IAPO
International Au Pair Organisation

What is an Au Pair

An Au Pair is a young person, typically between the ages of 18 and 30, who travels to a foreign country to live with a host family and provide child care in exchange for room, board, and  a small stipend. Au Pairs are often from different countries and cultures, and they provide a cultural exchange experience for both themselves and the host family. They typically work a set number of hours per week taking care of children and may also have some light household responsibilities.

Au Pairs typically work up to 30 hours per week and receive a weekly allowance for their services. They are also provided with room and board by the host family. The program is designed to be a cultural exchange experience, and the Au Pair is expected to participate in the family’s daily life and activities.
Au Pairs typically work up to 30 hours per week and receive a weekly allowance for their services. They are also provided with room and board by the host family. The program is designed to be a cultural exchange experience, and the Au Pair is expected to participate in the family’s daily life and activities.

What is the difference between an Au Pair and a nanny?

The main difference between an Au Pair and a nanny lies in their relationship with the host family and the nature of their work.

1. Role: An Au Pair typically lives with the host family and assists with childcare and light household chores. They are considered a member of the family and often help with tasks like cooking, cleaning, and laundry in addition to taking care of the children. A nanny, on the other hand, usually works independently and is solely responsible for the care of the children.
2. Cultural Exchange: One of the key aspects of being an Au Pair is the cultural exchange experience. Au Pairs come from a different country and are often looking to improve their language skills and experience a new culture. They may attend language classes and engage in cultural activities as part of their experience. Nannies, on the other hand, are generally hired solely for their childcare expertise and are not necessarily focused on cultural exchange.
3. Working Hours: Nannies generally have fixed working hours and may work full-time or part-time, depending on the family's needs. They typically have set working hours and may work longer hours or provide overnight care if required. Au Pairs often have a set number of hours per week, which is typically stated in their contract (e.g., 25-30 hours

Are all Au Pairs paid a salary?

Au Pairs are not typically paid a salary, but instead receive a weekly allowance for their services. The amount of the allowance varies depending on the host country’s regulations and the number of working hours. For example, in the United States, Au Pairs receive a minimum weekly allowance of $195.75. In Germany, the monthly allowance is set at 280 euros .

It’s important to note that the primary goal of the Au Pair program is to provide a cultural exchange experience, and the Au Pair is expected to participate in the family’s daily life and activities. The allowance is intended to cover the Au Pair’s personal expenses and is not considered a salary.

What is the best age to become an Au Pair?

The age requirements for becoming an Au Pair vary depending on the host country and your country of origin. In most countries, the minimum age is 18 years old and the maximum age is 30 years old 12. However, some countries may have different age limits, so it’s important to check the specific requirements for the host country you are interested in.

In general, the best age for becoming an Au Pair is when you are young and have a desire to learn about a new culture and language while providing childcare services. It’s also important to have some experience working with children and be comfortable living with a host family.

Can Au Pairs have children?

In most cases, Au Pairs are not allowed to have their own children while participating in the Au Pair program. This is because the primary purpose of the program is for young individuals to provide childcare and receive a cultural exchange experience while living with a host family. Having their own children would complicate the dynamics of the arrangement and may not align with the expectations and responsibilities of the program.

However, there may be some exceptions or variations depending on the specific Au Pair program or the regulations of the host country. It's important to check the guidelines and requirements of the program and host country to determine if there are any allowances or restrictions regarding Au Pairs with children.

What is the better way to find an Au Pair through a matching website or a full service agency?

The choice between using a matching website or a full service agency to find an Au Pair depends on your personal preferences and needs. Here are some factors to consider:

1. Cost: Full service agencies often charge higher fees as they provide extensive support and assistance throughout the entire process, including background checks, interviews, and paperwork. Matching websites typically charge lower fees or may even be free for families to use.
2. Control and Flexibility: With a matching website, you have more control over the selection process as you can browse profiles, communicate directly with potential candidates, and make the final decision. Full service agencies provide pre-screened candidates based on your requirements and preferences but may have a more limited selection.
3. Support and Guidance: Full service agencies often provide more comprehensive support in terms of guiding you through the process, helping with paperwork, and offering ongoing assistance during the Au Pair's stay. Matching websites generally offer fewer support services, and families are responsible for managing the process themselves.
4. Time and Effort: Using a full service agency can be more time-saving as they handle many administrative tasks. Matching websites require families to invest time in searching, interviewing, and screening candidates on their own.

Ultimately, the best approach depends on your individual needs and priorities.

Do Au Pairs have to do any cooking or cleaning?

Yes, Au Pairs typically have responsibilities that include light household chores and cooking. While the primary role of an Au Pair is to assist with childcare, they are often expected to contribute to the overall functioning of the household. This may involve tasks like tidying up after the children, doing light cleaning, such as vacuuming or washing dishes, and helping with meal preparation.

The specific household tasks and cooking responsibilities can vary depending on the agreement between the Au Pair and the host family. It is important for both parties to discuss and outline these expectations in the Au Pair contract to ensure clarity and avoid misunderstandings.

What is the most difficult part of being an Au Pair?

The most difficult part of being an Au Pair can vary depending on individual experiences and circumstances. However, here are a few common challenges that Au Pairs may face:

1. Language and Communication: Adjusting to a new language and communication barrier can be challenging for Au Pairs, especially in the beginning. This may impact their ability to connect with the host family and effectively communicate with the children.
2. Homesickness and Cultural Adjustment: Living in a foreign country away from friends and family can lead to feelings of homesickness and loneliness. Adjusting to a new culture, customs, and ways of doing things can also be a source of stress for some Au Pairs.
3. Balancing Responsibilities: Juggling childcare duties, household chores, and potentially studying or attending language classes can be overwhelming for some Au Pairs. Finding a balance between these responsibilities and prioritizing self-care can be challenging.
4. Dealing with Differences in Parenting Styles: Every family has its unique approach to parenting, and an Au Pair may find it challenging to adapt to the host family's parenting style and expectations. Cultural differences and different ways of discipline can also contribute to this challenge.
5. Challenging Behaviour: Dealing with difficult or challenging behavior from children can be stressful and require patience and problem-solving skills.