Working Abroad as an Au Pair

The perfect way to hone new language skills immerse yourself in the culture and customs of the country is to work as an au pair. A thirst for adventure and the desire to travel are also good motivations to au pair. But be sure to know that a love of children and the knowledge that it’s a job, not a paid vacation are essential.

Most bad au pair experiences are the result of a lack of planning and research. Here are some steps to follow to make sure that you get the best out of your au pair experience.

Travel to the right country

Make sure that you go to a country where au pairs are quite common as this will help you find a suitable position. If the language used in the country is different, make sure you have enough skill to understand and conduct a basic conversation.

Be realistic

You’re not going to make your first million as an au pair regardless of where you work or who you work for. See the value of the job more about the travel opportunity than about the money, as it will not be a lot.

Work through an agency

It is easier to work through an agency as they match you with a good family. Be sure that the agency you choose to work through is reputable and has the best interests of its au pairs at heart. The agency will match you with a family based on several factors such as the area, how many hours you want to work, and how many children you want to work with and what age range they are in.

Communicate with the family

Chat with the family using video calling. It creates an increased sense of comfortability for you, the family, and the children you’ll be caring for. You’ll also have an idea about the circumstances you’ll be living in before you even get there.

Establish expectations

In your correspondence with the family, make sure you’re on the same page about their expectations of you. Discuss matters such as hours of work, time off, your accommodation, their language requirements such as speaking English to the children, and what other household duties such as cooking and cleaning they expect you to do.

Have your paperwork in order

Let the agency guide you regarding the documents you need. In addition to your passport, you may need a visa or work permit, health insurance, and an international driver’s license. Other documents may apply, and it’s up to you to get them if you want to go.

Your life won’t be the same again

Getting to au pair abroad will broaden your horizons beyond your wildest dreams. Your language and people skills will improve enormously. If you are prepared, you’ll spend your time abroad living your dream, instead of trying to fix problems that you didn’t anticipate due to a lack of preparation. Au pairing is highly recommended as a good character building experience.