What is an Au Pair: Definition & What it Involves
Ever wondered what an au pair is? Discover the definition, duties, and everything involved in becoming an au pair in this quick guide.
You’ve probably heard the term “au pair” but may not know exactly what it means. If you’re considering becoming one or hosting one, understanding the role and what it involves is essential.
What is an Au Pair?
An au pair is a young person, usually from another country, who lives with a host family and helps with childcare and light household duties. In exchange, the au pair gets free accommodation, meals, and often a weekly allowance. The main goal is cultural exchange, offering the au pair a chance to immerse themselves in a new culture while the host family benefits from extra help at home.
The term “au pair” comes from French and means “on par” or “equal to.” This reflects the idea that the au pair is supposed to be treated as part of the family, not just a hired hand.
Why Do People Become Au Pairs?
Becoming an au pair offers you many benefits beyond just living in another country. The most common reasons include:
- Cultural Exchange: Living abroad as an au pair allows you to experience another culture firsthand. You can practice a new language, learn local customs, and explore a different way of life.
- Travel Opportunities: Being an au pair gives you a unique chance to live in a foreign country without spending a fortune. You’ll have free room and board, so your expenses are mostly limited to your free time and travel.
- Gaining Childcare Experience: If you love working with children or are considering a career in education or childcare, becoming an au pair helps build valuable experience.
- Personal Growth: Living away from your family, adapting to a new culture, and managing responsibilities can help you grow and become more independent.
What Does an Au Pair Do?
As an au pair, your primary responsibility is to help with childcare. Your tasks can vary depending on the family’s needs, but typical duties include:
- Getting the Kids Ready for School: You might be responsible for waking up the children, helping them get dressed, and making breakfast.
- Taking Children to and From School: Many au pairs drop the children off at school and pick them up in the afternoon.
- Entertaining the Children: You’ll likely need to plan activities, play games, or take the kids to the park. You’ll engage with them in meaningful ways that promote fun and learning.
- Helping With Homework: Some families ask their au pair to assist children with their homework or school projects. If you’re working as an au pair abroad, you may also be asked to teach English. Expectations should be made clear as part of your agreement before you begin the role.
- Preparing Meals: Depending on the agreement, you might be asked to prepare simple meals for the children or even the whole family.
- Light Housework: While the focus is on childcare, you’ll also be expected to do some light household chores. This might include tidying the kids’ rooms, doing their laundry, or cleaning up after meals.
What Does Being an Au Pair Not Include?
It’s important to know what you are not expected to do as an au pair. Your duties should revolve around the children and light housework. You shouldn’t:
- Be a Full-Time Cleaner: While light chores are fine, you’re not a housekeeper. Heavy cleaning, such as scrubbing floors or bathrooms, is not your responsibility.
- Work Long Hours: Au pair work hours are regulated by many countries. For example, in most European countries, you can expect to work between 25 and 30 hours per week. In the U.S., au pairs usually work up to 45 hours a week but no more than 10 hours a day.
- Take Sole Responsibility for the Household: You are there to help, not manage everything. The host parents remain primarily responsible for the home and children.
How Much Do Au Pairs Earn?
The amount you’ll earn as an au pair varies depending on the country you live in. However, you should know that becoming an au pair is more about the cultural experience than making money. The pay is generally low compared to a regular job because your room and board are included.
Here’s a rough breakdown of weekly pay in different regions:
- United States: Au pairs in the U.S. earn a minimum weekly stipend of $195.75, according to government regulations. Many earn more, depending on the family.
- Europe: Pay in Europe varies widely. In Germany, au pairs receive around €280-€350 per month, while in the UK, it can range from £70 to £100 per week. Scandinavian countries tend to pay higher, around €400-€600 monthly.
- Australia: Au pairs can expect to earn between AUD 200-300 per week, along with free accommodation and meals.
In addition to your allowance, most families will cover your transportation costs, such as bus or train fares, to help you get around.
Living With a Host Family
One of the most unique aspects of being an au pair is living with your host family. You’ll share meals, experiences, and daily life with them, which can be both rewarding and challenging.
Advantages
- Cultural Immersion: Living with a local family gives you an inside look into their culture. You’ll likely participate in family traditions and events that tourists would never experience.
- Language Skills: Living in a household where people speak a foreign language helps you improve your language skills quickly. You’ll pick up everyday expressions and pronunciation from real-life conversations.
- Feeling of Belonging: If you’re lucky, your host family will make you feel like a real part of the family. You’ll celebrate birthdays, holidays, and other special occasions together.
Challenges
- Different Routines: Every family has its routines and expectations, which can sometimes be difficult to adjust to. You may have to adapt to new mealtimes, daily schedules, and even different rules about technology, bedtimes, or chores.
- Boundaries: It’s important to set boundaries early on, especially regarding work hours and personal time. Living where you work can blur these lines, so it’s crucial to communicate openly with your host family.
How to Find an Au Pair Placement
There are many ways to find an au pair placement, but most people choose to go through an au pair agency. Agencies handle many aspects of the process, such as matching you with a host family, helping with visas, and providing support during your stay. Some popular au pair agencies include:
- Cultural Care Au Pair
- AuPairWorld
- InterExchange
You can also find a family independently by using websites or personal connections, but this can be riskier as you won’t have the same level of protection that an agency provides.
Requirements to Become an Au Pair
While each country has its own set of requirements, most have similar basic criteria. You’ll usually need to:
- Be Between 18-30 Years Old: Most au pair programs require you to be in this age range.
- Have Some Childcare Experience: You don’t need to be a professional, but you should have some experience with children, whether babysitting, tutoring, or helping with younger siblings.
- Speak the Language: Some host families prefer au pairs who speak their native language, while others look for someone fluent in English. It’s helpful to have a basic understanding of the local language, but fluency isn’t always necessary.
- Have No Dependents: Most au pair programs require you to be single and without children, as the role typically involves full immersion into the host family’s life.
How Long Does an Au Pair Stay?
The length of your stay depends on the country and the agreement you have with your host family. In most countries, you can stay for up to 12 months, but shorter and longer-term options are available. For example, in the United States, the au pair program lasts for a year, with an option to extend for up to 12 months.
In European countries, stays are often between 6 and 12 months, though it’s possible to find shorter summer placements in some regions.
Legalities and Visas
If you’re thinking of becoming an au pair, you’ll need to ensure you have the correct visa for the country you want to work in. Visa requirements vary by country, so it’s essential to do your research or work with an au pair agency that can guide you through the process.
For example, in the United States, au pairs must enter the country on a J-1 exchange visa. In European countries, different visa types may be required based on your nationality. Some EU nationals don’t need a visa to au pair in other EU countries, but if you’re from outside the EU, you’ll likely need one.
Life After Being an Au Pair
Many au pairs find that their time abroad significantly impacts their future. After completing your program, you may:
- Stay in the Country: Some au pairs find opportunities to extend their stay, whether by studying, working, or applying for a longer-term visa.
- Pursue a Career in Childcare: If you’ve enjoyed working with children, you might decide to pursue a career in teaching, daycare, or even become a nanny.
- Take a New Career Path: The personal and professional skills you develop as an au pair, such as independence, language skills, and problem-solving, are valuable in many fields.
- Continue Traveling: After living abroad, you may catch the travel bug and want to explore more countries, either as a tourist or through other work opportunities.
Is Becoming an Au Pair Right for You?
Becoming an au pair is a life-changing experience, but it’s not for everyone. Before committing, think about the following:
- Are you flexible and adaptable? Living with another family and following their routine requires you to be open to change.
- Do you enjoy working with children? Since your primary role will be childcare, make sure you’re comfortable with the responsibility.
- Are you ready for the cultural challenges? Adapting to a new country, customs, and language can be exciting but also challenging.
If you’ve answered yes to these questions and you’re ready for a unique cultural adventure, becoming an au pair could be a perfect fit for you!
Want to learn more? Find out how to become an au pair abroad.
- 57 Weirdest Words in English With Their Meanings & Examples - February 7, 2025
- How to Become a Speech-Language Pathologist - February 4, 2025
- Preventive vs Preventative: What’s the Difference? - February 4, 2025