Au Pairs are traditionally aged between 18 - 27 years old. Au pairing is gaining popularity as more and more people want to experience different cultures and way of life. Therefore anyone can become an au pair. However it is important to note that families have every right to request a crimimal/police report on the potential au pair. Therefore if the potential au pair has a criminal record or any record of child abuse, the person will NOT be able to do au pair work. Traditionally au pairs have been females, however in recent years many males have also started applying for au pair jobs.

An au pair is (normally) a young person, who lives with a host family for between 1 and 24 months. The role of the au pair is basically to look after the children, prepare meals and do some light housework.
This is just a basic overview of what an au pair may be asked to do. The au pair may also be asked to:
drive the children to and from school,
help the children with homework, extra murals etc.,
When au pair programs were originally set up the purpose was to ensure an exchange of cultures coupled with looking after children. Therefore an au pair from France would want to work in the United States to learn English, the American culture and way of life. The family in return would also learn about the French language and culture and would get assistance with their children. The au pair does not sign a contract and is usually treated as part of the family. However the conditions of work should be laid down on paper to protect the family and the au pair.

Pocket money and hours of work
Au-Pairs can expect to receive up to £45.00 per week. Au-Pairs Plus can expect to receive £50 .00 plus per week

Please note that the information on salaries is not intended as a firm and fast figure. We are not an aupair agency and do not place aupairs. Even though we make every effort to keep the information updated regularly, it may get outdated Salaries vary from country to country and even from area to area within a country. Some countries have laws that regulate the salaries/pocket money that is paid by families. We have included a country list indicating the approximate salary/pocket money that an au pair should receive. Please note this is a general guide and you should check with your local authorities to ensure that the amounts have not changed

Please ensure that you are able to comply with all the family´s requirements before accepting the position. If there is anything at all that you do not agree with, it is imperative that the host family be made aware of this and you will find that in most cases some compromises can be made. You must try your best to be cheerful, pleasant and willing. Your family will respond to this and a good relationship will develop. At the beginning you may feel lonely and strange, this is quite normal and your family will be aware of this. Any problems or difficulties you may experience must be discussed with your family . Communication is a very important factor if you are to have a good understanding of one another

DUTIES:
You may be expected to wake up at a regular hour, to be agreed with your family. In most cases you will be expected to help with the housework and this could include any of the following:-
Vacuuming,
Dusting,
Ironing,
Washing(with washing machine)
General cleaning and tidying,
Some light cooking (very simple)
Washing up dishes,
Helping to prepare the evening meal.
You will also be expected to help with the children and this could include any of the following:-
Baby-sitting,
Picking up or collecting children from school,
Bathing children and putting them to bed,
Preparing light meals or snacks for them,
Playing with them to encourage a good relationship.(Very important).
FREE TIME.
You will be given free time as outlined in the family registration form. When you go out, please be very clear about the time you will return, otherwise the family will worry about you. If you are expected to return home to baby-sit or help with housework please be punctual. If you have any problems at all regarding this, you must keep your family informed by telephone. Most families do not mind if you wish to come home late at night as long as they are aware of the situation. However, there are some families that may object, so please discuss this first. If you would like to invite a friend to visit you at any time, it would be polite to check this is convenient with your family.
HEALTH AND SAFETY.
Before you travel, please ensure that you are fit and in good health. If you need any dental treatment ,you are advised to do this before you go. Also, make sure that your family give you telephone numbers where they can be contacted in case of emergency. Make sure that you know how to contact police, fire and ambulance.
FINALLY.
If you should have any difficulties that you cannot overcome, then please contact the agency. going abroad as an Au-Pair is an ideal way to improve your target language and also a wonderful way to broaden your experiences of life and learn about other people; as no doubt you will make friends with other Au-pairs of all nationalities. Enjoy your stay and have a wonderful time!