Au Pair Work

Our guide to finding a job as an au pair.

Working as an au pair is a great way to experience life in other countries. "Au pair" translated into English means "equal to". So you are not actually an employee of the family in the way that a nanny would be, you live with them as an equal. In return for looking after the children and some light housework you get your board and lodging, and weekly pocket money. Au pairs don’t have childcare qualifications, unlike nannies, but they usually have some babysitting experience. Au pairing can be a challenge, you have to fit into family life in a foreign country.

You don’t have to speak the host family’s language fluently in order to be an au pair. Often the parents will want you to speak English to the children so they begin to learn it. Knowing some of the language is of course useful, and can help you to settle into your new home more quickly. When you sign up with an agency or apply for a position as an au pair, expect to show proof of any childcare experience you have, along with character references.

For more information go to...

www.au-pair.com

Buy a copy of The Lady, which has listings of agencies and jobs.

Or try...

www.aupair-agency.com
www.europa-pages.com

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