If you’re considering becoming an au pair, you may wonder what it entails. Au pairs are nannies from other countries who live with a host family and provide child care in exchange for a cultural experience.
They often become a part of the family and bond with their host’s kids. They also do light housekeeping and participate in educational activities with the children they work with.
Definition
The definition of au pair refers to a young adult from a foreign country who resides with a host family abroad, providing childcare assistance in exchange for room, board, and a cultural exchange experience. An au pair is a temporary childcare provider. They are college-educated individuals between 18 and 26 who live with host families as part of a cultural exchange program. Au pairs participate in a structured educational and language learning component and provide up to 10 hours per day/45 hours per week of childcare, with the ability to extend their work hours if approved by the US Department of State.
Traditionally, live-in domestic servants like governesses and nannies had a strictly professional relationship with the families they served. They did not typically form close-knit relationships with the children and often avoided social activities unless they were at work. These ‘at par’ relationships are one of the key characteristics that make au pairs unique and offer children the opportunity to build a network of love and support while growing up.
Today, au pairs have more in common with nannies and babysitters than traditional servants. As such, many au pairs fit right in with their hosts’ families and become an integral part of the household. Families go out of their way to welcome au pairs and ensure they feel appreciated by decorating their au pair’s bedroom and including them in family outings, for example.
This welcoming atmosphere also allows au pairs to feel comfortable and confident in their role as caregivers. They can then focus on providing high-quality, reliable, and consistent childcare.
Requirements
Many people become au pairs to experience a new culture, learn a foreign language, and take the time to reassess their lives. Others may have more specific reasons, such as wanting to build a network of friends in a new location or finding a meaningful way to combine work, travel, and childcare.
Au pairs have a unique role in the family, providing extra hands and acting as a mentor for children. Their responsibilities are varied depending on the age of the children. For babies, this can include preparing meals, feeding and burping them, changing diapers, and putting them to sleep. For toddlers, it can consist of reading to them, playing games, and taking them outside. With school-age children, Au Pairs often become a companion and role model by helping with homework and assisting with extra-curricular activities such as sports, art, and music classes.
Host families will also be looking for an Au Pair to assist with light household duties such as laundry and cleaning up after the kids. In addition, the host family will want their au pair to be familiar with and able to speak English at a reasonable level. Other qualifications for Au Pairs include a minimum of 200 hours of documented childcare experience, passing a background check, and being open to a one-year program commitment.
Working Conditions
As temporary family members for a defined period, au pairs support their host families with childcare and light housework. The hosts give them pocket money, board, and lodging in return.
Most au pair placements are made by mutual agreement between an au pair and a host family, which is reflected in a standard contract that both parties should sign. The contract defines working conditions, like the size and location of an au pair’s room, and sets out their responsibilities regarding work hours and recreational activities. It also specifies the amount of pocket money an au pair will receive and the type and duration of holiday leave that is agreed upon.
A significant part of the au pair’s role is caring for the host children, ranging from infants to school-age children. This can include feeding and cleaning, playing with, and preparing meals for them. It can also involve driving them to practices, games, and lessons. Many host families also ask their au pairs to help with homework or attend to particular needs. The experience of caring for the host children can provide au pairs with valuable, lasting professional skills that can benefit them later in their careers. Unlike babysitters and nannies, au couples can develop a real relationship with their host families and gain a deeper understanding of another culture.
Travel Opportunities
The opportunities to explore are limitless depending on the country where the au pair works. From laying on the white sand beaches to sipping wine straight from the vineyards, Au Pairs can see the world and immerse themselves in a completely different culture.
Often, families will bring their au pairs along on vacations or other events that they are attending. This can be an excellent way for the au pair and host family to make new friends from around the world and take advantage of the local culture surrounding them.
The au pair and the host family must discuss their expectations for vacation time during the initial interview process. This will ensure that both parties are on the same page regarding what to expect and can avoid misunderstandings or hurt feelings.
Whether you’re a big kid or an au pair, it is the perfect way to explore the world and gain valuable work experience. By researching and choosing a high-quality program, you can confidently dive into this incredible opportunity and experience the world like never before. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your passport and say yes to this great adventure! It will be one you’ll never forget!
