Apply to work as an au pair or nanny! This is a great way to live abroad in a foreign country, get paid, save money and travel. You can find au pair jobs in Europe, North America and all around the world. Popular destinations to apply include the USA, Canada, France, Spain and Australia.
Top Rated Opportunities
Featured Courses
Junior Nanny Course in England
• 1 week
• Price from £2,295
Featured Recruiters
Companies currently hiring international au pairs:
Global Work & Travel
Global Work & Travel will work closely with you to match your preferences and skill set to the perfect host family in United States, Canada France, Italy, Spain, Germany, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and China.
InterExchange
InterExchange offer au pair jobs both for international students and young professionals to work in the United States, and for Americans to au pair in Australia, New Zealand, the Netherlands and France.
Instituto Hemingway
Instituto Hemingway offer the chance to live and work in Spain by au-pairing in Bilbao.
Top Reasons to Work as an Au Pair
Applying to become an au pair is one of the best gap year jobs. There are so many benefits of applying, including:
• Live abroad in a new country and culture.
• A stay abroad as an au pair is a great opportunity to learn about another country and its culture and way of life.
• You can combine your language studies with a part-time activity that will allow you to pay for your complete stay yourself.
• You will receive a minimum monthly salary basis for around 30 hours per week.
• You will not have expenses of accommodation or food, because your board is already included in most programmes.
• You will have an agreed schedule, so you can properly organize your study and leisure time.
• You will be treated as a member of the family with the same rights and the same obligations as other members.
• Make friends with other au pairs.
• You will enjoy visiting the country, as you will have days off every month.
• You will improve your language skills without even realizing it!
Eligibility & Requirements
To qualify as an au pair, most agencies will require:
• You need to be between 18-30 years old.
• Be interested in your preferred destination and its culture.
• You need to like spending time with children and ideally have some experience in child care.
• Be able to pass a criminal record check.
How the Application Process Works
The process begins when you send an agency a completed application form, most of which can be completed online.
The time an agency needs to find a host family depends on your needs, and it is recommend that you submit an application as early as possible before your desired start date.
The next step is an interview and to provide you with more information about your stay as an Au Pair. To start off the selection process, you might need to pay a deposit and produce the following documentation:
• A letter to introduce yourself to the family
• Photographs of yourself, yourself with children, family and friends
• A photocopy of your Passport / ID Card
• Two references – one child care reference and one professional or academic reference.
• Certificates, if you have them.
In the unlikely event an agency can’t find a host family, they will return your deposit.
Once you have been matched ith a host family or families that fit your needs, you will receive their documentation so you can decide if you are interested in. If for some reason they are not what you are looking for, you can continue to look.
Once you have been matched and both parties confirmed, the agency will begin to help with travel arrangements, and send the details of your trip to the host family so they can pick you up from the airport or the station.
Before starting your stay, we recommend you agree the tasks that you will do as Au Pair. Assistance can be provided in drafting this agreement. If no such agreement has been made before your arrival it is important that this is done soon after you arrive at your destination.
During the first few weeks of your stay, your agency will be in touch with you both to ensure both parties are satisfied. In addition, your agency will be available to help with everything you may need during the whole stay.
FAQ
1. Can I Au Pair even if I do not speak the native language?
Yes, families do accept Au Pairs who do not speak the local language but in this case it is recommended that your English is at least an intermediate level. In most European countries for example, most people speak at least basic English.
2. I am 32 years old and I would like to be an Au Pair. Is it possible?
Yes, but this depends on the destination. For most European agencies, you can only be an Au Pair if you are between 18 and 30 years old.
3. Can I be an Au Pair the entire next semester?
Yes, families can be chosen whose requirements, including the length of the stay, fit with your preferences.
4. I am a male and I would love to be an Au Pair. Is it possible?
Yes. It however might be more difficult to find you a host family, as most of the families prefer a female Au Pair.
5. What if I need assistance during my stay?
Agencies will be at your disposal for anything you need.
6. Why do I have to pay the deposit?
It is a deposit to start with the selection of your family, and the process of finding the best host family for you involves many steps. The deposit is refunded if we do not find you a suitable family.
