Au Pair Meaning

Au pair meaning is that a young person from a foreign country who lives with a family to learn the language and who helps to look after the children. The title is derived from the French word au pair, which means “equal to.” After World War II, the au pair became popular in Europe.

:eight_pointed_black_star: Au pair meaning:

An au pair is a foreign-born domestic helper who works for and lives with a host family. In return for a monetary allowance, au pairs often share a portion of the family’s babysitting and housekeeping duties.

Government limits on au pair arrangements are common, and they normally specify an age range ranging from mid-late teens to mid-late twenties, and they may explicitly limit the arrangement to females. The au pair program is a sort of cultural exchange that allows both the family and the au pairs to learn about and experience various cultures.

Europe, where the concept originated, and North America have different arrangements. In Europe, au pairs are only permitted to work part-time, and they typically study part-time as well, concentrating on the host country’s language. They may provide full-time childcare in the United States.

The European Agreement on Au Pair Placement was signed in 1969 and became effective in 1971. In the United States, au pair agencies charge hefty non-refundable fees once the au pair arrives. Although many families rely on the program, the contract does not guarantee childcare.

The au pair is treated as a member of the host family rather than a hired hand, unlike many other types of domestic assistants. In certain countries, the au pair wears a uniform, but most of the time, the au pair just follows the host family’s dress code and dresses appropriately for the job, which usually includes a protective apron.

:pencil2: Summary:

An au pair is a domestic worker from another country who works for a host family and lives with them. Au pairs take on a portion of the family’s childcare responsibilities as well as some housework.

:eight_pointed_black_star: Au pair’s history:

The phrase au pair derives from the French term au pair, which means “at par” or “equal to,” implying that the relationship is intended to be one of the equals: rather than being a regular domestic worker, the au pair is expected to become a member of the family, albeit for a limited time. Historically, the phrase was used to denote economic equality between the “employer” and their “employee.”

:eight_pointed_black_star: Concept and conditions of au pair:

After World War II, the au pair became popular in Europe. Domestic servants were plentiful before the war to care for the children of middle and upper-class families, but after the war, changes in societal attitudes, as well as rises in wages and taxes, rendered the old system unavailable to most middle-class parents.

Simultaneously, societal change increased the number of middle-class girls who needed to work to support themselves, and rising educational goals for girls made exposure to foreign cultures and language study more common aspirations.

However, because being a “servant” was associated with being a “servant,” an essentially working-class status that even working-class people despised, this potential supply of domestic labor could only be utilized if a new non-servant function was invented. As a result, the au pair was born. The au pair was not required to wear a uniform and was expected to be treated as a family member rather than a servant.

An au pair is paid a stipend and has his or her room. Au pairs usually eat with the family most of the time and participate in some of the family’s regular activities, such as outings and travels. Host families, on the other hand, usually expect to have some alone time, especially in the evenings.

An au pair may retreat to his or her room to watch television, study, or socialize with friends during this time. There is often time set up for the au pair to study, particularly the host country’s language. Au pairs should be given uniform contracts with their families, according to the Council of Europe.

Although some au pairs are now male, women continue to make up the vast majority of au pairs. Many nations place restrictions on how many hours an au pair can work. Transportation of children to and from school, transportation of children to after-school activities, cooking, cleaning, ironing, tidying up, and babysitting are examples of tasks.

Depending on the host family, each placement is unique. There is little or no demand for au pairs in many developing nations because there is still an abundant supply of local domestic labor. Au pair relationships can be formed in a variety of ways between host families and au pairs.

Au pair agencies in a specific host nation have traditionally operated as a link between young people interested in becoming au pairs and families in the country who want to host an au pair. Typically, such services charge the host family a fee for acting as a mediator between the host family and potential au pairs.

The agency goes through a screening and evaluation procedure with potential au pairs before recommending them to the host families, who are their main consumers. Some of the bureaucratic processes linked with an au pair visit might also be arranged through traditional agencies.

In recent years, platforms that allow families and au pairs to create online profiles and search for each other directly based on the information supplied in these profiles have been increasingly popular in bringing ambitious au pairs and interested host families together.

These websites complement their search capabilities by giving a variety of information regarding au pair criteria in various countries, as well as user support for their registered users. Users of such websites are charged to allow a complete interchange of personal contact information required to complete an au pair placement.

This method often provides prospective au pairs and host families with a broader range of options and more direct control over the selection process than is possible through a regular agency, and at a far cheaper cost than traditional agencies.

Using such services, however, requires a prospective host family or au pair to put in more personal effort in the search process, make their selection, and arrange the legalities of an au pair stay without the use of a third party.

:pencil2: Summary:

A non-domestic worker who is placed with a host family to care for their children is known as an au pair. The expression “at par” or “equal to” comes from the French term au pair, which means “at par” or “equal to.” There is little or no demand for au pairs in many developing nations because there is still an abundant supply of local domestic labor.

:eight_pointed_black_star: Duties of au pair:

Au pairs are typically expected to help with child care and light housework. They are not accountable for non-child-related housekeeping or common living areas that are kept clean by all family members. The basic responsibilities of an au pair are to care for and entertain the children, as well as to teach the local language if necessary.

The following are some of the responsibilities of an au pair:

An au pair is not required to:

  • in charge of the entire household

  • dinner preparation for the parents

  • Make the beds and clean the bathrooms for the host parents.

  • mop the floors

  • windows should be cleaned

  • look after the animals

  • work in the garden

  • Other youngsters who aren’t the host children must be supervised and cared for.

The au pair’s responsibilities also include adhering to the host family’s house regulations. This includes adhering to the curfew, bedtime, and dress code, as well as computer and phone usage guidelines. These regulations may be outlined in a handbook given to the au pair when she first moves in with the host family. The au pair’s curfew and bedtime are usually set based on when she will start working the next morning.

:pencil2: Summary:

The major responsibilities of an au pair are to look after and entertain the children. They are not in charge of chores that have nothing to do with the children’s or community living quarters. Au pairs also adhere to the host family’s house restrictions, including curfews and bedtimes.

:eight_pointed_black_star: Table of Au pair comparison per country:

Country Hours/week Pocket money/month Hourly rate
Australia 25-30 AUD 800-1000 AUD 8
Belgium 20 € 450 € 5.63
Canada 25 CAD 800 CAD 8
France 35 € 260-320 € 1.86-2.29
Italy 30 € 250-300 € 2.08-2.5
UK 30 € 280 € 2.33
USA 45 $ 800 $ 4.44

:eight_pointed_black_star: Au pair in Asia-Pacific:

:small_red_triangle_down: Australia:

There is no government-sponsored Au pair program in Australia. Au pairs can apply for the Working Holiday and Work and Holiday Visas, both of which allow them to work. Students, particularly those studying English, frequently work in demi-pairs to immerse themselves in Australian culture and language. Work hours for au pairs in Australia range from 10 to 40 hours a week.

In 2012, the Cultural Au Pair Association of Australia was established as a non-profit organization. It’s a trade group for au pair agencies dedicated to preserving and developing the au pair experience as a beneficial cultural exchange program. The members commit to follow the International Au Pair Association’s code of conduct.

To ensure competence, fair dealing, and high integrity, members of the Cultural Au Pair Association pledge to adhere to strong commercial and ethical standards. Australian host families are members of the Australian Au-Pair Families Association, which is a non-profit organization.

It promotes self-regulation in the Au pair business and provides Au-Pair families with information and assistance based on worldwide hosting standards and ethics.

:small_red_triangle_down: New Zealand:

Au pairs must apply for an NZ Working Holiday Visa and have at least 200 hours of childcare experience before they may apply. Au pairs must also pass a background check that includes the police and medical check. Au pair agencies in New Zealand work hard to ensure the safety of both au pairs and host families.

:small_red_triangle_down: China:

Au pair agencies in China dispatched young Chinese to work as au pairs in Western countries, primarily for families who had adopted children from China, to assist them to learn the language. Furthermore, China’s growing middle class and economic progress have increased the demand for au pairs.

This helps to provide possibilities for children to learn English at a young age, as well as allowing moms to return to work and receive additional assistance in raising their children. Most families who hire au pairs, however, want to help their children, as well as themselves, learn English, as the mother plays the most important role in raising the children.

Participants must apply for an X or F visa to work as an Au Pair in China. For internships, studies, and long-term courses, the first one is required. A person with an F visa can live in China and participate in cultural exchanges, study tours, or language training.

:small_red_triangle_down: Turkey:

Turkey is a transcontinental country that straddles Europe and Asia, and as a result, Turkish culture is diverse and heterogeneous. Turkey may be considered one of the most popular non-EU countries among Au Pairs, as the culture and aspirations of this multi-ethnic country have recently turned to Europe, where the Au Pair Programs are extremely popular.

Nonetheless, Au Pair Programs are still relatively new and distinctive in Turkey, making it a fantastic opportunity for both young individuals enticed by a unique Turkish culture and families looking for a trustworthy child care provider. The requirement for foreigners to obtain a visa is one of the most significant barriers to being a thriving center of the Au Pairs’ community.

For Au Pairs, entering Turkey without a legal visa is impossible – and applying for a visa requires both an Au Pair contract and an invitation letter, reducing the number of persons willing to put out the effort and go through such a lengthy application procedure.

:pencil2: Summary:

There is no government-sponsored Au pair program in Australia. China is one of the most popular Au Pair destinations outside of the EU. Participants must apply for an X or F visa to work as an Au Pair in China.

:eight_pointed_black_star: Au pair in Europe:

:small_red_triangle_down: Austria:

Au pairing is a well-established tradition in Austria, and potential au pairs are supplied by several agencies that are used to dealing with direct foreign applicants. Au pairs are frequently charged a price comparable to a week’s pay, and agencies will direct them to a location where they can have their paperwork stamped for a cost.

:small_red_triangle_down: Belgium:

Au pairs in Belgium must enroll in a Dutch, French, or German language course delivered by an officially recognized institution (depending on the location) - private tuition, distance learning, or private school courses are not approved.

An au pair who does not have a basic understanding of the host country’s language will be required to enroll in an intensive language course once they arrive in Belgium. A cultural program will also be planned by the host family. All nationals of all countries (excluding those of the European Union, Iceland, Monaco, Norway, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland) who wish to stay in Belgium for longer than three months must get a visa or work permit.

An au pair’s primary role is to provide childcare, though the host family may request some light housekeeping. The au pair and the host family cannot change any of the tasks listed in the official au pair contract. The au pair is provided with free board and housing, as well as food and lodging in the event of illness or vacation.

She also has her room and a key to the residence. The host family has health and accident insurance, as well as insurance for the au pair’s prospective repatriation fees. An au pair in Belgium is entitled to at least 450 euros per month in pocket money, which is placed into her bank account. In the event of illness or vacation, the au pair is entitled to the entire amount of monthly pocket money.

Au pairs are limited to 4 hours of labor per day (including babysitting) and 20 hours per week, spread out over a maximum of 6 days per week. Au pairs are guaranteed at least one day off per week and one weekend off per month. In Belgium, holiday entitlement is not regulated, but it is advised that an au pair take at least two weeks off.

:small_red_triangle_down: Denmark:

An au pair in Denmark must be between the ages of 18 and 30 and be fluent in at least one of the following languages: English, German, Danish, Swedish, or Norwegian. Working hours must be between 18 and 30 hours per week, with a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 5 hours each day. Every week, the au pair must take at least one and a half days off.

The au pair is to be treated as a family member, which entails being treated equally to the other members of the family and participating in the host family’s daily activities. In exchange for her or his services, the au pair is provided with board and housing, as well as pocket money (starting at 4,550 DKK in 2021) and access to language classes at language schools.

Au pairs are often allowed to stay with their host family for a maximum of 24 months, but no longer than the contract stipulates. The au pair visa, however, does not qualify you for a settlement or work permit. If the au pair is from a country outside the EU/EEA or Switzerland, the host family is liable for the au pair’s entry and return ticket to/from Denmark.

Furthermore, the host family is responsible for a one-time charge that is meant to reimburse a portion of the state’s costs associated with Danish language instruction.

:small_red_triangle_down: Finland:

Light household work for a maximum of 25 hours per week is also part of an au pair’s obligations. Every week, the au pair must have at least one full free day and two consecutive free days every other week. The au pair has her or his room, is fed, and receives a weekly allowance of at least €280 a month (minimum set by Finnish law).

A Finnish or Swedish language course will also be arranged by the host family to enable the au pair to speak better with the children and make the most out of his or her stay in Finland. Au pairs have the option of staying with their host family for up to a year or negotiating a shorter stay.

Anyone intending to work as an au pair in Finland must first apply for and get a residence permit, except inhabitants of the Nordic nations and EU/EEA countries. EU citizens, Icelanders, Norwegians, Liechtensteiners, and Swiss citizens must register their right to live in Finland, although they do not require a residence permit.

:small_red_triangle_down: France:

Au pairing has long been a popular way for young ladies and, increasingly, young men to learn French. Au pairs in France receive 60 euros per week in pocket money, plus a 20 euro weekly contribution to language instruction in most circumstances; in Paris, families may also contribute a carte Navigo (urban transport ticket) worth 95 euros (approximately). Non-European au pairs are required to enroll in a French language course.

While France does not have an official government-sponsored Au Pair Program, UFAAP, the Union Francaise des Associations Au Pair, is an umbrella association housed at Euro pair Services in Paris that was founded in 1999. As a result, many au pairs visit France on a student visa, which limits au pairs to working 5 hours per day, 30 hours per week, and pays between 250 and 300 euros.

:small_red_triangle_down: Germany:

The Au Pair Society, which has two offices in Germany and over 40 members, is home to many independent agencies. The Society’s website includes contact information for members as well as connections to agency websites. Incoming au pairs are not charged a placement fee by commercial au pair agencies.

The Au-Pair Society e.V. is a member of the International Au Pair Association, as well as a member of the ECAPS (European Committee for Au-Pair Standards), a committee where representatives of National Organizations from numerous European nations have developed new Au-Pair program standards in Europe.

Through a German agency, non-EU citizens under the age of 24 can work as au pairs. Before leaving their home countries, Americans and Canadians are not required to apply for a residency and work permit; nonetheless, au pairs must demonstrate that they have studied German.

In 2006, the monthly allowance for an au pair in Germany was increased to 260 euros ($300+). The majority of families additionally provide their au pairs with a monthly transportation pass as well as other perks such as a contribution toward course fees or travel expenses.

:small_red_triangle_down: Italy:

It is feasible to apply on your own through an Italian agency. During the summer holidays, when most Italians who can afford au pairs go to the seaside or the mountains with their assistants, there are several chances for au pairs. For working 30 hours a week, the weekly pocket money is 75–95 euros, and for working 40 hours, it is 100–130 euros, though many families in major cities pay more.

Non-European nationals are not eligible for a Permesso di Soggiorno (stay permit) unless they have a valid visa from the Italian consulate in their home country. The best option is to apply for a student visa, which allows you to work up to 20 hours per week (live-in or live-out).

Non-EU au pairs must participate in and pay for an Italian language course at an accredited institution or college to get a long-stay visa. A certificate will be issued by the school registrar, which must then be stamped by the local police department (Questura). The visa is only valid for the duration of the course.

A return flight ticket, proof of accommodation stamped by the police, and a contract detailing dates, pocket money, and benefits stamped by the provincial labor office and/or the police are all required of the application. Because there are no labor agreements between the US and Italy regarding au pairs, American nationals cannot legally work as au pairs on a working visa.

The nulla osta will be denied. If the applicant is already in Italy, she can look for classified ads in English-language journals, many of which are published online, such as Wanted in Rome, a publication aimed at expatriates, and notice boards in English-language bookshops, English-speaking churches, student travel agencies, and language school notice boards.

:small_red_triangle_down: Netherlands:

Au pairs may only be placed with a host family in the Netherlands through an au pair agency that has been approved by the Dutch Immigration and Naturalization Service (IND). Au pair candidates must be over the age of 18 but under the age of 31 and have a desire in learning about Dutch society and culture.

Working as an au pair in the Netherlands does not require a visa if you are an EU citizen. You must register with the IND once you have been in the Netherlands for three months. You must give documentation to substantiate the reason for your stay when you register. You will receive proof of registration in the form of a sticker that will be applied to your passport after you have registered (or other proof of identity).

In the Netherlands, an au pair can stay for a maximum of one year. The major responsibilities are to provide childcare and light domestic chores. The host family creates a daily schedule of responsibilities. An au pair in the Netherlands receives 300-340 euros per month in pocket money. An au pair is provided with free board and accommodation and is entitled to additional board and lodging in the event of illness or vacation.

An au pair’s weekly working schedule in the Netherlands must not exceed 30 hours overall. He/she is not allowed to work more than 8 hours per day or 5 days per week. Additional babysitting for the host family or working part-time is also prohibited.

In the Netherlands, an au pair is entitled to at least two days off every week, however, these days do not have to be consecutive. In the Netherlands, au pairs are entitled to a minimum of two weeks of paid vacation per year. In the event of a shorter placement, he or she and the host family might use this value to calculate the amount of vacation time.

An au pair has the right to enroll in a language course. The host family assists in the search for appropriate opportunities in their area and contributes 320 euros per year to a language course. In the Netherlands, the au pair program is specifically meant to promote cultural exchange. As a result, the host family will assist the au pair in becoming acquainted with Dutch culture through a variety of cultural events.

:small_red_triangle_down: Norway:

Since 2000, the number of au pairs in Norway has increased dramatically, more than quadrupling between 2000 and 2014. Au pairs from the Philippines made up 81 percent of the total. Around 3000 au pairs worked in Norway in 2015. In 2000, 691 au pairs were allowed to stay in Norway.

As of April 2019, the au pair must be paid a minimum of NOK 5900 per month (pre-tax) as pocket money/salary by the host family. Because the au pair program is a cultural exchange program, the au pair has the option of taking Norwegian classes. For the au pair’s Norwegian lessons and study materials, the host family must provide a minimum of NOK 8850 pre-tax.

Freeboard and housing; holiday pay by the Holidays Act; and one full day (24 hours) off per week are among the au pair’s additional rights. Taxes must be paid by the au pair. “The period of employment shall typically not exceed five hours per day, and the maximum shall be 30 hours per week,” according to regulations [as of 2016].

According to a law implemented in July 2013, if a host family does not follow the rules, they may lose their right to have an au pair for one, two, or five years. The host family could be quarantined for up to ten years if they commit an offense that is punishable by three months in prison or more.

The au pair system has been a source of controversy in Norway in recent years. According to Lene Lvdal, a lawyer, “The au pair program is all about obtaining a low-cost female workforce. The majority of au pairs in Norway are not here for the sake of cultural exchange. They are, first and foremost, professional housemaids.” Au pairs in Norway occasionally show up to PTA meetings in place of children’s parents, according to the Norwegian daily Dagbladet in 2013.

:small_red_triangle_down: Spain:

The weekly minimum wage for au pairs is 55–60 euros. Young people can also stay with Spanish families in exchange for speaking English with the children while avoiding any domestic or childcare responsibilities.

The Embassy demands a document from an accredited educational institution in Spain verifying the au pair’s enrolment in a full-time course, as well as an offer of work from the family. “Proof of economic means to meet living expenses and ultimate return to the place of origin” is also required of the au pair.

:small_red_triangle_down: Sweden:

In Sweden, becoming an au pair does not require the use of an agency. Au pairs must be between the ages of 18 and 30, have a valid passport, and be childless. The Swedish Migration Authorities ask that the applicant express a strong desire to learn or use Swedish. At the time of application, he or she must also have proof of acceptance to a Swedish course.

Au pairs should not work more than 25 hours per week, and when combined with studies, they should not work more than 40 hours per week. Before taxes, the required monthly allowance is SEK 3500.

In terms of responsibilities and rights, the Swedish Migration Agency states: “An au pair is a person who lives with another family and is paid to look after their children and assist with light housekeeping. Their stay in Sweden must be for the goal of gaining international experience and learning Swedish language and culture.”

:small_red_triangle_down: Switzerland:

The candidate must be a girl from Western Europe, North America, Australia, or New Zealand between the ages of 17 and 29, stay for a minimum of one year and a maximum of 18 months, and take a minimum of three hours of language instruction per week in Zürich, four in Geneva. In most regions, families are expected to pay half of the language school tuition, which ranges from 500 to 1,000 Swiss francs for six months.

In Switzerland, au pairs work a maximum of 30 hours per week, plus babysitting once or twice a week. The monthly compensation varies per canton, but after all deductions for taxes and health insurance, the typical range is 590–740 Swiss francs.

:small_red_triangle_down: United Kingdom:

Until Brexit, the majority of au pairs came to the UK from the European Economic Area (EEA) under European free movement rules.

Au pairs used to come to the UK under the Au Pair immigration category, which was closed in November 2008 by the Home Office when a new points-based system was introduced, which included a Youth Mobility Scheme for nationals of Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, and Monaco under tier 5 of the points-based system. Numerous au pair agencies in the United Kingdom assist families wishing to hire au pairs. These organizations are all privately owned and unregulated by the British government.

:pencil2: Summary:

An au pair in Denmark must be between the ages of 18 and 30. There is no formal Au Pair Program in France. Working as an au pair in the Netherlands does not require a visa if you are an EU citizen. Au pairs in Switzerland are only allowed to work for a total of 30 hours a week. Au pairs in Sweden must be between the ages of 18 and 30.

:eight_pointed_black_star: Au pair program in North America:

:small_red_triangle_down: Canada:

In Canada, au pair programs do not exist in the same way as they do in the rest of the globe. The live-in caregiver program, which is more stringent than the au pair program, is run by the Canadian government. Standard credentials are regulated at the federal level, but job conditions are set at the provincial level. A minimum of six months of training or one year of compatible employment within the previous three years is required, while there are exceptions and additional conditions.

:small_red_triangle_down: United States:

The United States Information Agency (USIA) established two educational and cultural exchange agencies to operate a program under the Fulbright–Hays Act of 1961, which sparked interest in the Au Pair Program in 1987. This would enable foreign nationals to live with an American host family and engage directly in the host family’s daily activities.

Congress ordered that the program be continued after testing it with around 200 au pairs. In 1989, the Au Pair Program was established. In that same year, the program was expanded to include four additional agencies, and these agencies together became the original six government-designated Au pair organizations in the United States.

The au pair program in the United States allows qualifying young people to live and study in the United States for one or two years in return for giving up to 45 hours of childcare each week. The United States Department of State recently gave the au pair program authorization to provide a second-year extension au pair program (6, 9, or 12 months), as well as a summer au pair program.

At the same time, au pairs must complete a six-semester-hour educational component or its equivalent. Au pairs usually return to their home country at the end of a year unless they and their host families decide to extend their stay for another 6, 9, or 12 months. Alternatively, the au pair can extend their stay in the United States by working with a different family. Most au pairs choose a family from a different region of the nation to broaden their horizons.

Au pairs in the United States are given a private bedroom, meals, and pay based on the federal minimum wage ($195.75 per week as of July 24, 2009). 1 day off per week plus a full weekend of each month, two weeks of paid vacation, and the first $500 toward the costs of required course work to be completed at an approved institution of higher education to satisfy the educational component of the program’s criteria.

Au pairs are not allowed to work more than 10 hours per day or 45 hours per week, and they are not allowed to serve as general housekeepers or take on household management responsibilities.

:pencil2: Summary:

The au pair program in the United States allows foreign individuals to live and study in the United States for one or two years in return for giving up to 45 hours of childcare each week.

:eight_pointed_black_star: Frequently Asked Questions:

The following are some of the most frequently asked questions concerning this keyword:

:small_red_triangle_down: 1-What does au pair mean literally?

The phrase au pair derives from the French term au pair, which means “at par” or “equal to,” implying that the relationship is intended to be one of the equals: rather than being a regular domestic worker, the au pair is expected to become a member of the family, albeit for a limited time.

:small_red_triangle_down: 2- What is the difference between nanny and au pair?

Both nannies and au pairs assist families with childcare. A nanny is a regular employee who receives a salary. As a temporary family member, an au pair is integrated into family life. The au pair lives in the family’s home, eats meals with them, and is paid with monthly pocket money rather than a wage.

:small_red_triangle_down: 3- What do au pairs get paid?

The host family must pay au pairs a weekly stipend of at least $195.75 each week. The weekly au pair stipend is a legal minimum payment obligation, but host families and au pairs are free to agree to higher compensation.

:small_red_triangle_down: 4- What is an Au person?

A young foreign visitor hired to look after children, do housework, and do other chores in exchange for room and board: With the au pair, we took the kids to the beach.

:small_red_triangle_down: 5- Can an au pair be married?

No. It appears that a few au pairs have fallen in love while in the United States and are unable to marry and remain on the program. If an au pair marries, she will be removed from the program and will be responsible for her transportation and insurance.

:small_red_triangle_down: 6- Why au pair in Germany?

Through their Host Family, Au Pairs in Germany will not only enhance their language abilities but also learn about a multicultural society and intriguing traditions. They will also have some tasks during this time, most of which will be related to the host children.

:small_red_triangle_down: 7- Are au pairs cheaper than nannies?

When compared to hiring a nanny on your own (for free) or utilizing a nanny agency, the cost of engaging an au pair agency ranges from $7,500 to $12,500 per caregiver. The hourly compensation is higher, but the emotional cost is far lower because most nannies want to work for a long time with a potential employer.

:small_red_triangle_down: 8- Is an au pair an employee?

As the IRS considers an au pair to be an “employee” of the host family, au pairs must file individual income tax returns in the United States. Au pairs must keep track of their au pair income (stipends) from their host family to pay their taxes.

:small_red_triangle_down: 9- Do au pairs live with you?

They are more of a commitment than hiring babysitters or nannies because you agree to have them live with you. It’s like if they’re a hybrid of babysitters and exchange students. In exchange for lodging, board, and a weekly stipend, an au pair lives with a host family and looks after their children.

:small_red_triangle_down: 10- Can a man be an au pair?

Au pairs can be either men or women. Male au pairs, often known as au pair boys or bro pairs.

:pencil2: Conclusion:

An au pair is a foreign-born domestic helper who works for and lives with a host family. Europe, where the concept originated, and North America have different arrangements. Au pairs are only allowed to work part-time in Europe, and they frequently study part-time as well, focusing on the host country’s language.

They may provide full-time childcare in the United States. Historically, the phrase was used to denote economic equality between the “employer” and their “employee.” After World War II, the au pair became popular in Europe.

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Au pair means person who is responsible foreign national aged 18 to 26 who want to provide childcare while learning about American culture. Great Au Pair thoroughly screens and trains each au pair to provide trustworthy and adaptable care. They can stay in the United States for up to two years if they understand English and have a driver’s license.

Eligibility Criteria

Our au pairs must meet the following criteria in order to be eligible for the program:

1. You must be between the ages of 18 and 26.

2. You must be a non-US citizen and live in a country that Great Au Pair serves.

3. Have at least 1,200 hours of experience caring for children and love them.

4. At least 600 hours of experience caring for children under the age of two are required (if the au pair will be working with kids under the age of two)

5. Know how to communicate effectively in English.

6. Have no criminal history

7. Complete secondary school.

8. Possess a current driver’s license

9. You must be in good health and a nonsmoker.

10. Be willing to spend a year in the United States

11. Prior to arrival, complete the 32+ hour Great Au Pair Training Academy.

What is an Au Pair’s Role?

Your au pair will work for up to 45 hours a week in exchange for room, board, and a weekly stipend, assisting you with temper tantrums, conquering your child’s laundry, assisting with morning and bedtime routines.

Whipping up kids’ meals and school lunches, solving burning math questions, transporting kids to school and activities, playing and having fun, and most importantly, providing you with the peace of mind that you are getting the best childcare possible.

There just aren’t enough hours in the day for most parents to mark everything off their never-ending ‘to do’ list, let alone have fun with their children and find time for themselves. With an au pair, it’s a different story.

History

The phrase au pair is derived from the French term au pair, which means “at par” or “equal to,” implying that the connection is intended to be one of equals: the au pair is expected to become a family member, although a temporary one. rather than a regular domestic helper, albeit on a temporary basis.

The concept and the circumstances

After World War II, the au pair became popular in Europe. Domestic servants were plentiful before the war to care for the children of middle and upper-class families, but after the war, changes in societal attitudes, as well as rises in wages and taxes, rendered the old system unavailable to most middle-class parents.

Simultaneously, societal change increased the number of middle-class girls who needed to work, and rising educational goals for girls made exposure to foreign cultures and language study more common aspirations.

However, because being a “servant” was associated with being a “servant,” an essentially working-class status that even working-class people despised, this potential supply of domestic labor could only be utilized if a new non-servant function was invented.

As a result, the au pair was born. The au pair was not required to wear a uniform and was expected to be treated as a family member rather than a servant.

An au pair is paid a stipend and has his or her own room. Au pairs usually eat with the family most of the time and participate in some of the family’s regular activities, such as outings and travels. Host families, on the other hand, usually expect to have some alone time, especially in the evenings.

An au pair may retreat to his or her room to watch television, study, or socialize with friends during this time. There is often time set up for the au pair to study, particularly the host country’s language. Au pairs should be given uniform contracts with their families, according to the Council of Europe.

Summary

An au pair is a domestic assistant from another nation who works in your home. as well as living with a host family. Au pairs take on a portion of the family’s childcare responsibilities as well as some housework. They are given a monetary stipend to spend on themselves. The au pair is a temporary member of the host family who is not a servant.

Gender preference

Although some au pairs are now male, women continue to make up the vast majority of au pairs. Many nations place restrictions on how many hours an au pair can work.

Transportation of children to and from school, transportation of children to after-school activities, cooking, cleaning, ironing, tidying up, and babysitting are examples of tasks. Depending on the host family, each placement is unique.

There is little or no demand for au pairs in many developing nations because there is still an abundant supply of local domestic labor.

How to find Au pair?

Au pair relationships can be formed in a variety of ways between host families and au pairs. Au pair agencies have always been based in a certain host city. These websites complement their search capabilities by giving a variety of information regarding au pair criteria in various countries, as well as user support for their registered users.

Users of such websites are charged to allow a complete interchange of personal contact information required to complete an au pair placement.

This method often provides prospective au pairs and host families with a broader range of options and more direct control over the selection process than is possible through a regular agency, and at a far cheaper cost than traditional agencies.

Using such services, however, requires a prospective host family or au pair to put in more personal effort in the search process, make their selection, and arrange the legalities of an au pair stay without the assistance of a third party.

Basic application criteria

Potential au pairs must be aged 18–26 (at the time of arrival) and have no criminal record.

Unless you are in a federally funded exchange program, sponsor organizations charge participants program fees. Fees vary from sponsor to sponsor based on the exchange category, the sponsor’s program, program duration, etc. Be sure to check with your sponsor to get a breakdown of all costs and fees.

Duties

Au pairs are typically expected to help with childcare and light housekeeping. They are not accountable for non-child-related housekeeping or common living areas that are kept clean by all family members. The basic responsibilities of an au pair are to care for and entertain the children, as well as to teach the local language if necessary.

An au pair’s responsibilities may include waking up the children, transporting them to and from school, assisting with schoolwork, and bringing the children on outings to parks, playgroups, and other activities.

Au pairs perform following tasks:

  • Washing up after children’s meals and preparing small meals for them

  • Making the children’s beds, doing the children’s laundry, and ironing their clothes

  • Tidying up the kids’ toys, cleaning the kids’ bathroom, and cleaning the kids’ room

  • An au pair is not required to: manage the entire household; make meals for the family dinner preparation for the parents

  • Make the beds and clean the bathrooms for the host parents.

  • Mop the floors

  • Windows should be cleaned

  • Look after the animals

  • Garden/supervise/look after other youngsters who aren’t the host children

The au pair’s responsibilities also include adhering to the host family’s house regulations. This includes adhering to the curfew, bedtime, and dress code, as well as computer and phone usage guidelines.

These regulations may be outlined in a handbook given to the au pair when she first arrives at the host home. Curfews and bedtimes are usually set based on when the au pair will start working the next day.

Rules and Regulations

The duties of the au pair also include following the house rules set by the host family. This includes abiding by the curfew, bedtime, and dress code, as well as following rules for computer and phone use.

These rules may be described in a household handbook, which is provided to the au pair when moving into the host family. The curfew and bedtime are typically assigned based on when the au pair will begin work the following morning.

How much does au pair cost?

Au Pair Extra ordinair Edu care
Match Fee $475 $475 $475
Annual Program Fee $9,275 $10,350 $8,300
Minimum Weekly StipendPaid weekly $195.75 $250.00 $146.81

The au pair minimum weekly stipend, room and board, education allowance, and other program elements are subject to change based on any revisions to Department of State regulations for the au pair program, or any other applicable laws or regulations. If this occurs, Au Pair in America will inform families.

Au Pairs from over 50 countries enter the United States on a 12-month visa. Upon successful completion of the first year, they have the option to extend their stay for 6, 9, or 12 months.

A limited number of these Year2 au pairs elect to extend their program duration with a different family. In these instances, host families pay the published match fee and the program fee is pro-rated pending the 6, 9, or 12 months extended stay.

Rights and regulations

As of April 2019, the host family is required to pay the au pair a minimum of NOK 5900 per month (pre-tax) as pocket money/salary. Since the au pair program is a cultural exchange program, the au pair also has the right to attend courses in Norwegian.

The host family must provide a minimum of NOK 8850 pre-tax for the au pair’s Norwegian lessons and study materials. The au pair’s additional rights include, among other things: freeboard and lodging; holiday pay by the Holidays Act; and one full day (24 hours) off per week.

The au pair is required to pay taxes. According to regulations [as of 2016], “the period of work shall normally not exceed five hours per day, and the maximum shall be 30 hours a week”.

If a host family fails to follow the regulations, they can lose the right to have an au pair for one, two, or five years, according to a rule introduced in July 2013. If the host family commits an offense punishable by three months in prison or more, the host family quarantine could last up to 10 years.

Summary

An au pair’s primary duties are taking care of the children and entertaining them. They are not responsible for housework that does not relate to the children’s or communal living areas.

A curfew and bedtime are typically assigned based on when the au pair will begin work the following morning. The au pair system has, in recent years, been a topic of dispute in the Norwegian public.

FAQ’S

People may have following questions.

1. What does au pair mean literally?

equal to

The title comes from the French term au pair, meaning “at par” or “equal to”, indicating that the relationship is intended to be one of the equals: the au pair is intended to become a member of the family, albeit a temporary one, rather than a traditional domestic worker.

2. Can an au pair be married?

Do NOT get Married –Yep! It seems that we have had a few au pairs fall in love while here in the states and they simply cannot get married and stay on the program. If an au pair does indeed get married she will be removed from the program and she will be on her own to get home and will be without insurance.

3. What is the age limit for an au pair?

Au pairs are between the ages of 18 and 26; they all speak at least conversational English, and they’ve all finished the equivalent of high school in their home country.

4. How long do au pairs stay?

How long can an au pair stay in the United States? Au pairs initially come to the U.S. on a 12-month J-1 au pair visa and can extend for an additional 6, 9, or 12-months, allowing a family to benefit from up to two years of live-in childcare from the same au pair.

5. How long does it take to match with an au pair?

Depending on your family’s needs and timing, it can take as little as a few days to find a match once you start the interviewing process. Our selection of qualified, pre-screened au pairs are ready to interview and new au pairs become available regularly. We’d be happy to speak with you about your needs and timing to help you find your ideal candidate.

6. What’s the best way to interview an au pair?

We are here to help guide you through the interview process so that you can find an au pair that you are excited about hosting who has the necessary skills to care for your children. Our Interview guide makes the process straightforward.

7. How do you screen au pairs?

We are very selective about who is accepted into our program. Every au pair completes an extensive application and undergoes a thorough background check and in-person interview. This information is available to families during the matching process.

8. Do all au pairs speak English?

Yes, to qualify for the program au pairs must speak conversational English. Inter Exchange verifies each applicant’s English abilities during the application process.

You will also have the opportunity to interview potential au pairs to make sure you are comfortable with their English abilities. You will be surprised at how quickly an au pair’s English improves once in the U.S.

10. Can au pairs care for infants?

Yes, many of our au pairs are qualified and enjoy caring for infants. Au pairs may not be the sole caregiver until the child is at least three months old.

11. Do you have au pairs who are qualified to care for children with special needs?

Yes, we do have au pairs who are experienced in caring for a variety of special needs situations. Please contact us to discuss your care needs and inquire about au pair availability.

12. Do you place male au pairs?

Yes, male au pairs are a great option for some families. Families choosing a male au pair often have boys and are looking for a big brother to join the family.

13. Do au pairs drive?

Most au pair applicants have a valid driver’s license. If an au pair is a driver, they will be required to obtain an international driver’s license before their arrival to the U.S. During your interview, you may ask the au pair about the extent of his or her driving experience.

If the au pair will be driving your car, be sure to contact your auto insurance company to add the au pair to your auto insurance policy. Additionally, many states require the au pair to obtain a license from the local DMV.

Conclusion

An au pair is a helper from a foreign country working for, and living as part of, a host family. Au pairs take on a share of the family’s responsibility for childcare as well as some housework. The concept originated in Europe after World War II. An au pair is a domestic helper from a foreign country working for, and living as part of, a host family.

Au pairs take on a share of the family’s responsibility for childcare as well as some housework. They receive an allowance and their room. The minimum weekly pay, lodging and board, education allowance, and other program aspects are subject to change based on any changes to Department of State requirements for au pairs.

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Au pair is a helper from a foreign country working for, and living as part of, a host family. Typically, au pairs take on a share of the family’s responsibility for childcare as well as some housework and receive a monetary allowance for personal use. Au pair arrangements are often subject to government restrictions which specify an age range usually from mid-late teens to mid to late twenties.

Characteristics of Au pair system

The au pair program is considered a form of cultural exchange that gives the family and the au pairs a chance to experience and learn new cultures.

Arrangements differ between Europe, where the concept originated, and North America. In Europe, au pairs are only supposed to work part-time, and they often also study part-time, generally focusing on the language of the host country. In the United States, they may provide full-time childcare.

In 1969, the European Agreement on Au pair placement was signed, and it came into force in 1971. Au pair companies in the United States have significant non-refundable fees once the au pair arrives in the country. The contract does not guarantee childcare, despite many families’ reliance on the program.

Unlike many other types of domestic assistants, the au pair is considered a part of the host family and not merely an employee. In some countries, the au pair wears a uniform, but more commonly the au pair only follows the host family’s dress code and wears attire appropriate for the work description, typically including a protective apron.

How Au pair is treated in family?

An au pair receives an allowance and his/her room. The usual practice is that au pairs eat with the family most of the time, and join in some of the usual family activities such as outings and trips.

However, host families ordinarily expect to have some private time to themselves, particularly in the evenings. During this time, an au pair might retire to his or her room to watch television, study, or go out with friends.

Provision is often made for the au pair to have time for studying, especially the language of the host country. The Council of Europe recommends that au pairs be issued standard contracts with their family.

Some au pairs are now male, but females remain the overwhelming majority. Many governments impose limits as to how many hours an au pair is allowed to work.

Tasks can include

1. Taking children to and from school
2. Taking children to after-school activities
3. Cooking, cleaning
4. Ironing, tidying up
5. Babysitting.

Each placement varies depending on the host family.

How Au pair relationships between host families and au pairs can be established?

In many developing countries, an abundant supply of local domestic labor is still available, so there is little or no demand for au pairs.

Au pair relationships between host families and au pairs can be established through various means. Traditionally, au pair agencies located in a given host country have served as an intermediary between young people seeking to become au pairs and families in the country that are interested in hosting an au pair.

Such agencies typically charge a fee to the host family for fulfilling an intermediary role between the host family and possible au pairs. The agency conducts some process of screening and evaluation of prospective au pairs and then proposes possible au pairs to the host families, who are their principal customers.

Traditional agencies also assist with the arrangement of some of the bureaucratic formalities associated with an au pair visit.

This approach typically gives prospective au pairs and host families a wider range of choices and more direct control over the selection process than is possible through a traditional agency at a considerably lower price than traditional agencies charge.

At the same time, the use of such websites requires an aspiring host family or au pair to invest more personal effort in the search process and to make their selection and arrange the formalities of an au pair stay without the involvement of a third party.

What Au pair does not have to do?

An au pair does not have to:

  • Manage the whole household

  • Prepare meals for the parents

  • Make the host parents’ beds and clean their bathrooms

  • Clean the floors

  • Clean the windows

  • Take care of the pets

  • Do gardening

  • Supervise/take care of other children that aren’t the host kids

The duties of the au pair

The duties of the au pair also include following the house rules set by the host family. This includes abiding by the curfew, bedtime, and dress code, as well as following rules for computer and phone use.

These rules may be described in a household handbook, which is provided to the au pair when moving into the host family. The curfew and bedtime are typically assigned based on when the au pair will begin work the following morning.

Summary

An au pair is a domestic helper from a foreign country working for, and living as part of, a host family. Au pairs take on a share of the family’s responsibility for childcare as well as some housework.

They receive an allowance and their own room. In many developing countries, an abundant supply of local domestic labor is still available, so there is little or no demand for au pairs.

Au pair system worldwide

Spain

The minimum pocket money for au pairs is 55–60 euros a week. There are also opportunities for young people to stay with Spanish families in exchange for speaking English with the children without having any domestic or childcare duties.

According to the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the holder of an au pair visa must be between 17 and 30 years of age.

He/she has the following rights, among others:

1. Duration of the agreement, not longer than one year.

2. Participation in household chores and duties, not more than 5 hours daily.

3. Minimum of one completely free day a week. For the student “Au Pair” to attend religious activities, one free day a month must be a Sunday.

4. Exact address where the student “Au Pair” will be residing with the host family, enjoying at the same time a certain degree of independence.

5. Determined monthly pocket money that the student “Au Pair” will receive.

6. Conditions that would allow either party to reject the Placement Agreement with advance notice of two weeks.

The Embassy requires both an offer of employment from the family, and a letter from an authorized educational institution in Spain, confirming the au pair’s enrollment in a full-time course. The au pair must also provide “proof of economic means to cover living expenses and eventual return to the country of origin.”

Switzerland

The applicant must be a female between the ages of 17 (18 in Geneva) and 29 from Western Europe, North America, Australia, or New Zealand, stay for a minimum of one year and a maximum of 18 months and attend a minimum of three hours a week of language classes in Zürich, four in Geneva.

Families in most places are required to pay half the language school fees of 500–1,000 Swiss francs for six months.

Au pairs in Switzerland work for a maximum of 30 hours per week, plus babysitting once or twice a week. The monthly salary varies among cantons but the normal range is 590–740 Swiss francs after all deductions for tax and health insurance have been made.

United Kingdom

Until Brexit au pairs mainly came to the UK from the European Economic Area under European freedom of movement regulations.

In the UK, many au pair agencies assist families looking to engage au pairs. These agencies are all privately owned and are not regulated by the UK government.

Basic application criteria

Potential au pairs must be aged 18–26 (at the time of arrival) and have no criminal record.

  • Unless you are in a federally funded exchange program, sponsor organizations charge participants program fees.

  • Fees vary from sponsor to sponsor based on the exchange category, the sponsor’s program, program duration, etc.

  • Be sure to check with your sponsor to get a breakdown of all costs and fees.

Au pair program types in the United States

Au pairs in the United States are categorized by program types.

Most Au pair organizations in the US classify au pairs by the following programs:

1. Standard Au Pair Program

The Standard Au Pair program is the most popular program available. Standard au pairs can work up to 45 hours per week and no more than 10 hours per day. They are paid the standard stipend amount and fulfill the minimum educational requirement of 6 hours of academic credit or its equivalent during the program year.

Families hosting standard au pairs are required to provide (up to) the first $500 toward the cost of the au pair’s academic coursework. Standard au pairs are usually available for a full-year commitment and have a variety of qualifications.

If a family has a child under the age of two, the au pair has to have at least 200 hours of experience. The weekly payment stipend for an Au Pair is U$195.75 per week, being U$4.35/hour.

2. Professional Au Pair Program

The Professional Au Pair program is for families who need more than just a babysitter and have higher child care needs, due to a new baby, multiple children, or children with special needs.

Professional au pairs have degrees in childcare-related fields such as pre-school teacher, pediatric nursing, or occupational therapy for children or one-year full-time experience with children.

A professional au pair can work up to 45 hours per week and no more than 10 hours per day. They are paid a higher stipend amount and fulfill the minimum educational requirement of 6 hours of academic credit or its equivalent during the program year.

Families hosting professional au pairs are required to provide (up to) the first $500 toward the cost of the au pair’s academic coursework. Professional au pairs are usually available for a full-year commitment and have a variety of qualifications.

Cost is typically higher for a special needs au pair. Numerous agencies offer professional Au Pair programs including Au Pair International and PRO au pair.

Summary

Sponsors and sponsor organizations charge participants program fees. Fees vary from sponsor to sponsor based on the exchange category, the sponsor’s program, program duration, etc. Be sure to check with your sponsor to get a breakdown of all costs and fees for au pairs in the United States.

Repeat participation

In 2008, the U.S. Department of State re-designated the au pair requirements and regulations and added a repeat participation clause that states:

“A foreign national who enters the United States as an au pair exchange visitor program participant and who has completed his or her program is eligible to participate again as an au pair participant, provided that he or she has resided outside the United States for at least two years following completion of his or her initial au pair program.”

Au Pair online profile

An online profile is one of the most important steps for any au pair searching for a family. Families use the profile to get to know the au pair before scheduling an interview. It is therefore crucial that au pairs have a professional profile that is accessible at all times with a fully working contact form.

Typically, an Au Pair online profile includes a candidate’s personal and contact data, information on their professional background, skills, lifestyle habits, and work-related preferences. Au pairs need to be aware that having private information publicly available could be dangerous. It is therefore important to have a private working email.

Frequently Asked Questions

People have these questions in mind.

1. Who pays for the au pair flights?

Au Pair USA arranges and pays for au pairs to travel from their home country to your local community. Families who match with an au pair who is already in the U.S. are responsible for arranging and paying for the au pair’s travel to their home. Upon successful completion of the au pair’s program, Au Pair USA will coordinate the au pair’s return travel.

2. What type of visa do au pairs need?

All au pairs come to the U.S. on the J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa, which is a non-immigrant visa granted by the U.S. Department of State. Inter Exchange functions as the visa sponsor for the au pair and will make all the arrangements for the au pair to receive the visa from their nearest American Embassy or Consulate.

3. How long can an au pair stay in the United States?

Au pairs initially come to the U.S. on a 12-month J-1 au pair visa and can extend for an additional 6, 9, or 12-months, allowing a family to benefit from up to two years of live-in childcare from the same au pair. At the end of their program, au pairs have a 30-day travel grace period in which they can remain in the U.S. (They are not permitted to work during this time.)

4. Do au pairs pay a fee to participate in the program?

Yes, au pairs usually pay a fee to participate in the program. Program fees vary depending on the au pair’s country of origin. The au pair program is generally considered an affordable cultural exchange option since the au pair earns a weekly stipend and receives room and board from the host family.

5. Do au pairs have health insurance while on the program?

All Inter Exchange au pairs have accident and sickness insurance that meets the U.S. Department of State’s requirements for the program. Au pairs have access to a network of physicians and medical providers while on the program.

Coverage and exclusion details are outlined in the insurance materials provided to the au pair. Au pairs have an option to upgrade their insurance coverage for an additional fee at the start of their program.

6. Why do au pairs participate in the program?

The Au Pair USA program allows au pairs to provide childcare to host families while earning money and participating in a true cultural exchange experience. Our au pairs are excited to travel to the U.S., improve their English and experience American culture.

7. How are au pairs trained?

Before arriving in the U.S., au pairs attend Au Pair USA’s Online Academy. The 32-hour curriculum includes courses in Child Development, Pediatric and Adult CPR and First Aid Training, American Culture, Life as an Au Pair, Personal Safety, and other important topics.

Our Online Academy is custom-designed for au pairs and uses a variety of training methods including live sessions with Au Pair USA staff, videos, online courses, and offline activities. The Online Academy meets the Department of State’s training requirements.

Conclusion

An au pair is a foreign-born domestic helper who works for and lives with a host family. Au pairs take on a portion of the family’s childcare responsibilities as well as some housework. After World War II, the notion was born in Europe.

An au pair is a domestic worker from another country who works for a host family and lives with them. Au pairs take on a portion of the family’s childcare responsibilities as well as some housework. They are given a stipend and a room.

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