Register as an Au Pair
- Become fluent in English.
- Gain extensive experience in childcare.
- Have the opportunity to live the Irish culture.
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Becoming an Au Pair
Why Become an Au pair ?
Broaden your Horizon
Travelling to a new place is an excellent opportunity to experience the cultures of another country. It can a very rewarding experience to live in a home where you will truly experience the day to day life of how it is to live and work in another country.
You can also take great comfort that you are not loaded with the expense of having to pay rent and of course you wont have a food bill!.
While in your family hosts country there might be opportunities when the families goes on vacation to see further a field
While living and working in another country this where you gain you r best experience of learning another language. This will of course help you if decide to further your education.
The day to day listening speaking of the language will stand you well in your future.
There might be an opportunity of a language school near your families’ home, so make sure to spend time researching as much detail of where you are going to live.
How Can I Become an Au Pair ?
Many countries have different criteria …but normally Girls (sometimes boys) aged between 18 and 28 who want to spend from 3 months to 2 years can become Aupairs
25 to 40 hours work a week with at least 2 full days off. It is important that you research that you are eligible to become an Aupair… please reference our Visa guide and tips section.
Will I have my own room ?
An aupair will typically have their own room with a TV. A lot of home s have access to a Computer and typically there should be no problem using it to email home etc ( ask first).
Some families will expect you to be able to drive, but this also means that you would have reasonable access to use the vehicle your self.
Vacation Time ?
Host Family is planning a summer vacation. It would be normal for the aupair to go on holidays and participate on any excursions and really be part of the family’s vacation.
Au pairs travelling on holiday will be expected to help out as normal with the kids and baby-sit at least 2 nights
What kind of duties will I do ?
The Aupair will be expected to mind the children for a minimum of 25 hours a week.
The making of some meals and general house work will also be expected.
Two nights babysitting a week is not unusual, but an Aupait should get 2 full days off a week where this time is their own.
It is recommended that before you come to a family that you get a sample roster for a week. This will reduce the chances of miss understanding when you join the family.
It is also recommended that you agree how much you should be paid. Spend time wisely when choosing your family as they are going to be who you will be living with for your stay
Where can I go as an Aupair ?
You can go to almost any Country…but come have pre conditions such as visa / work permit. Please spend time on our Visa section whether you will gain a lot of information. We have a lot of information for you to use as a general reference but we at Ouraupair would recommend that you should contact the consulate of the country you want to go to, in your home country to ensure that you have the latest conditions required.
Picking my family ...
We have prepared some questions for you to put to the family. This will help narrow your choice. We also recommend that you read out tips guide and look at information we have provided about the country.
Before I leave to join my family ...
It is better to spend time preparing and have all you correct documentation, letter of offering, up to date Passport / driving licence, families home address, phone numbers.etc.In the event of your pick up at the airport, that you have planned an alternative way to get to families home via train, bus or taxi.
Prepare Prepare Prepare !
Questions You should ask your Host Family
- How many children will I be caring for?
- How old are they?
- How many hours a day will I be working?
- How often will I get paid?
- How much will I get?
- Do you have pets?
- Are you near a town / city?
- Is there an English school near?
- How far are you from the airport?
- Can you send me more pictures?
- Have you got Internet access?
- What kind of house work will I have to do?
- Do I need to drive?
- Will I have to work evenings? If so, how many?
- Can you send me a sample roster?
- What jobs do you do?
- Will I be on my own some nights?
- Is it acceptable to have friends call (other aupairs) etc?
- Do need me to cook?
- Will I have a TV in my room?
Typical Questions from the Host Family
- Have you ever traveled outside your home country before?
- Have you much experience working with kids?
- Do you have a qualification?
- As we live in the countryside it can be quiet ...
- Do you smoke?
- Do you drink?
- Can you help with housework?
- Do you have brothers and sisters?
- Where did you gain your experience?
- Do you like pets?
- Do you have a driving license?
- Do you mind doing some cooking?
- What are your interests?
- Do you have a boyfriend / girlfriend?
- Sometimes the kids cousins come to visit. Do you mind having to mind extra children occasionally?
- How many children would you feel comfortable with?
- Can you help with housework?
- Can you help with shopping?
- How would you discipline a child?
- What will you learn from been an au pair?
