Au-Pair Wiki

The total average cost of the host family’s participation in the Au-Pair program

The host family has two categories of fixed and flexible costs.

Below you can find out the approximate monthly and yearly expenses of the family for an Au-Pair invitation per month and per year.
● Payment for Au-Pair agency services: from 400 to 1500 € / $ – one-time payment.
● Food: 100-250 € / $ per month (1200-3000 per year).
●  Accommodation(utilities): 50-250 € / $ per month (600-3000 per year).
● Pocket Au-Pair funds: 250-800 € / $ per month (3000-9600 per year).
●  Language courses  : 50-250 € / $ per month (600-3000 per year).
●  Insurance:  50-100 € / $ per month (600-1200 per year).
● Au-Pair fare (optional): 100-500 € / $ – one-time payment.
● Other expenses: 100–300 € / $ per month (1200-3600 per year).

The total average cost of the host family’s participation in the Au-Pair program per year: 15,000 € / $

Proficiency level  in a foreign language  depends on the country.

However, firstly, no matter which country you choose, you have to speak English at least at A2 level, preferably B1 / B2, and the language of the country you are going to at least at A1 level.

For instance, you want to go  to France as an Au-Pair  and you do not speak French. In this case, your English level  has to be at least A2 / B1 and you have to start learning French.

If you do not speak English at A2 / B1 level, then it is better to spend more time learning French to A2 level than to improve your English while also learning the basics of French. The same applies to German and Spanish.

This condition does not apply to Scandinavia, China and the Americas, as to participate in the Au-Pair program in countries such as Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Iceland, the United States and China, you only need to speak English at a level not lower than than B1 / B2.

On November 24, 1969, the  Council of Europe  adopted the international cultural and educational Au-Pair program, which aims to acquaint participants with the culture of European countries and improve their knowledge of a foreign language. Accordingly, the «European Agreement on Au-Pair» was adopted as the main program document.

In order for young people to be able to fully learn a foreign language and learn about the life of Europeans from the inside / within, the Council of Europe decided that the host parties should not be schools and universities, but ordinary Europeans. This means that while staying abroad for one or two years, you, as a participant in the program, live in a foreign family as a family member.

Preparation begins with drawing up an  agreement to participate in the Au-Pair program.  To do this you need to send a copy of the Ukrainian passport and identification code to your personal manager 

After drawing up the contract, you need to prepare a profile to find a host family.

The Au-Pair program is a cultural and educational program, despite the fact that under the terms of the program, the participant of the program provides assistance to the host family in easy cleaning of the house and in childcare. Under the terms of the program such work is considered to be assistance, and not literally work, which is defined in labor law and for which people receive wages.

We would also like to note that the migration services of different countries consider the definition of the word «assistance» differently and, depending on this definition, a participant receives different types of visa in different embassies: Au-Pair visa, work visa, work visa and residence permit. or just a residence permit. At the international level, the status of “Au-Pair visa” does not yet have a single definition, but it does not in any way affect the program and the status of the participant  during the program.

If, for example, you receive a work visa under the Au-Pair program at the Embassy of Belgium, you will still be considered the participant in the cultural and educational program  and Belgian labor law will not apply to you.

No, it is only possible to participate in the Au-Pair program in the same country once.

Austria is the only exception because, under the Au-Pair program conditions, you can go there twice, but only five years after the first participation.

For example: you are now 18 years old and you want to take part  in the Au-Pair program in Austria  for the first time, it means that you will finish your program in this country at the age of 19, then add five years, so you must be 24-25 years old to participate in the Au-Pair program in Austria again, because you can go to Austria at the age up to 27 years.

If you are now 23 and you finish your program at 24-25, you will not be able to take part in the Au-Pair program in Austria for the second time.

No, it is impossible to participate in the Au-Pair program without experience working with children, because it is a big responsibility. However, you can apply for the program and get the necessary knowledge and skills in our Au-Pair School.

No, it is impossible to participate in the Au-Pair program without speaking a foreign language because you will not be able to communicate with your host family and children. However, you can apply for the program without speaking a foreign language and at the same time learn a language at our Au-Pair school. There you will receive the necessary level of knowledge, which will be enough for you to participate in the program at the first stage.

– In our Au-Pair school you will work individually with a teacher on an individual program designed exclusively for you.
– You will learn the Au-Pair vocabulary needed to pass an  interview with a host family, the host agency, the embassy ans with your host family and children upon  your arrival.
– All training materials are designed taking into account the real situations  which an Au-Pair may face during the program.
– The training course is designed by Au-Pairs for Au-Pairs.

To read more about language courses click this link.

Yes, of course.

1. We work with all countries and can professionally prepare you remotely to participate in the program. You do not need to live in Ukraine.
2. If you are a foreign student and a citizen of another country, but you are currently studying or working in Ukraine, you must have a residence permit in Ukraine or a student / work visa. In this case, you have the right to participate in the program while in Ukraine and submit documents to embassies in our country.

No, it isn’t. Having a driving license is optional for an Au-Pair, even in the US.

However, it is desirable, because a lot of host families need an Au-Pair with a driving license. We always advise our girls to get a driving license before participating in the program.

Citizens of Ukraine can participate in the Au-Pair program in 15 countries, including:

– German-speaking countries:  Germany,  Austria, Switzerland, Iceland;
– French-speaking countries: France, Luxembourg (it is also possible to study German and English in Luxembourg),  Belgium  (in Belgium it is also possible to study Dutch);
– Scandinavian countries: Denmark, Sweden, Norway,  Finland;
– other countries: Spain,  Netherlands,  China, America.

Citizens of Ukraine can participate in the Au-Pair program in 15 countries, including:

– German-speaking countries:  Germany,  Austria, Switzerland, Iceland;
– French-speaking countries: France, Luxembourg (it is also possible to study German and English in Luxembourg),  Belgium  (in Belgium it is also possible to study Dutch);
– Scandinavian countries: Denmark, Sweden, Norway,  Finland;
– other countries: Spain,  Netherlands,  China, America.

As much as you want, if you are under 30 years old. But note that it is impossible to travel to  Finland,  Denmark and Iceland if these countries are already second or third on your list of countries.

For instance, if you want to take part in the Au-Pair program three times, ie spend three years in Europe, and you want to spend one of these three  years in  Denmark  or Iceland, you need these countries to be first or second on your list of countries.

If, for example, you go first to Germany, then to  Austria  and only then to Denmark, the Danish Migration Service will consider your trip as an attempt to earn money, not as participation in a cultural and educational program, and will not issue you a visa.

The same applies to Iceland and Finland. Therefore, if you really want to visit Denmark, choose this country  as first or second. Finland can only be the first country.

 Conditions of participation in the Au-Pair program depend on the country you plan to go to (please read the information about each country separately).

However, we give the general conditions that apply to all countries on Wiki:
– age of the program participant: from 18 to 30 years (depending on the country);
– the participant of the program must have completed secondary education. It is not necessary to have higher education;
– the program participant must have a sufficient level of foreign language to communicate with children and family (at least level A1);
– the participant of the program is healthy, has no chronic diseases;
– the participant of the program must have such personal characteristics as openness, sociability, readiness to accept another culture, responsibility and honesty;
– The participant of the program must have experience in working with children (for example, work / traineeship as a counselor, coach, sports instructor, primary school teacher, kindergarten teacher, nanny, etc.). If you do not have such experience, you will definitely need to pass ours  Au-Pair School  and get all the necessary knowledge;
– the program participant must have no criminal record and must confirm this with a certificate of no criminal record;
– the participant of the program must be unmarried and have no children.

This is due to the fact that a girl travels for a long time to another country, to another family and during the participation in the program she will take care of  children of the host family. The family, in turn, expects active involvement in family life, flexibility and expects that the program participant will stay in the family for a full year of the program.

A girl who has a husband and children will not be able to stay with another family for one or two years and is much more likely to easily stop participating in the program at any time and return home. For the host family and especially for young children, this is a significant stress, because children have a hard time getting used to a new person (Au-Pair) every two or three months.

– Driving license is also a good  welcome to participate in the program, but this condition is not mandatory. However, we always ask future participants to get a driving license and gain driving experience if they can do it.

Normally, the program lasts a year or two, if permitted by the terms of the program in a particular country.

Sometimes  host families  invite a participant for 3-6-9 months. It depends on the individual needs of a family.

If a family invites a participant for three months, then, as a rule, this time falls on the summer.

No, it is not obligatory to study at educational institutions of any level of accreditation (school, college, vocational school, institute, university). The only prerequisite is the availability of general school education.

You should note that, despite the international conditions of the program, the French Embassy in Ukraine nevertheless requires higher education, so you can study by correspondence, distance or attend school on an individual schedule and participate in the program.

Yes, boys can participate in the Au-Pair program and at the same time it is much more difficult to find a host family for a guy than for a girl.

That’s the only reason we work  only with girls.

No, unfortunately it is impossible. The main condition of the program is that an Au-Pair can’t be married and have children.
Please read more about additional information why there is such a rule.

It is an unmarried young girl, between 18 and 30 years old who has no children and travels to a foreign country for a certain period of time to live with a host family, learn a foreign language and enrich her cultural  experience. 

The word «Au-Pair» (pronounced as «o per») comes from French and is translated literally as «reciprocity», «equal to» which emphasizes the equality of a participant and members of a host family. The term «Au-Pair» is also used to refer to a program participant. In exchange for accommodation, food and pocket money, the program participant helps the family to take care of the children and does light housework. It is worth remembering that  members of the Au-Pair program  are not employees.

An Au Pair is a temporary family member. The host family provides free comfortable accommodation, food (Au-Pair eats with the family), health insurance, pays for language courses (in 13 of the 15 participating countries) and promotes cultural development. Each host family provides the program participant with a residence permit in their home for the entire period of stay.

An Au-Pair is not a housewife or a housekeeper.

 To be an Au-Pair  does not mean to be a housewife and a housekeeper. Despite the fact that under the terms of the program you have a duty to help the host family in childcare and light housework, your first priority is learning a foreign language, improving  your level of education, learning about a new culture and traditions, expanding your social connections.

 A host family should in every possible way involve the participant of the program in the cultural and social life of the city and to acquaint her with the traditions of the country.

An Au-Pair must be a super girl :). If you want  take part in the Au-Pair program and get the most out of the program, you need to have certain personal characteristics and a certain view of the world.

Most importantly, an Au-Pair must have such character traits as openness and sociability to the host family, the ability to build a positive dialogue, a willingness to accept a different culture, other habits, responsibility and honesty as to their  responsibilities  and to achieve its goal.

You need to be active, energetic, purposeful and flexible at the same time. Besides, you have to be eager to to experience life in another culture, to spend all your time on personal and professional development, even when communicating with children and helping host parents.

If you think that doing light housework is for housekeepers, housewives and cooks, this program is not for you.

If you do not like children (note, this does not mean that you should have experience working with children, and above all we are talking about the attitude to children) this program is not for you.

If you focus only on your own super personality and are not ready to change, grow and develop, if you are not ready to listen to  tips and tricks, this program is not for you 🙂 

If you are ready to become a super girl who wants to learn a new culture, traditions, learn several foreign languages, make friends from all over the world, travel, build an international career, get rid of stereotypes, grow and develop,  you can become  an Au-Pair!

No, of course, it is impossible to make money! However, of course, you can save a little money and it depends on:
● the country  where you will live during the program
● your attitude to money and the ability to manage your budget

We know from experience that sometimes girls who live in Germany and receive 280 euros per month travel more and invest more in their development than those who live, for example, in Belgium and the Scandinavian countries, receiving between 450 and 550 euros per month.

Set the right goals and priorities: the Au-Pair program is not a part-time job, it is  a cultural exchange program  .

Your goal is to learn a foreign language, traditions and culture.
Your goal is to change, grow personally and professionally.

Most host families who plan to invite an Au Pair have children under 5 years old. Of course, they may have older children, but they will need help mainly with younger children.

In the Western  world it is common for both parents to work, so they need help with their children when they are away.

In addition, families participating in the Au-Pair program  have a non-pragmatic desire to learn about another culture, as well as expand their children’s worldview. Families want their children to live in a multicultural environment, to learn to understand other cultures and traditions, to see the beauty in other, something different.

• Child care, light housework
• Openness to a new culture, acceptance of other household habits
• Flexibility during working hours

Note that host families are normal and сommon people who do not wait for a real Mary Poppins, who will speak 10 languages, play the piano and study physics. Everything is much simpler. A host family wants to see a pleasant, educated, sociable, good-tempered Au-Pair girl who loves children and knows how to find common ground with them.

Children

In the host family children must be under 18 years of age. If there are several children and there are children over the age of 18,  a family must have  at least one child under the age of 18

to be eligible to participate in the program.

A family must have a separate room for an Au-Pair

A host family must provide the future Au-Pair with a separate comfortable room,  which meets the requirements of the Au-Pair program.

Food and pocket money

A host family must confirm that they have enough income to invite an Au-Pair with a tax certificate. 

A host family must give an Au-Pair free access to food whenever an Au-Pair wants to eat.
A host family must respect an Au-Pair’s food needs and, if possible, buy the food an Au-Pair needs.
A host family must give an Au-Pair  pocket money on a monthly basis without delay.
If a family invites a Au-Pair to a cafe or restaurant or to any other establishments, then the host family must bear all the costs.

The family should provide the Au-Pair with the opportunity to attend a language school

Under the terms of the program, an Au-Pair must learn a foreign language. In 13 of the 15 countries, host families pay for  language courses. Some families cover travel costs to the courses.

A family must provide a paid leave

The amount of money that a host family pays as vacation pay is deducted from the amount of monthly pocket money. For example, if the pocket money is 260 euros per month, and the Au-Pair wants to take a leave earlier than 6 months from the beginning of the program, in this case the leave is counted as 2 days for each month of family stay. That means that if a participant of the program takes  an Au-Pair vacation  in three months, she is entitled to a 6-day leave. The money that an Au-Pair receives for the holiday will amount to 74 euros at the rate of 260 euros of monthly pocket money. From 21 working days 1 day is 12 euros. 6 days x 12 euros = 74 euros.

The family must pay for health insurance for the Au-Pair

The host family pays for  health insurance for an Au-Pair  in all countries except Sweden and Austria. In Spain, an Au-Pair and a host family pay for health insurance in halves.

The host family is not allowed to deduct the cost of accommodation and food from an Au-Pair’s pocket money.

Nationality and language

Host family members must be citizens of their country. If family members are not citizens of the country, they must have a residence permit in this country. Otherwise, the family does not have the right to invite an Au-Pair.

Spoken language in the family should be one of the official languages of the country. For example, if the family has Italian citizenship but has a residence permit in Austria, and nobody in the family speaks German, then the family will not be entitled to invite an Au-Pair.

The main goal of the program is  cultural exchange . The requirements of the program also involve learning one of the official languages of the country by the participant of the program. To improve speaking skills, the program participant and the family are required to speak it.

Another important requirement of cultural exchange is the difference between  an Au-Pair’s and a host family’s ethnicity.

For instance, you are a citizen of Ukraine and you are Ukrainian by ethnicity, and your host family are citizens of France and at the same time are Ukrainians by ethnicity and previously had Ukrainian citizenship. In this case, cultural exchange is impossible, because you are representatives of one culture and such a family will not have the right to invite an Au-Pair from Ukraine, even if she meets all other requirements.

Yes, it is possible. However, under the agreement with partner Au-Pair agencies we cannot choose a city, especially if it is the capital of the country, as well as the age of the children.
The only possible way to go to a big city or capital is to be invited by a family from a big city or capital.

The search for the host family is as follows:

1. We work directly with European families and have a large family base.
   We send an Au-Pair member profile to families. If a family is interested in the profile sent to them, the family contacts the girl herself and they agree on the first interview together.

2. We also have a large network of partners,  Au-Pair agencies. If we are looking for a family for you through partners, then the search for a family is as follows: we send a profile of the program participant to our partners. Our partners send the profile to their families. If a family is interested in the profile, they contact the girl themselves and they arrange their first interview.

It usually takes one week to two months to find a host family and talk to them. Of course, there are exceptions. Search speed is affected by several factors. For example: the more you narrow the search (you choose in the questionnaire that the children in the family should be only from 3 to 5 years old, you want to live only in a big city, etc.), the longer you look for a family. Or you are just picky and you do not like any of the suggested families.

However, there are factors that can be influenced. For example, creating an attractive Au-Pair profile, which will be able to interest a host family at first sight, responsible training in the Au-Pair school, consultations before the interview, etc.

The main requirement for members of the Au-Pair program  is  openness to other cultures and peculiarities of everyday life. After years of experience we came to the conclusion that it is better to live in a good family from a small town, which really treats you as a family member, than to live in the center of the capital, but feel psychological discomfort.

So, if you do not speak a foreign language and need training, then it will take you about 4-6 months to registrate. If you speak a foreign language at least at the A1 level, it will take you about 1-2 months to register.

We will be happy to help you and do our best in everything that concerns searching for a family properly. We are interested in you finding your host family as soon as possible and most importantly, in making your Au-Pair year unforgettable, comfortable and successful!

No, а host family can only invite one person. Compliance with this condition is checked by the migration and social services while the Au-Pair’s stay in the family.

No, the citizens of Ukraine do not have the right to invite an Au-Pair with the same citizenship, even if they have a permanent residence permit in another country, under the international conditions of the program.

This is due to the fact that the main purpose of the Au-Pair program is learning a new foreign language and culture of the country. Living in a Ukrainian family, you will communicate in Ukrainian.

This is your day off, you can do whatever you want. You can stay home and relax or you can visit your friends in another city,  travel around Europe, America, China.

The right to receive pocket money

Host families usually pay pocket money once a month.
The amount of pocket money depends on the country:

Germany – 280 €
Austria – 590 €
Switzerland – 600 €
Iceland – 400 €
France – 320 €
Belgium – 450 €
Luxembourg – 430 €
The Netherlands – 340 €
Denmark – 550 €
Sweden – 355 €
Norway – 580 €
Finland – 280 €
Spain – 270-300 €
America – $ 780
China – $ 220

In case of premature termination of the  Au-Pair contract  (regardless of the reason) both parties are obliged to notify each other within 14 days with the preservation of all obligations and rights. Termination of the contract must be in writing.

Under  international terms of the Au-Pair program, working hours are 5 hours a day (if an Au-Pair helps a family 6 days a week) or 6 hours a day (if an Au-Pair helps a family 5 days a week), but not more than 30 hours a week. In America working hours are 8 hours a day and 45 hours a week.

If an Au-Pair participates in the program for a full year, she can count on a two or five-week paid leave (depending on the country). Another option is a two-day leave each month.

If the host family goes on a vacation, the Au-Pair usually goes with them. In this case, the Au-Pair is responsible for fulfilling certain obligations, such as childcare, etc. Host family leave is considered as the Au-Pair’s leave only if the Au-Pair performs only minor duties and can  be absent.

All conditions must be agreed with the host family in advance  before the trip.

You must be insured against illness, accident, possible pregnancy and childbirth.  Medical insurance  paid by the host family in all countries except Sweden and Austria. In Spain, the cost of health insurance is paid in half by the host family and the Au-Pair.

Au-Pair eats the same meals as all family members. If you have certain food preferences (for example, you are a vegetarian), you need to indicate this in your Au-Pair questionnaire and discuss with the family in advance during the first interview.

A host family provides an Au-Pair with a separate room with the necessary furniture free of charge. The room must have good natural light, heating, a window that can be opened, and a door in the room that locks so that the Au-Pair has  privacy. 

An Au-Pair has 3-4 evenings and 1.5 days a week off. For example, from Saturday  noon to Monday morning.

The Au-Pair must have at least one day off per week, but it doesn’t necessarily have to be on weekends. Normally, Saturdays are counted as working days. However, one Sunday a month must be a day off.

 Your host family  should do everything possible to help you participate in the cultural and social events of the city and introduce you to the traditions of your country.

You have the right to change the host family at will in case there is non-compliance with  terms of the international Au-Pair program. If  the family treats you inappropriately and as  ‘hired worker’  but not as a participant in a cultural exchange program.

Attending language courses  is the main goal of the program. Your host family can not draw up your schedule you in such a way that your working hours coincide with your language classes.

No, it is strictly forbidden. If the host family or the migration service finds out that you have a side job, your Au-Pair visa will be automatically canceled. In addition, you may face deportation for violating the terms of the program, and your host family may be fined and banned from participating in the program for several years.

Yes, it is possible. Provided it is a small pet, such as a cat, and if your host family allows it. It is not allowed to take a dog with you. This is dangerous for children.

A host family usually pays  pocket money on a bank card, as it is quite convenient for an Au-Pair. Therefore, we always recommend opening a bank account immediately upon arrival in the country.

There is no official condition to have money with you. However, we recommend you to take a small amount of your own money with you so that you can feel independent and comfortable during the first days of your stay in the family. The amount depends on your financial capacities and desires, 100 euros is quite enough.

Normal day and working hours as well  general responsibilities of the Au-Pair at home, depend on the lifestyle of the family, the work schedule of the adoptive parents, the number of children in the family, the age of the children, the sex of the children and whether your family has pets (dogs, cats, other animals).
Working hours of 5-6 hours per day can be distributed during the day, for example:

Morning. Getting up in the morning, personal hygiene, waking up children, cooking breakfast, feeding children, having breakfast alone or with family, walking a dog / feeding a cat (if any), removing from the table, preparing lunch boxes, taking children to kindergarten or school (on foot) , by bus, by car).

Before noon. Attending language courses. If there are no classes on this day, return home, clean the house or go shopping. If the house is clean and has all the necessary products (because you will not clean, cook and go shopping all the time), then you will have free time for yourself and you can spend it as you want: to meet friends, go to the park, go to the museum, to the library, stay at home and learn the language.

Afternoon. Cook / reheat lunch. Pick up children from kindergarten / school, feed children. Go for a walk with the children. If the weather is bad, play with the children at home, help with homework. Take the children to activities, wait for them and take them home.

Evening: Dinner with family, remove from the table. Then, depending on the needs of the family: bathe the children, read a fairy tale at night, put the children to bed, discuss with their parents how the day went, make plans for the next day. Your personal free time.

Unlike the rights of an Au-Pair, which do not change depending on a family, there is no single list of responsibilities according to which all Au-Pairs perform the same work. Everything is individual, it all depends on the family, the number of children in the family, the age of the children, the sex of the children and whether your family has pets (dogs, cats, other pets).

Therefore, during the first interview you need to discuss all terms of your stay and, first of all, responsibilities, ie to discuss in detail what help your family actually needs and in what period of time.

There is a general list of what Au-Pair can do to help the family below.

Au-Pair’s responsibilities to parenting

Love children, give them support and care, listen to children, talk to them, teach basic rules of conduct, hygiene, and so on. Wake up children in the morning; wash; dress; prepare breakfast /lunch, compose lunchboxes in kindergarten and school, feed children; take and take children to kindergarten, school, certain activities, such as gymnastics, football, swimming, music lessons and so on; play with children; walk in the street, walk in the park and playgrounds; go to museums, zoos; master something together; teach children to read, count, write, learn poems, sing and dance; maintain order in the nursery; wash and iron children’s belongings; help children with homework; wash children before bed; lay children to sleep; read tales before bed, etc.

Au-Pairʼs responsibilities to  home help 

Help keep the apartment / house clean and tidy: vacuum, wipe the dust, wash the floor; wash clothes in the washing machine; sort clothes after washing, ironing; prepare breakfast / lunch / dinner (simple meals), help with cooking; help set the table, remove from the table after eating, wash dishes (in the dishwasher), clean the kitchen after eating; make sure that children’s food is always in the refrigerator; take care of houseplants; help in the garden; shop in the store, etc.

Au-Pair Pet Responsibilities

Walk the dog; feed a dog / cat, other pets; clean up after animals; make sure that pets always have food and water, etc.

Au-Pair’s responsibilities to cook

As a rule, Au-Pair prepares only light dishes: salads, sandwiches, baby porridge, cooking meat (cook, fry), pancakes. Au-Pair does not prepare complex dishes, because Europeans do not cook or eat complex dishes typical of Ukrainians, such as borsch, Olivier salad, herring under a fur coat, vinaigrette, dumplings, dumplings.

But, of course, if you know how to cook deliciously and you want to cook something national, you can happily bake pies and make borscht. Your host family will be very pleased.

In most cases, Au-Pair prepares food only for children or together with parents.

Yes, it even needs to be done. Travel is a part cultural experience. We always recommend our girls to travel together as much as possible.

Cost  visa member of the Au-Pair program  always pays independently.

The cost of a visa depends on the country. Please read the information on the cost of a visa in the section embassies and visas.

Usually the way to  host family Au-Pair  pays independently. Of course, there are exceptions. For example, the host family always pays for the trip to America.
Very often families from Scandinavia (Denmark, Sweden, Norway) pay for the Au-Pair round trip.
If you take the cost of the road on yourself, the cost varies from 50 euros (blah blah car), 100 euros (bus), 100-200 euros (by plane).

We also fully help you to make a convenient and cheap route and buy tickets.

The cost of participation in the program depends on the country. Please contact directly  managers organizations to find out the actual cost of the program.

The costs depend on whether you need to prepare an additional package of documents for the profile and visa. Document lists change frequently, if you participate in the Au-Pair program, your personal manager will provide you with all the information and detailed explanations on the preparation  Au-Pair document package.

Most European host families who plan to invite an Au-Pair have children, usually up to 5 years old. Usually, they may have children and older, but the main help will be needed with young children. Also, families with more than two children are quite common in Europe.

Yes, maybe. But by agreement with partners Au-Pair agencies, we cannot choose the number and age of children. The only possible option to go to a family with no more than two children is if such a family invites you.

Yes, maybe. But by agreement with partners Au-Pair agencies, we cannot choose the number and age of children.
The only possible option to go to a family with grown children is if such a family invites you.

If in his Au-Pair profiles  If you indicate that you do not have experience in caring for sick children or if you are not ready to help a family with sick children, then such families will not be offered your profile and, of course, such a family will not invite you.
If you have the appropriate medical education, experience  and the desire to live in such a family, then only you decide whether or not to go to such a family.

The first thing you need to do is immediately contact us, in your own  Au-Pair agency. We will listen to you, contact your family and your host Au-Pair agency to have full information about the situation.

We are always there to help! We will discuss all issues with you, give recommendations on how to improve the situation.

If the problems continue, for example, you and your family have encountered unresolved conflicts, cultural misunderstandings, or you had different expectations from the program and you intend to  terminate the Au-Pair contract  , then in this case it makes no sense to continue cooperation with this family.

There is nothing complicated or scary about changing families. Both our and the host agency will fully support you in this process and help with the preparation of documents for moving to another family.

It is not difficult to change the host family, but it takes time. If you have already made the final decision to change your family, then the process begins  termination of the Au-Pair agreement  with the current family and preparation of documents for moving to a new family. The process of changing the family looks like this:

1. Your profile is sent to new families, you are re-interviewed.
   2. You prepare documents for a new Au-Pair visa

Attention!

1. The Au-Pair visa is tied to your host family, i.e. the address and surname of the family are indicated in the visa. In addition, the family registers you in their home.
2. If you change your family, you need to leave the family home and move to a new family to get a new visa. These are simple formalities that will be handled by your host agency and your new family.
3. It is desirable to change the family only in the first six months of stay in it. If you want to change your family six months before the end of your program, you must understand that this may be irrational. After all, in some countries, obtaining both the first and second visa takes up to 4 months. No family will agree to invite you to participate in the Au-Pair program for 2 months.
4. If you go to a country where the Au-Pair program is only possible for 12 months, and in six months you intend to change family, it means that you will be given a re-visa only for the period until the end of the program – that is, for 6 months. When changing families, you do not start participating in the program again, but continue to participate within the same 12 months, however, you live in different families.

Yes. According to the rules of the program and according to agreement with the Au-Pair family  , you can change your host family, just as she can abandon you. But there must be serious reasons for this. If there are several misunderstandings between you and your family, this is not a reason to change your family.

If you still decide to terminate the contract and  change host family  , take into account the following recommended steps:

1. Discuss the problem with us and your host agency. Then discuss the situation with your host family and let them know that you want to terminate the contract.
2. Fulfill the terms of the contract.

Both parties must comply with the terms of the Au-Pair contract  and take into account the timing of the notice of termination. In most countries, both parties are given two weeks to find an alternative solution.

In most countries, language courses are paid for by your host family. However, there are countries that have their own nuances regarding the payment of language courses:

• Austria: the first language course is paid in half between the Au-Pair and the family. Au-Pair pays for the following courses independently.
• Germany: The Au-Pair pays for the language courses themselves, but the host family reimburses the cost of the courses in the amount of 50 euros per month.
• France: Au-Pair pays for language courses independently.
• Spain: Au-Pair pays for language courses independently

In other countries, including: Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Iceland, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, China, America, language courses are paid for by the host family.

Yes, if you have free time for it, you can attend any courses at your own expense.  The host family  can only pay for  foreign language courses.

The only country where the host family can pay for courses other than language courses is America.  Provided that you speak English at C1 level and do not need additional English courses.

Language courses in differ countries and even in different language schools in one country are different. For example, in  France  you can find courses from 10 euros per month and learn  with volunteers and they can cost up to 400 euros per semester.

All conditions and costs should be discussed with your host family, because only when you know in which city you will live, you can learn about the language school and the cost of courses.

There are several options for learning a foreign language during the Au-Pair program.

1. Attend a language school. In most countries this is a mandatory condition of participation in the Au-Pair program and is checked by the migration service, because learning a foreign language is the main goal of the program.

2. Attend individual private classes. If it is not compulsory to attend a language school in the country, you can  learn a foreign language  through individual online classes. It is not required to to attend a language school in France and China.

Payment for a ticket to language courses or a travel ticket for a month in general is not regulated by the terms of the program, i.e. there is no general rule that a travel ticket must be paid by the host family or Au-Pair. This issue is being discussed during the  interview with the host Au-Pair family. As a rule, the host family pays for the ticket, because you will go out with the children to the city.

If you do  not speak  a foreign language  at the level required to participate in the program, or want to improve your level, you can take individual language courses at our association – Ukrainian Au-Pair Association  (UAPA).

In our Au-Pair school you can study the following languages according to an individual plan, which will be developed by our teachers especially for you: English,  German,  French, Spanish, Dutch, Chinese, Swedish, Norwegian, Danish and Finnish.

Please read the detailed information on language courses by the following  link.

Follow the links below for information on the type of visa that an Au-Pair participant receives in a particular country and the current cost of the visa.

Germany:  Au-Pair employment. 

Austria:  residence and residence permit for students. 

Switzerland:  work permit. 

Iceland:  residence permit. 

France:  student visa. 

Belgium:  Au-Pair employment. 

Netherlands:  residence permit. 

Luxembourg:  residence permit. 

Norway:  residence permit. 

Denmark:  residence permit. 

Sweden:  work permit. 

Finland:  residence permit. 

Spain:  long-term student visa. 

China:  student visa for cultural exchange. 

America:  visa for participants of exchange programs. 

The term of consideration of the Au-Pair visa depends on the embassy:
●  Germany  – up to 2 weeks.
●  Austria  – up to two months, but you can get a residence permit directly in Austria. If you receive a visa in Austria, the processing period will take about a week.
● Switzerland – up to 2 months.
● Iceland – up to 4 months.
●  France  – up to 1 month.
● Belgium – up to 1 week.
● Netherlands – The visa is opened in the Netherlands within a week after all documents have been submitted by the host agency. The visa is issued in Ukraine within 2 days.
● Luxembourg – on the same day.
● Norway – up to 4 months.
● Denmark – up to 4 months.
● Sweden – up to 4 months.
● Finland – up to 6 months.
● Spain – up to 2 months.
● China – up to 2 weeks.
● America – up to 2 weeks.

Extension of the Au-Pair visa for the second year is possible only in 4 countries: France, Norway, Denmark, America. We help you with the visa extension procedure.

You can change an Au-Pair visa only to a student visa, provided that you enter an educational institution. An Au-Pair visa cannot be changed to a work visa, you will need to return home and then apply to the embassy of the country where you were a member of the Au-Pair program and get a new work visa.

Yes. We prepare you for an interview at the embassy  in Ukrainian, English and in the language of the country you are going to. We have extensive experience in preparing for the interview and will prepare you well.

Yes, we do. The package of documents for the embassy consists of documents provided by us – your sending Au-Pair agency, your receiving Au-Pair agency, your host family and some of the documents you prepare yourself.

Don’t worry, we are always there, we will tell you everything and help you prepare a package of documents to receive  Au-Pair visa. 

No, neither our agency nor the host agency influences the decisions of the embassy or the migration service. We do not help in any way to obtain a visa, we professionally prepare your Au-Pair documents and you for a visa.

First of all, before registration  participation in the Au-Pair program  we conduct an interview with the future participant of the program, during which we learn her goals, motivation and compliance with the basic requirements for participation in the Au-Pair program.

If a girl meets the conditions for participation in the Au-Pair program, if she is serious about participation, has a strong motivation, then in this case we start working with her.

Reasons why the embassy may refuse to issue an Au-Pair visa: the girl does not meet the conditions of the program, poorly prepared  package of documents, poorly prepared for the  interview at the embassy.

With us, all these risks are reduced to zero ☺ After all, we provide quality assistance in the preparation of both the package of documents and the interview at the embassy.

Yes, of course. It is spelled out  terms of the Au-Pair program. The host family is obliged to meet you at the airport or train station.

On November 24, 1969, the Council of Europe adopted the international cultural and educational program Au-Pair, the purpose of which is to acquaint participants with the culture of European countries and improve their knowledge of a foreign language. Accordingly, “the European Agreement on Au-Pair” was adopted as the main program document.

The full text of the Agreement is available on the official website of the Council of Europe link.

1. You participate in an international cultural and educational program that has existed for 50 years. Au-Pair is a one-of-a-kind program that allows for 12-24 months to be abroad on the full provision of the host family, completely legally and  safely. 

All Au-Pair host agencies are authorized by the migration services of their countries and are members of national Au-Pair associations, which, in turn, monitor compliance with quality standards for the provision of Au-Pair services.

2. Contract, which you sign with the host family, is approved by a special government agency, whose staff checks the family for eligibility for a period of time, and ensures that the terms of the agreement comply with the terms of the Au-Pair program and national law. .
3. You pass an interview at the embassy personally and without intermediaries. Each participant of the program receives a special Au-Pair visa, which states the name and address of the host family and which is considered both a temporary residence permit and a work permit at the same time. Each host family also provides the program participant with a temporary residence permit in their home for the entire period of participation in the program.
4. Even before you leave for the country, you will have complete information about your host family, will be able to communicate with them by phone, Skype, WhatsApp and discuss all conditions of your stay. After all, passing an online interview is a must. Only after you and your host family have mutually agreed will the procedure for preparing documents for obtaining an Au-Pair visa, both on the part of the host agency and on our part.

5. We and your host Au-Pair agency remain with you throughout your participation in the program. We will always be there so that nothing happens. We will listen to you, answer all your questions, support and give useful ones  advice.  After all, we were all Au-Pair 🙂

Completely safe!

We understand you and your parents very well, who are worried about your living in another country with strangers.

It is natural to be afraid or have doubts about the family you go to for 1-2 years, with which you will spend most of your time. But the Au-Pair program is great because it's safe. Do not think that you are going to be strangers to strangers who will force you to work in the sweat of your brow for food. No, this is completely unacceptable in  international Au-Pair program  . You need to know that Au Pair host agencies in Europe are very responsible in selecting families that are worthy of taking on a new family member. All families are thoroughly tested for compliance.

Discard any doubts and remember that the family-participant of the Au-Pair program is the main guarantor of your safety! And, as we mentioned earlier, not every family can participate in such a program. If the host family violates the rules of the program and the migration service of this country becomes aware of it, then, firstly, the family is fined, and secondly – the family may be blacklisted, will not be able to participate in the program in the future. Au-Pair and invite foreign youth.

To  signing the contract  between you and the host family, the latter is carefully checked for compliance with the conditions of participation in the programs. During the inspection, the Aliens Office finds out whether the host family is under penalty for abusing the Au-Pair scheme. All adult family members sign a declaration that they have not been convicted of violence against an Au Pair participant in the last 10 years. And also were not convicted for  illegal employment of Au-Pair  for the last 5 years.

You go to good, tolerant and educated people who have no right to be abused. If such annoyance happens (and this, believe me, is rare) –  host agency  imposes a penalty period ‘for abusing the Au-Pair scheme’ with the inability of the family to participate in the program. For misconduct or rudeness – the host family is suspended from the program for 10 years; for 5 years – for illegal employment of Au-Pair; for 2 years – for violation of working hours, minimum wage, etc. As you can see, everything is strict and fair.

In case of compliance with all criteria and fulfillment of all conditions, the institution of work with foreigners approves the family’s invitation to come  members of the Au-Pair program  . That is, you will receive an official invitation and contract (agreement) from the family.

This is the most common question, but incorrect. To answer it, you must first try to ask specific questions, such as:

What should I do if I get sick? – You have to report it to your  host family  and discuss your hours of rest and work. All families always support Au-Pair and understand that Au-Pair can get sick.

What if I broke my arm? – You have to inform your host family about it. You should see a doctor immediately. You have  medical Insurance  , which will cover the cost of treatment. After that, you need to discuss your hours of rest and work. All families always support the Au-Pair and understand that something unpredictable can happen.

What if I get lost in another city? – You have to inform your host family about it. You should also contact the police immediately.

What if I… and many other situations you may find yourself in.
All of these are very important issues and we address them in detail during our workshops  Au-Pair School, we give advice, action plan and very qualitatively and responsibly prepare you for participation in the Au-Pair program.

We have been tested internationally and have full membership in IAPA (International Au Pair Association) – International Au-Pair Association with the right to vote, which means that we influence the development of the AU-PAIR program not only in Ukraine but also internationally.

Yes. We not only provide prompt individual support, we also have our own telegram support group –  Au-Pair community, in which all program participants communicate, share their experiences and support each other.

Yes! Be sure to sign a contract with your host family. Please see the sample agreements in different countries for this  link.

Yes! You must sign a contract with your host  Au-Pair agency. We can send you a sample contract and a video explaining the terms of the contract.

The agreement with the managing partner of the Ukrainian Au-Pair Association is a legal document that explains aspects of the relationship between us and you. We can send you a sample contract and a video explaining the terms of the contract.

The reasons why you may terminate the contract with your host family may be as follows:

1. The host family may or may not violate the terms of the contract, Au-Pair program terms and not perform their duties.
2. You and yours host Au-Pair family you can have different views on cohabitation and the Au-Pair program.
3. Your plans may change or you may need to return home.
4. While participating in the Au-Pair program, you realized that it did not suit you.

The reasons for which  host family  may terminate the Au-Pair contract, may be as follows:

1. An Au Pair participant may or may not breach the terms of the contract, Au-Pair program terms and not perform their duties.
2. You and your family may have different views on living together and the Au-Pair program.
3. Plans may change plans or they may no longer need an Au Pair because their parents have more free time.
4. During participation in the Au-Pair program your host family has realized that it does not suit them.

An Au Pair is a legal document that explains all important aspects of an international cultural exchange program. An au-pair contract is not a job contract, it describes the conditions under which you and your host family will live together. It is in this document that the very important things that give you legal protection are laid down – the rights and responsibilities of both parties.
The Au-Pair contract clarifies the following provisions: Au-Pair working and leisure time, Au-Pair pocket money, rights and  Au-Pair responsibilities  , rights and responsibilities of the host family. It is impossible to get a contract without an Au-Pair  Au-Pair visa. 

Please see the official samples of Au-Pair contracts in different countries.

Au-Pair contract in America

Au-Pair contract in Austria

Au-Pair contract in Belgium

• The district of Brussels
  ● Wallonia
  ●  Flanders

Au-Pair contract in Denmark

The official contract for Denmark is included in the residence permit application form (in Danish and English).

Au-Pair contract in Finland

Finland does not have an official Au-Pair contract. The host family and the Au-Pair sign an official European Au-Pair contract.

Au-Pair contract in France

Au-Pair contract in Germany

Au-Pair contract in Iceland

Au-Pair contract in Luxembourg

Au-Pair contract in the Netherlands

Au-Pair contract in Norway

Au-Pair contract in Spain

Spain does not have an official Au-Pair contract. The host family and the Au-Pair participant sign an official European Au-Pair contract.

Au-Pair contract in Sweden

Sweden does not have an official Au-Pair contract. The host family and the Au-Pair sign an official European Au-Pair contract.

Au-Pair contract in Switzerland

In Switzerland, Au-Pair contracts correspond to standard contracts for domestic workers. As such standard contracts differ from canton to canton, there is no official Au-Pair contract that is the same for the whole of Switzerland. We recommend that you contact the appropriate  Swiss Migration and Labor Center  to view the form valid in your canton.

Yes, you can  terminate the Au-Pair contract  with family and return home earlier.

You will not be subject to any fines or other penalties. You just need to let us know, first of all us, your host agency, and, of course, your host family.

But please be human and respect your host family. If you decide to finish the program earlier, let us and your family know in advance so we can find her a new Au-Pair. It also takes time. Do not let your host family know about that on Sunday night before going back home next morning.

Insurance provides medical care abroad and saves a lot of money in countries with expensive medical services. Insurance requirements depend on the Au-Pair’s citizenship, duration of stay abroad and the country. Au-Pair may need to register with the national health system. In some cases, participants need to take out private insurance. In 13 of the 15 countries, families cover the cost of insurance. Au-Pair pays for the insurance itself  Austria  and  Sweden.  In  Spain  family and Au-Pair pay insurance in half.

Pro Trip World
Check out Pro Trip World insurance. This insurance is intended for Au-Pair, young travelers and exchange students.

Insurance includes: health insurance, liability insurance, accident insurance, luggage insurance, medical care, Au-Pair pregnancy and childbirth.

Pro Trip World insurance can be easily arranged online.

If you have an unplanned pregnancy abroad, you need to discuss this with your family. This is not the reason  for termination of the Au-Pair contract  . If you agree with your family, you can continue to live in the family and continue to participate in the program.

Yes, Pro Trip World insurance covers dental treatment at the dentist.

Yes, you can take your medicine with you, we even recommend it.
If you are taking medication prescribed by your doctor, please be sure to take your doctor’s prescription with you. All medicines must be in closed packages.

The first is an online interview conducted via Skype.

Secondly, it is an interview in English or in the  language of the  host family  . Of course, if you go to Germany, you will be interviewed in German, if you go to France – in French. If you go to China or Scandinavia, you will be interviewed in English only.

Stage 1. Read carefully  what is the Au-Pair program  and decide on the country based on your career priorities and goals.

Stage 2. Get a free personal consultation from a client manager, which will help you decide on the country and your priorities.

Stage 3. Join our groups on  Telegram,  where the Ukrainian Au-Pair Association and  our members of the Au-Pair program communicate with one another. In groups, you will be able to communicate directly with the girls who are already participating in the program, ask them questions that concern you, dispel their fears, insecurities and mistrust and see how cool we are 🙂

Stage 4. After reading all the information and deciding to participate, you will need to send documents (scanned copy of the Ukrainian passport and identification code) for  signing a contract  to participate in the program.

Stage 5. Enter into an agreement and pay for participation in the program.

Stage 6. Pass training at Au-Pair school and language courses (if you do not speak a foreign language).

Stage 7. Prepare a profile o find a host family.

Stage 8. Pass  interview with your host family.

Stage 9. After a successful interview, the preparation phase begins  package of documents for the embassy  . Your personal manager will prepare you for an interview at the embassy.

Step 10. After receiving an “Au-Pair” visa, your personal manager will prepare you for your trip and send you a travel package of documents along with useful tips for successful participation in the Au-Pair program.

As you prepare to participate in the Au-Pair school program, you will work with the whole  team of the Ukrainian Au-Pair Association  , it is not only a personal manager, it is also a psychologist, translator and foreign language teacher who will help you translate your profile, prepare for interviews and learn a foreign language if you are taking courses.

And the last, largest stage is your participation in the Au-Pair program. We will help you buy tickets, choose the best route, give advice on the first days of your stay and be there all the time!

Sure! We will prepare you in Ukrainian, in English and in the language of the country you are going to. Don’t worry, it’s not as scary as it seems, and all the girls are successfully interviewed with their families.

An Au-Pair profile is a package of documents that you need to prepare for  finding a host Au-Pair family  . The profile can be compared to a business card. That is, it is a set of all important information and one that distinguishes you from other participants. Although the book is not judged by the cover, but the profile in your case is very important to create a good first impression.
The Au-Pair profile consists of: a questionnaire, a letter of presentation, a photo presentation, recommendations for child care, a description, a language certificate, a medical certificate, a translation of a diploma (or school certificate), a birth certificate, a certificate of no criminal record.

After reading a serious list of necessary papers, do not worry! It sounds difficult, but in fact everything is very simple, because you have good support in the form of a kind, responsive, experienced (because she herself was a member of the Au-Pair program) and a cheerful personal manager. During the registration you will be able to ask her all the questions and she will help you to collect the Au-Pair document package  and prepare everything properly.

Moving abroad to a host family is a serious matter that should not be taken lightly. You and your parents must be sure that you will be legally and medically protected in any situation.

The host agency is not only involved in processing documents and checking families. One of its important functions is to resolve conflict situations. It is possible that there may be misunderstandings between you and your family. What to do in this case? Of course, contact your support team, us and your host agency.

If the issue of conflict cannot be resolved, it will be necessary to change the host  family  so that you can complete the Au-Pair program and achieve your goals. And only a host agency can find you a new host family.

First of all, we want to emphasize that we work only with proven agencies that are members of the International Au-Pair Association. 

Our partner foreign Au-Pair agencies provide services such as:

1. Search for a host family .
2. Negotiating with the host families regarding the Au-Pair invitation.
3. Preparation of a package of documents for the Au-Pair invitation.
4. Assistance with check-in and extension Au-Pair visa .
5. Assistance with registration for language courses.
6. Monitoring the compliance of the rights of the Au-Pair participant during her stay in the family.
7. Resolving any issues of the program participant regarding participation in the Au-Pair program.

It is possible to find a host family independently only through the Internet, Au-Pair sites and in social networks – Au-Pair groups.

1. But you do NOT know who is on the other side of the computer.
   2. Online Au-Pair agencies do not have any ability to verify the accuracy of information in the profiles of families and Au-Pair, which are registered on these sites.
   3. Often such families offer payment for Au-Pair work by appointment. You should be wary of such an offer.
   4. The Au-Pair program is not a work program, it is a cultural exchange program  , and the Au-Pair receives a fixed amount of pocket money, which is set by international rules, not a salary.
   5. If you work in the family for more than 5-6 hours a day, no one will be able to protect  your Au-Pair rights  and legitimate interests.
   6. In case of violation of your rights, you will have nowhere and to whom to turn.

On the websites of all Internet Au-Pair agencies, it is written as follows: Au-Pair and host families control the whole process and carry out all communication of their own choice. Au-Pair online agencies provide only a technical platform for Au-Pair and families to communicate and have nothing to do with inviting Au-Pair to your family and changing Au-Pair if you have not been able to live together or find a common home since the Au-Pair arrived. language. In this case, you can only find a new Au-Pair on our website.

Social networks such as Facebook are also not the best place to find a host family. In our experience, about 80% of fraudsters are found on Facebook. We do not recommend contacting families through social networks, because you will not be able to protect yourself if you come across scammers.

By participating in the Au-Pair program through a proven professional Au-Pair agency, you know that you are not alone. You have a support group, which includes lawyers from both Ukrainian and foreign agencies, who are ready to help and solve your problems immediately.

Remember that you are safe with us!

Yes, we have this option. Of course, we are strongly against  independent family search  , out of concern for your security. However, not all host families  are monsters, there are good, decent and responsible families. If you have found just such a family and need only legal assistance in the form of preparing a package of documents for the embassy and preparation for the interview  please contact our question with this question  client-manager  . And we will be happy to help you, because for us the issue of safety when participating in the Au-Pair program is important.

Yes, of course. However,  in this case, you have to understand that you take the  responsibility  for your stay in the host family: family search, paperwork, visa, moving to the country, accommodation, registration upon arrival, resolution of any issues and conflicts in the form of violation of conditions  agreement  on the part of the family or a dangerous stay, termination of the contract and search for a new family.

Considering the international Au-Pair program  as a one-time and long journey is wrong. You have to understand that this is more than just  a cultural exchange and an opportunity to travel. This is an opportunity to develop further and one of the most promising ways of development, a career development.

‘How can you build a career with an Au-Pair program?’ you may ask. First, you will learn a new foreign language (and perhaps more than one) in a language environment. With such a wealth of knowledge and experience of living abroad, you will have an undeniable advantage among other candidates for a particular position. A line in the CV about  participation in the Au-Pair program  will speak eloquently for you that you are a responsible, serious, adaptable person, that you will not get lost in the face of difficulties, that you can easily find common ground with anyone, regardless of culture. And such qualities are extremely valued in the modern world.

Secondly, if you want to work in an international company, then your long-term  experience of living abroad  and a high level of multilingual proficiency is a lucky ticket to employment. In the eyes of the employer, you are a person with experience who will be able to safely go abroad on an international business trip and feel as confident and comfortable as possible.

Thirdly, after living for one or two years with a foreign family, you will become incredibly communicative and open to the new, and you will develop such necessary qualities in the modern world as soft skills.

No, the  Ukrainian Au-Pair Association  has nothing to do with employment abroad. However, during  preparation for participation in the Au-Pair program  we always hold interesting seminars where you can learn a lot of useful information that will be useful to you after the Au-Pair year. First of all, our author’s seminars are aimed at developing your personal potential and career opportunities. Moreover,  such seminars will undoubtedly be able to help you find a job after the Au-Pair program and your self-realization.

Yes! First of all, you need to learn the language of the country, because in most cases free education is possible if you study the official language of the country. That’s what you’re going for, to  learn a foreign language!!

Attention! You can change the status of the “Au-Pair-visa” only to the status of “Student Visa” and it will be a right decision.

This is the most common question asked by young people who want to  become an Au-Pair, as well as parents involved in making an important decision.

Of course, these two concepts of an Au-Pair and a babysitter are somewhat similar, but they are not the same!  Kids! Thus, in both the first and the second case, a person from 18 to 30 years old takes care of children in the family and this is their duty. However,  in the case of a nanny, it is an employee and any relationship with the family is governed by labor law. Though, to be an Au-Pair  means to, first of all,  learn a foreign language  and cultural exchange. You officially get an  Au-Pair visa, not a work visa.

To finally dispel all doubts about the eternal question about  what is the difference between an Au-Pair and a babysitter , please, be sure to read the article in which we tell in great detail about this difference.

No, she isn’t! People who are completely unfamiliar with the concept of “Au-Pair” have strange and stereotypical ideas about the image of this mysterious opera. It seems to them that this is a person who for a small fee and bread rations must perform many tasks: babysitting children, cleaning, cooking…

Of course, this is completely untrue and  runs counter to the tasks of the  international cultural and educational Au-Pair program  . By becoming an Au-Pair, you sign an important document – an agreement that clearly states that you are a member of an international cultural and educational exchange program and that you fully understand that you are not going to work, but to learn the language and culture.

It is clear that, in addition to the cultural component, the Au-Pair has responsibilities so the family must also have a motivation that will encourage them to participate in the program. The host family is the same participant in the program as the Au-Pair, it has its rights and responsibilities.

No, she isn’t! Au-Pair prepares only light breakfasts, snacks and lunches for children. But, frankly, the word “cooks”; is an exaggeration and do not look at it through our Ukrainian prism. To cook breakfast for children abroad is to heat milk, add children’s favorite cereals or fry scrambled eggs and make sandwiches. Lunches are also as simple as possible – puree soups, salads with steak or pasta (and very often it’s all semi-finished products).

Let’s think logically: if the host mom and dad go to work, they can not run home and cook for their children to eat. That’s why this  is an  Au-Pair’s duty. 

But you must understand that no one expects holiday meals and dinners from you. You can prepare something of your own, national, only on your own initiative and desire, as part of the host family’s acquaintance with Ukrainian cuisine and traditions. It will be very nice and interesting for your family, because they are also interested in learning about your culture and traditions, especially if they taste stuffed cabbage or real Ukrainian borscht for the first time in their lives.

So, please, remember that these two different concepts are not equal. The first person is expected to regularly cook a variety of dishes and, accordingly, the cook receives a salary for this work. Au-Pair is expected to help children and maintain their health, which includes timely feeding.

No! The days of butlers and servants are over in the civilized world, and no one is waiting, cunningly rubbing their hands, for a girl to come and serve in their house. Host families are thoroughly screened by police, social services and an Au-Pair agency representative before participating in the program.

You go exclusively to a trusted family, which is waiting for its child, an older sister and a family friend, not a servant. In most cases, the family has previously received an Au-Pair and fully understands  Au-Pair program terms.

You will be treated exclusively as a family member and this is the most important advantage of participating in the Au-Pair program  because it means the safety of your stay and the peace of your relatives.