as a monetary allowance for personal use.
Au pair programmes are generally for young people from 18 to 30 years old. Specific tasks and responsibilities can vary from family to family but they normally include taking care of children, including school runs, taking them to afternoon activities, homework help, preparing meals and snacks and organising their free time. Au pairs typically work part-time and they often combine it with studying part-time, normally learning the language of the host country.
- Benefits of being an au pair
Au pairs are typically welcomed as a member of a host family, receive a private bedroom for the duration of their stay and eat together with the family. Au pairs also receive a monthly allowance or ‘pocket money’. Education is one of the key features of the programme as au pairs usually take language classes and enjoy opportunities to practice a foreign language with the host family to support the learning process. Being an au pair presents a great opportunity not only to explore new countries and cultures, but also to take on new responsibilities and gain valuable experience for the future. Moreover, an au pair programme is a great opportunity to make new friends and build long lasting relationships.
- How to become an au pair
The first step is to think about which country you could like to spend your au pair year. Remember, each country has its own legal regulations for au pairs and you need to make sure that you fully comply with them. When you have chosen a destination country, it is time to find a host family. You can apply for an au pair job through an agency or find one easily yourself through Care.com.
To find a host family, register as an Au Pair, create a profile, browse and contact host families. After finding a host family all you need to do is secure an au pair visa and pack your bags!
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