AU PAIR comes from the French term “au pair” which means “on a par” or “equal to” and describes a young person living on an equal basis with a host family in a foreign country and take on a share of the family's responsibility for childcare as well as some housework, and receive a small monetary allowance for personal use.
Benefits
Pocket MoneyAu Pairs will earn between €260 – 350 a month, depending on county.
Basic Medical Insurance
All medical costs as a result of sickness and accident shall be covered by the family.
Free Boarding and lodging
You will have your own room in the house.
Learn a foreign language!
As au pair you take part in your host family's daily life, which will emerge you into German, French or Dutch. Usually your host family provides a language course for you, and soon you will speak fluently without having to search extensively for words.
Extend your horizon!
The au pair program offers you the possibility to leave your usual way of life for a certain time and to get to know the lifestyle of other cultures. You will see and learn a lot of new things, you will meet interesting people, who make you appreciate their philosophy of life. The understanding of a foreign culture represents a great enrichment not only for your general education but also for your personality. You can travel during your spare time or during your holidays, across the country or across Europe. Often the host families like to take their au pairs with them to their annual leaves or to shorter trips.
New Friends
You will meet new people, making new friends and learn about a different culture. At the language course you will meet different nationalities (Europeans) and you might just end up planning a holiday to their country while in Europe.
Become independent!
By working autonomously within your host family and by taking over the responsibility for the children you learn to make your own decisions and to take on responsibility for other people. These are qualities you need both during your studies and your job. Nevertheless: should you have any questions or problems, Au Pair Options or our partner agencies abroad will always be at your disposal.
Problem solving and decision making skills
One of the children got hurt by playing or got sick over night, your planning a weekend away, paying for train ticket? Making important decisions is part of your year as an au pair.
Enjoy working with the children!
You love children and you would like to take up a profession that includes the care for children? The Au Pair year offers you the possibility to gain experience in looking after children and be able to put a year of working experience on your resume.
Requirements
Between 18 – 25 years when visa is issued.
Matric (A levels) certificate
Impedement certificate
Unabridged birth certificate
English speaking skills
Valid passport
Practical childcare experience
No children you are responsible for
No criminal record (Police clearance certificate)