If you’ve clicked onto this article, you’re probably considering travelling abroad and becoming an au pair to earn some money or to work in exchange for free accommodation. Either way, you probably want to know some more in-depth details about what the role entails and what to expect before you make your final decision! Whether you’re already well on your way to contacting an au pair agency to find a family or you are yet to make your decision, don’t worry! We have taken a closer look as to what you should expect from life as an au pair.
The Pay
The pay you receive as an au pair often isn’t very much at all. In fact, it’s often called ‘pocket money’ if that’s any indication! However, while the money isn’t much on paper, you have to remember that you won’t be paying out for accommodation and board. With no responsibilities to cover, you’ll have a fair amount to utilise when you find yourself with some free time. You could choose to visit museums, theatres or head out for meals with new friends, and with a bit of saving up you can even take weekend trips to see other parts of the country you are staying in.
Free Holidays Or Days Out
One potential benefit of becoming an au pair is the free holidays you will go on. When host families go on holiday, they may ask you to come too if you aren’t hired to pet sit or look after the children in the meantime. If you are invited, you may be looking after the children some of the holiday, but by law, you will definitely get free time in addition to making memories with the whole family whilst on holiday!
Getting too involved
Of course, there are a few downsides and one is that you’ll be very deeply involved in a brand new family. In fact, you may be unfortunate enough to experience family feuds, especially if you’re staying in the same house as the host family, which could make you feel quite uncomfortable. You may even sometimes end up getting too involved, if the mother or the father share personal secrets with you. If you end up being an au pair for a family that are going through divorce, then this can be very unpleasant. If this is the case, your au pair agency may be on hand to help move you or help you return home, however, so rest assured that you’ll be fully supported.
New Bonds
If you do decide that becoming an au pair is what you would like to do, then it is likely that you are going to grow valuable and memorable relationships with the children you look after and even the entire host family. You’ll be spending a lot of time with the family, so it’s practically guaranteed that you will end up developing a bond with them over time, and when the time comes for you to leave you will realise how much of an impact they have had on your life.
The Work
When you apply to be an au pair through an agency, you’ll likely base your decision on a family depending on what will be asked from you during the role. If you have experience with children, then opting for a childcare placement may work best for you, while those with limited experience may feel more comfortable looking after pets or becoming an elderly companion. Agencies will let you declare what you’re comfortable doing in your application, so you’re unlikely to be matched with a family expecting more from you than you’re willing or able to provide.
Making A Difference
Part of being an au pair, will not only be learning the native language of the country you live in, but also teaching English to the children you look after, and in some cases even the parents. Being close to the family for the duration of your stay means that they are likely to develop vocabulary from the English language while you learn some of theirs! You’ll be offering this family a new skill that they will have progressed in, that can become a huge asset that they will carry with them for the rest of their lives, and that will be down to you.
We hope that these insights into being an au pair will help make your decision as to whether or not you wish to embark on this adventure a little bit easier. If you do decide to become an au pair, then enjoy it and embrace it!