How to Become an Au Pair Abroad
Learn how to become an au pair abroad! Get tips on requirements, salary, and how to apply for your international adventure.
Becoming an au pair is an exciting way to experience a new country. You’ll live with a host family, care for their children, and immerse yourself in a different culture. It’s a unique opportunity to travel, work, and learn all at once.
What It Means to Be an Au Pair Abroad
An au pair is a young person who moves to another country to live with a host family. Your primary role is to help the family with childcare, but you also assist with light household tasks. In exchange, you’ll get free room and board, a stipend, and the chance to explore your new surroundings.
As an au pair, you become part of the host family. You’ll build relationships with them, especially the children, and participate in their daily lives. Your responsibilities may include picking up children from school, helping with homework, preparing meals, or playing with them. This job is much more than babysitting — it’s a cultural exchange that helps you grow both personally and professionally.
The Requirements to Be an Au Pair
Before applying to become an au pair, it’s important to understand the general requirements. While specific criteria vary by country and family, here are the basic qualifications:
- Age: Most countries prefer au pairs to be between 18 and 30 years old. Some programs have stricter age limits, so check the country’s requirements.
- Childcare Experience: You’ll need experience with children, even if it’s just babysitting. The more experience you have, the better your chances of getting accepted by a host family.
- Language Skills: While you don’t need to be fluent in the local language, some basic knowledge is helpful. Most host families will want you to speak English or another common language, but being able to communicate in their native language is a bonus. If part of your role is to teach the children English, it can also be helpful to have taken a TEFL course. However, this is very role-specific and not a general requirement.
- Education: A high school diploma is usually the minimum requirement. Some families may prefer candidates with additional childcare qualifications, but it’s not mandatory.
- Health: You should be in good health to care for children and handle the daily activities of an au pair. Some families may require proof of vaccinations or a health certificate.
- Criminal Background Check: To ensure safety, most programs and families will ask for a background check.
- Driver’s License: Some families may require you to drive their children, so having a valid driver’s license can increase your chances of landing a position.
In addition to these basic qualifications, each country has its own visa requirements for au pairs. You may need to apply for a specific au pair visa, which can involve additional paperwork and fees.
How Much Do Au Pairs Make?
While au pairs don’t earn a traditional salary, you will receive a stipend. The amount varies depending on the country, family, and the number of hours you work. On average, au pairs earn between $200 and $800 per month. However, your compensation isn’t just financial.
As an au pair, you’ll live with a host family, meaning your housing and meals are covered. This benefit allows you to save most of your stipend for personal expenses, travel, or other adventures.
Some families also provide additional perks like paying for language courses, public transportation, or covering travel costs to and from their country. These benefits can make your experience more affordable and rewarding.
How to Apply to Be an Au Pair Abroad
Applying to become an au pair is a straightforward process, but it requires careful planning. Here’s how you can get started:
1. Research Au Pair Programs and Agencies
There are many agencies and online platforms that connect au pairs with host families. Some well-known au pair agencies include:
- AuPairWorld
- Cultural Care Au Pair
- AuPair.com
- GreatAuPair
These agencies help you navigate the application process, find families, and handle visa paperwork. They also offer support during your stay, ensuring that both you and the host family are satisfied.
Take time to research each agency, read reviews, and check their requirements. Some may charge a fee for their services, so make sure you understand the costs involved.
2. Create a Compelling Profile
Your profile is your opportunity to showcase your skills and personality to potential host families. It should include:
- A Personal Introduction: Share a bit about yourself, your interests, and why you want to be an au pair.
- Your Childcare Experience: Highlight your experience with children, including any specific skills like helping with homework or organizing activities.
- Photos and Videos: Include pictures of yourself, ideally interacting with children. A short video introduction can also help you stand out.
- Language Skills: List any languages you speak and your proficiency level.
Be honest in your profile. Families are looking for someone they can trust with their children, so transparency is key.
3. Communicate with Host Families
Once your profile is complete, you can start contacting host families. Most platforms allow you to message families directly, so reach out to those that match your preferences. Be polite, professional, and clear about your expectations.
During initial conversations, discuss key details like:
- Your Duties: Ask about the children’s ages, daily routines, and specific tasks you’ll be responsible for.
- Work Hours: Clarify how many hours you’ll be working each week.
- Days Off: Make sure you understand your free time and how much time you’ll have to explore.
- Stipend: Confirm the amount of money you’ll receive and any additional perks.
- Living Arrangements: Ask about your room, meals, and whether you’ll have access to transportation.
This is also the time to ask about the local culture and any house rules you should be aware of. The more you know, the better prepared you’ll be.
4. Get Ready for Your Visa and Travel Documents
Once you’ve found a family, you’ll need to sort out your visa. Each country has different requirements, so check what type of visa you’ll need. Your au pair agency or host family can often help with the paperwork, but you’ll be responsible for applying for and paying for your visa.
In addition to your visa, ensure your passport is valid and that you have all the necessary documents for your stay, including your au pair contract, travel insurance, and emergency contacts.
5. Prepare for Departure
Before leaving for your host country, take the time to prepare. There are a number of things you should do before traveling internationally and it’s always best to plan ahead to avoid any travel mishaps.
Pack the essentials, including comfortable clothing, toiletries, and any personal items that will make your stay feel more like home.
It’s also helpful to learn a few basic phrases in the local language if you aren’t fluent. This will help you navigate daily life, make friends, and communicate with your host family.
Challenges and Benefits of Being an Au Pair Abroad
Like any job, being an au pair comes with its challenges. You may feel homesick, have disagreements with the family, or struggle with language barriers. It’s important to remain patient and open to learning. Many agencies offer support and mediation if problems arise.
However, the benefits far outweigh the difficulties. You’ll gain:
- Cultural Immersion: Living with a local family allows you to experience their culture firsthand. You’ll learn traditions, customs, and language in ways you never could as a tourist.
- Personal Growth: Being an au pair teaches you responsibility, patience, and independence. You’ll grow as a person while caring for children and adapting to a new environment.
- Language Skills: Immersing yourself in a new country is the best way to improve your language skills.
- Lifelong Connections: Many au pairs form lasting relationships with their host families, often staying in touch for years after their experience.
What to Do After Your Au Pair Experience
Once your au pair experience ends, you’ll likely have mixed feelings. You’ll miss the family and children you’ve grown close to, but you’ll also be excited about the next chapter of your life.
If you loved being an au pair, you could continue working with children by becoming a nanny, teacher, or childcare professional. Many au pairs use their experience to pursue careers in education, psychology, or cultural exchange programs.
Alternatively, you may want to explore another country as an au pair. Some countries allow you to renew your visa or apply for another au pair position elsewhere.
No matter what you choose, the skills and experiences you gain as an au pair will stay with you for life.
Final Thoughts
Becoming an au pair abroad is a life-changing experience. It offers the chance to explore a new culture, work with children, and gain independence. By preparing carefully and choosing the right family, you can make the most of this incredible opportunity.
If you’re ready for a new adventure, start researching programs and crafting your profile. The world is waiting for you!
