Becoming an Au Pair is a unique opportunity to immerse in another culture for 6-12 months. It requires a commitment but is also a great way to work with children and improve your English.
Host families trust their au pairs with a lot of responsibility, so a few essential qualifications are necessary for the job. Read on to find out more about them:
Qualifications
A person wanting to become an au pair must meet several criteria. This includes being at least 18 years old, unmarried and childless, able to live independently, and a non-smoker. Au pairs must also be physically healthy since they often work and play with children all day.
A genuine interest in caring for children is the main requirements for au pairs. In addition to a love for kids, a person who wants to be an au pair must have patience and kindness. This is because a host family entrusts an au pair with their most precious possession – their children.
To ensure the safety of the children, host families want au pairs to have previous childcare experience. This may include having worked as a nanny or babysitter, having completed childcare training, or having a valid professional certification like CPR and first aid.
It is common for au pairs to drive the host family’s children to school or after-school activities. Having a valid driver’s license is, therefore, essential. Most au pairs share a home with their host family, so having a separate, fully furnished room is also necessary. An au pair’s living arrangements must be agreed upon before they arrive to avoid surprises.
Language Requirements
One of the significant benefits of being an au pair is the chance to immerse yourself in another culture. You’ll experience everyday life in your host country and learn about its history and customs. Plus, you’ll be working with kids—a valuable experience for anyone who wants to become a teacher or work in social services.
In addition to learning about your host country’s culture, you’ll also be able to improve your language skills. The program typically requires a certain level of fluency in English, but if you don’t have it yet, don’t worry! You can take language courses while you’re an au pair, and your host family will probably be happy to help.
Most au pairs must take classes as part of their educational requirements. A university or an accredited post-secondary institution usually offers these classes. They should be academic and focus on a subject such as marketing, business, history, science, psychology, or a language course. You must submit a Class Pre-Approval form before enrolling in any class to ensure it will count towards your educational requirement.
Some host families will provide au pairs with tuition money for classes. In this case, it’s essential to discuss the family’s schedule to find a style that fits your schedule and the family’s needs.
Working Hours
If you love kids but hate the eight-to-five office grind, working as an au pair may be the perfect solution. These au couples live with their host families and care for their children while taking classes and exploring the local culture. In exchange, their room and board, as well as a weekly stipend, are paid for.
The hours are more flexible than with a daycare or nanny, with host families allowing au pairs to work between 10 and 45 hours a week. Typically, an au pair has one or two days off per week, ideally the weekend.
In addition to working hours, au pairs are expected to complete a specified number of academic credits each term. These credits may be in language courses, university-level courses, or a combination.
The stipend for an au pair varies by country. The compensation may not cover all of your expenses but will certainly help with some. You’ll find many young people, so you can easily make new friends and explore the country there.
Travel Requirements
Being an au pair is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in a new culture. Not only do you get to work on your language skills, try fresh foods, and visit famous landmarks, but you also gain hands-on childcare experience. This can be a massive advantage if you want to pursue a career in education, social work, or psychology. However, there are some essential requirements that you need to fulfill before deciding to become an au pair.
One of the most essential requirements is a valid passport and visa. You must be able to leave your home country to stay with the host family. You will also need sufficient funds for your travel and living expenses. This can be a challenge for some, but finding affordable accommodation and earning extra money by working as a babysitter or tutor is possible.
All au pairs come on the J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa. This is a non-immigrant visa, and it is issued designated sponsor in the Au pair’s home country. Before receiving their ticket, an au pair must undergo a comprehensive interview with a consular officer. This will confirm that the au pair is a good fit for the program and has binding ties to their home country.
