FAQ Au pair programme

Yes. A valid driver’s licence is required for all au pair programmes. Driving children to school or activities is often part of your daily routine.

The distances from A to B in countries like the USA or Australia are usually greater than in European countries and the public transport systems are not as as good.

Homesickness is normal. Accept it, be patient, and speak with your host family. Your host family and other au pairs in the area will understand and support you. Homesickness usually eases as you settle in.

Programme fees cover placement, visa support, training, and 24/7 assistance. Host families provide room and board. For the US, they also cover flights and insurance. You are responsible for visa fees (approx. $185 USD), official documents, an international driver’s licence if needed, and any extra luggage or personal travel.

Once matched, you’ll receive a list of other au pairs in your area. In the US, you can also find this via MyAuPairCare. Au pairs will be from your home country and other countries. Join local au pair meetings. If your host family has hosted an au pair before, ask them for advice and contacts.

You are entitled to a minimum number of paid vacation days outlined in your contract, depending on destination and programme length. Plan your vacation with your family, as they need childcare arrangements while you are away. If joining your host family on holiday, clarify if it counts as vacation or working time.

You pay only once your application is complete and you are officially matched with a host family.

Finding a host family that fits you well is more important than selecting a specific location. Most families live in suburbs of larger cities. Be open to any region, and you can explore other parts of the country during weekends, vacation, or after your programme.

AuPairCare has a network of qualified and fully trained representatives across the country. For the US, an in-person interview is mandatory. You will meet one of our team members once you have completed the first two parts of your application. For other destinations, the interview can take place by phone or video call. During the interview, you will discuss your childcare experience and why you want to become an au pair. This is the final step before your documents are sent to our Head Office in the US or to our partner agency for review.

The programme includes full insurance covering health, accidents, baggage, and liability for the duration of your stay (usually at least six months). Travel after the programme is not included, but you can extend your insurance at your own cost. Be sure to read the policy carefully and understand any exclusions.

Start by completing the online application. We will discuss your expectations and check eligibility. Once your documents are complete, you can be matched with a host family. After matching, apply for your visa and begin your au pair adventure abroad.

You need two references from non-relatives to confirm your childcare experience, covering at least 200 hours, ideally with children under 10. A four-week full-time placement or regular babysitting can meet this requirement quickly.

Your experience in childcare is not only an important criterion in choosing the right au pair for host families. It is also very important for you, since it is the only way to assess whether the au pair programme is right for you. You will quickly take your host children into your heart, but it is not always easy to look after them. With good preparation and a lot of experience, you can better assess whether you are up for the challenge.

Babysitting in your free time is one of the easiest ways to gain more childcare hours. You’ll build valuable experience and can even earn a little money. 

You can also do internships in nurseries, kindergartens, or primary schools. Working as a counsellor at summer camps or assisting with children’s sports teams also counts. Private tuition for children up to 12 years old is recognised as relevant experience.

Sometimes host parents provide a mobile phone so they can reach you and the children. This is usually a work phone. Ask if you may use it for personal calls or messages, but try to reserve it for work during your working hours. If you bring your own phone, check with your provider about roaming charges or consider getting a local SIM card.

The timeline mainly depends on you. You could travel 2-3 months after submitting your application if all documents are ready. Completing the application quickly can take around two weeks. Apply for your passport and police clearance certificate promptly. Once your documents are ready, we schedule your interview and send your profile to host families. Placement is quicker if your application is strong and you have childcare and driving experience. Once matched, you can apply for your visa and we'll book flights. This usually takes an additional 4–5 weeks.

Yes. Opening a bank account in your host country is advisable. Required documents vary by country and bank, but usually include your passport, proof of address, and a social security card (for the US). We recommend saving a little each week to have a cushion for larger or unexpected expenses.

This depends on your host family. Some au pairs share the family car, while others have a car for their own use. If you do not have a car, you can usually arrange lifts with other au pairs or friends. Having a car is a bonus and not all families provide one. 

If you do have a car, clarify the rules with your host family at the start of your stay, including use for personal trips, who pays for fuel, and what happens in case of an accident.

Yes. Changing families is possible together with our american colleagues. Give your host family a fair chance, discuss issues openly for at least two months, and involve your local counsellor if necessary. If unresolved, you have a 14-day window to explore other families. Most au pairs find a new family, though it cannot be guaranteed.

You don’t need to bring anything expensive. It helps to know the preferences of your host parents and children and choose something with a personal touch. A small item from your region is always a nice idea. If you are going to the US and are under 21, ensure your gifts do not contain alcohol. Security at the airport may open your gifts, so avoid wrapping them too tightly.

Host families must meet criteria and complete an application. They are visited by an AuPairCare representative and must be citizens or permanent residents, provide your own room, and adhere to the au pair contract.

You agree to care for the children for 6-12 months. Leaving early means covering your return flight yourself, no completion certificate, and for the US, you cannot obtain a second visa. Frequent changes of caregiver are difficult for children.

The au pair programme in the USA is set by the US government to last 12 months (plus a 13th month of travel). Therefore, we cannot offer shorter au pair programmes in the USA. You will successfully complete the US au pair programme if you have lived with a host family for 12 months and earned 6 college credits during the year. The Au pair Australia programme will be successfully completed after at least 6 months. If you extend the programme, it will be considered successful at the end of your extension and the acquisition of additional college credits (USA only).

You do not need to provide proof of vaccinations to become an au pair. However, it is wise to check that your vaccinations are up to date and seek advice from your doctor. It’s best to wait until you know which region you will be living in, as recommendations can vary.