10 Things Every Au Pair Should Learn About Their Host Country

For a young person that has a desire to live in a foreign country for an extended period, becoming an au pair can be an exciting and valuable opportunity. An au pair receives room and board, a weekly stipend, and either language courses or tuition assistance in exchange for providing childcare and performing light household chores. Here are ten things that every au pair should know before setting off on their adventure.

1. A Basic Grasp of the Language – Most young people become an au pair as an opportunity to immerse themselves in the language and culture of a foreign country. Speaking the language of your host country like a native isn’t necessary, but you should be able to communicate basic concepts to the children you’ll be looking after and their parents.
2. The Ins and Outs of Transportation – If you’re from a country that is reliant on mass transit and are planning to be an au pair in a place that isn’t, you’ll need to have a plan for transportation. If you’re not comfortable with driving in an unfamiliar country, it’s important that you express this to your host family, before getting behind the wheel with children that you’re responsible for in the vehicle.
3. The Requirements – The conditions a potential au pair must meet vary from country to country. Things like your age, previous language training, childcare experience and education are all regulated by the government of your host country. For instance, the age limit for an au pair in Germany is 25, while an au pair in Spain may be up to 30. You should make sure that you meet all requirements for a particular country before contacting an agency there.
4. Regulations Regarding Your Visa – Each country will have different laws regarding your work visa and how long you will be allowed to remain in the country after you’ve ended your stay with the host family. It’s important that you learn exactly what the laws are regarding the length of your stay.
5. Continuing Your Education – There are two different programs in the United States that an au pair may enroll in, with different expectations for completing course work in an institute of higher education for each. Most European countries require an au pair to attend language classes for the duration of their stay. You should ascertain what your responsibilities are regarding your continuing education in the host country of your choice.
6. The Responsibilities of Your Host Family – Your host family will be responsible for providing you with room and board, pocket money and specific work hours, all of which are mandated by the government of the host country. These also vary from place to place, and should be researched thoroughly.
7. What Is Expected of You As An Au Pair – Becoming an au pair is an exciting opportunity for young people, but with all of the perks come many responsibilities. First and foremost, you will be providing child care to the family that takes you into their home. There are guidelines set in place to govern the number of hours you are allowed to work, how much time off you’re required to receive and the amount of pocket money they’re expected to provide. You should become familiar with what they expect of you in return, as quickly as possible, in order to avoid misunderstandings.
8. The Cultural Differences – Regardless of how prepared you are, there is no way to escape feeling at least a bit of culture shock in a foreign country. Still, having an idea of the customs and culture of your host country will be tremendously helpful.
9. Using An Au Pair Placement Agency – Some countries demand that an au pair use an agency for placement, and others do not. It’s a good idea to make your arrangements through a placement agency, even if the host country doesn’t require you to do so. An agency will assist you with applying for the correct visas and making your travel arrangements, which can be very confusing in some countries.
10. Paying Taxes – Before you leave your native country, you should know what your host country’s laws are regarding the taxation of your earnings while in that country. Depending on the regulations in place, you may be required to pay taxes on the stipend provided to you by your host family.

Although the laws and regulations governing your eligibility can be confusing at first, being an au pair is sure to be an unforgettable and invaluable experience. Ensuring that your time in the host country of your choice is fulfilling and goes smoothly is only a matter of doing the proper research and planning.

Taken From Au Pair