Au Pair Jobs

Many gap year travellers, mainly females although more recently males as well, choose to work their way around the world as an au pair to help pay for their expenses. Au pairs live with a host family, and in exchange for their accommodation provide a certain number of hours of childcare and household help per week. Au pairs are often paid a small amount for their duties, and agree upon their working hours and holidays in advance. A variety of organisations exist to help match potential au pairs with host families, and this easy option allows gap year travellers to truly immerse themselves in their host cultures.

Why Explore An Au Pair Job?

Aside from the benefits of free accommodation and pocket money, taking a job as an au pair allows gap year travellers to acquaint themselves with their host families and cultures. Throughout the routine of caring for children and the home, au pairs get to know their local neighbourhoods and cultural customs, something that the average traveller can only experience as a tourist. Successfully working as an au pair also looks well on a CV, and communicates to potential employers that you have developed "soft skills" such as:

• Decision making
• Responsibility
• Relationship building
• Team work
• Organisation
• Problem solving
• Communication
• Independence
• Maturity

What Happens During An Au Pair Job?

Most au pairs obtain a job overseas by using an established agency to help them select a placement. These agencies usually provide training and an idea of what to expect on the job, including:

• Childcare
  • Dressing children
  • Feeding children
  • Bathing children
  • School runs
  • Entertaining children after school
  • Shuttling children to after school activities
  • Putting children to bed
• Housework
  • Dusting
  • Hoovering
  • Washing dishes after meals
  • Light cooking
  • Laundry
  • Ironing
  • Straightening playrooms and putting away toys

Many agencies also offer advice on what not to expect or tolerate during a job, including:

• Being treated like a servant.
• Being asked to wear a uniform.
• Being asked to complete duties not previously agreed upon.
• Being left out of family activities and trips.
• Being verbally, physically or sexually harassed.

How Do I Find An Au Pair Job?

Finding an au pair job will be easiest, and safest, if you use an established agency. Prior to selecting an agency, decide on your interests and travel plans, and do not hesitate to ask questions while you are booking. Au pair agencies should make you feel comfortable with your plans, and should never attempt to bully you or force you to take a job. If you do feel pressured, simply tell the agency that you have found work elsewhere. If you want to further investigate an au pair job, contact:

• The International Au Pair Association
• Au Pair in America
• AuPair.com
• Au Pair Connect
• Au Pair Centre
• Easy Au Pair

While it would be nice to think that every au pair job is respectful and successful, this is not always the case. In order to ensure that both the au pair and the host family know their responsibilities, it is recommended that a standard contract be signed before work commences. Au pair jobs generally range from a few months to two years, and experience or certification in childcare may be required to work through certain agencies. For others, enthusiasm and energy are all that are needed. Good luck!