An au pair is a live-in nanny that helps international families with their children. Job duties can include tutoring, child care, housekeeping, and driving. Discover the key steps for Au Pairs: choose a country, research families, discuss finances, and prepare for a rewarding experience abroad.
A Guide for Aspiring Au Pairs
Getting Started
When it comes to au pairing, there’s a lot to think about. From how to find a family and get a feel for what life will be like, to nailing the au pair interview and finding out exactly what your role is going to be, there are plenty of things that a new au pair needs to know before they take off to a foreign country for a year or more. One of the first steps is choosing a country and looking for families in that area, where the Internet can be helpful. But it’s also important to ask the right questions when researching families and be able to talk about things like salary expectations, dietary restrictions, and any other details that are important for you as an au pair.
Getting insured before you go is also good to set yourself up for success. It’s also a good idea to bring extra money if your monthly pocket money isn’t enough to cover expenses or if the family wants you to do additional work, such as giving private English lessons.
Living with a Family
Having a family can be hectic, and sometimes the lines between work and home life blur. Adding an au pair or live-in nanny to their household helps make the juggling act easier for many families. Au pairs are more than just caregivers, though. They become temporary family members, providing a cultural exchange and bonding with their host kids while alleviating the burden of chores and childcare. But how to apply for au pair jobs? To qualify for the program, au pairs must be between 18 and 26 years old, proficient in English as a second language, and legally authorized to live in the United States by holding a valid J-1 visa. Unlike nannies or babysitters, au pairs undergo specific training and are required to pass criminal background checks. Additionally, au pairs can only work 10 hours a day and 45 hours a week.
As part of their compensation, au pairs are provided:
- A private bedroom in the host family’s home
- Meals
- A weekend off each month
- Two weeks of paid vacation
They also receive a cash stipend tied to the minimum wage, plus a chance to take at least six semester hours of classes for academic credit or audit them for no credit at a local university.
Host families can offer au pairs additional tasks and responsibilities, like taking children to extracurricular activities or doing light meal prep. But they must provide a contract outlining the duties and expectations for the duration of the au pair’s stay.
Working with Kids
Working with children can teach adults many life lessons, including how to enjoy simple pleasures and take risks. It also provides valuable insights into different cultures and lifestyles. Many au pairs have found that their work with children has unexpectedly changed them. For example, au pairs often become like older siblings to the children they care for. This close-knit relationship supports young children’s social-emotional development and makes au pairs unique among caregivers. Additionally, au pairs can provide host families with immersive cultural and linguistic experiences that other caregivers cannot replicate.
However, working with children does come with a few challenges. It can be challenging to balance family and work demands, especially when children are still in the early stages of development. Au pairs must know these challenges and understand that a good work-life balance is essential.
Overall, the pros of working with children outweigh any cons, but it’s vital to consider all options and decide what is most important to a family before making a decision. An au pair is a flexible, affordable option for families, and it is a great way to introduce children to another culture. They can also be a source of learning about a foreign language, cuisine, and customs.
Getting Paid
Depending on the family you work for, there are several ways to get paid as an au pair. Most families will provide a monthly stipend to cover basic expenses like food, utilities, and clothing. In addition, they will often cover various other expenses, including a home phone or basic cell phone plan, transit passes, and even language classes. Most au pairs will also have one free day a week (usually Sunday), though some may be required to work on holidays or weekends. It’s important to determine what a family is willing to pay you and how much they expect you to work before making a final decision. Working as an au pair is only for some, and it can be challenging to maintain a healthy work-life balance. But it’s a great opportunity for young people to expand their horizons and make lifelong friends abroad.
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