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1) What is Au Pair?
AU PAIR is a program or cultural exchange which gives the opportunity for young people to spend from 3 months to 2 years* in a host family in a certain country as they look after the children in the family and do some light household duties.
2) What will I get as an au pair?
Below are some conditions that generally apply. You should clearly communicate with your host family/agency exactly what you will get as an au pair.
- Free private bedroom and board
- Weekly allowance
- You may get full or partial assistance for medical insurance, language school, airfare and use of family car depending on your target country and host family
Paid vacation - depends on your target country and host family.
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3) What is the normal amount of housework for an au pair?
This varies, however, generally, you should expect to help with the housework (as the rest of the family does). Possibly up to an hour's worth, of either cleaning, ironing, or washing.
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4) Do I pay for my own travel arrangements?
That depends on the country where you will be an au pair.
(Check the information for each country in the link Au Pair).
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5) What about driving?
Sometimes, a family will need someone who can drive their children to school/nursery and back. If you can drive confidently, you should state this in your application form. (The family may offer you one or two driving lessons to build up your confidence of driving on the opposite side (this will be specified in the family's application form)).
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6) What is the general pay range for au pairs?
That depends on the country where you are going.
(Check the information for each country in the link Au Pair).
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7) Can I expect extra money for extra hours worked?
Yes. Unless you are doing routine housework, you should expect to be paid an additional amount for extra hours worked. This will normally occur during school holidays, and sometimes when a child is off school due to illness.
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8) Where can I get information on travel arrangements?
We will arrange your travel to the designated country.
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9) Will the family pay for my phone calls?
Some families may have a policy on phone calls from the home, whilst the general rule is that the au pair may call home for a short chat each week to keep in touch with her relatives, some families choose to include this in the au-pairs privileges and some choose to deduct it from the pocket money. Paying half the cost of a phone card (which offers lower tariffs) is a good compromise. Make sure you come to an arrangement early in your stay.
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10) What happens after I have sent my application form?
We'll acknowledge receipt, and send the documents to our partners who will begin a search for a suitable family. We will contact you by email/phone on a regular basis to update you on the progress of your application. Once a suitable family has been found, we will send you all the details, including a letter of invitation by the family. You may have a conversation with the family, and then decide whether you would like to accept the family. If you accept, you should agree a start date, and inform us. We'll help with any travel arrangements.
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11) How long will it take to find a family?
That depends on how strong your application is, whether you have any special requirements, etc. It could take up to 12 weeks.
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12) Who will meet me when I arrive in the host country?
Your host family will probably meet you. It is important for you to arrive at the nearest airport/station to your host family's home. If your host family is not able to meet you, either a taxi (paid by the family) will be provided or we will inform you how you can reach the host family's home.
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13) What happens if I have a problem with the family?
Any problems should always be discussed with the family, but the Agency is always available to give advice and assistance to both Parties during this period of placement. If you cannot find a solution the issues can be discussed in confidence with the agency. If the family behaves badly towards you, please tell us so that we can try and find out what has happened and sort it out. The family has the right to dismiss an au pair who behaves incorrectly. The agency will try and assist in case of misunderstandings. If you feel you have been treated unfairly, please tell us.
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14) How can I contact you while I am an au pair in the host country?
When you apply for the program, you will be given contact details – office phone, fax, mobile phone, e-mail.
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15) What will my duties be?
You may be expected to wake up at a regular hour, to be agreed with your family. In most cases you will be expected to help with the housework and this could include any of the following:- Vacuuming, Dusting, Ironing, Washing with washing machine General cleaning and tidying, Some cooking, Washing up dishes, Helping to prepare the evening meal. You will also be expected to help with the children and this could include any of the following:- Baby-sitting, collecting children from school, Bathing children and putting them to bed, Preparing light meals or snacks for them, Playing with them to encourage a good relationship.(Very important)
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16) Will I have free time?
Yes. You will have at least one free day per week. That usually depends on the family and the country.
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17) Do I have to attend language lessons?
Yes. Attending language lessons is part of the program. Au-Pairs are, in most cases, responsible for the language course fees. You will need to negotiate the time of attendance with your family whether it is morning, afternoon or evening. Language school is a valuable way of meeting other Au Pairs and making friends in a new country.
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18) Do I get a Health Insurance?
You need to have a health insurance. In most countries, the insurance is covered by the host family. (Check the information for each country in the link Au Pair).
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19) Do I need to have a driver’s license?
Some families require an au pair to drive as a part of his/her duty. If your family requires you to drive they will inform you - and will provide a car for your use. You should also check that you have a suitable driving licence. Before you start driving a family car you must make sure that the car is fully insured for your use. You may be allowed to use the family car in you free time, but you must pay for the petrol yourself.
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20) Health and Safety
Before you travel, please ensure that you are fit and in good health. If you need any dental treatment, you are advised to do this before you go. Also, make sure that your family give you telephone numbers where they can be contacted in case of emergency. Make sure that you know how to contact police, fire and ambulance.
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21) Can I attend church services?
You will have time to attend church services on your free days or the evenings when you are not babysitting. Most au pairs go to the same church as their families but if you want you can attend another church.
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22) How can I use my free time?
Your free time can be used as you wish. Free to go and improve your language skills at a nearby language school, meet friends and other Au Pairs, sightseeing and experience the foreign way of life.
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23) Can I phone my family and friends from the host family?
International and long distance telephone calls should be made from the family's home only with their permission. Do not use the telephone without permission and pay for your calls.
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24) Settling In
The vast majority of Au-Pair placements are successful and happy. The following are likely to help: When you arrive, the family will give you time to settle in, and to become used to them and vice-versa. Make a brief call home to let your family in your home country know you have arrived safely. Homesickness can be a problem. Be patient! You must try your best to be cheerful, pleasant and willing. Your family will respond to this and a good relationship will develop. At the beginning you may feel lonely and strange, this is quite normal and your family will be aware of this. Any problems or difficulties you may experience must be discussed with your family. Communication is a very important factor if you are to have a good understanding of one another. They will want to know you and also try to get to know them. Tip: Ask them to tell you about themselves.
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