If you want to see the world, discover the feeling of home in a new country and culture, and make money all while harnessing your inner child, there is no better way to work abroad than as an au pair.
Becoming an au pair abroad is a unique work opportunity that allows you to live in your dream destination with a local family, where you can learn the native language, immerse yourself in the culture, and make local connections while adding international work experience to your CV.
Being an au pair is the perfect balance between work and travel.
Sounds too good to be true? Want to know how to become an au pair abroad and make this dream a reality? Here you’ll find everything you need to know about becoming an au pair and how to apply to be an au pair abroad.
What are au pair requirements?
As with any job abroad, you’ll need to meet certain requirements in order to land your au pair job abroad. Most programs have similar requirements, with au pair requirements ranging from age to language skills to your love of working with children.
If you’re considering applying to become an au pair abroad, here are the boxes you’ll have to tick to make your dream job a reality.
- Must be 18 years old. One of the basic au pair requirements across programs is the age requirement. While this may vary slightly between countries, for most au pair programs you will have to be at least 18 years old. If your destination requires a working holiday visa, you’ll likely have to be under 30 too. It’s the ideal job for younger travelers who want to experience the world while being free of external obligations.
- High school diploma. Most programs do not require you to have a college degree, but many require a high school diploma before embarking on your journey abroad. Being an au pair is the perfect opportunity for a gap year post-graduation!
- Single/traveling solo. Unfortunately, becoming an au pair is difficult if you have a partner or family. Because you will be living with a host family, you’ll have to travel solo. Most programs require you to be single and without children in order to qualify for au pair positions.
- Language skills. While traveling to a new country is the perfect opportunity to learn the language, you’ll need to have basic to intermediate language skills in order to communicate with your host family and children. While the minimum language requirement may vary on location and program, your language skills are one of the main qualifications to become an au pair abroad.
- Valid passport and visa. You can’t travel the world without a valid passport! Make sure your passport is up-to-date and that you’re eligible for a visa in your destination of choice. You won’t need to apply for your visa until you land a position, but it’s important to know you’re eligible before interviewing with families.
- Criminal background check. Most jobs working with children require a clean criminal record, no matter where you are in the world. If you’re thinking of becoming an au pair, you’ll have to pass a criminal background check before applying for au pair jobs.
- Passion for working with children. Of course, au pairing jobs are best for those who love kids. Combine your passions of childcare and travel for the most epic experience!
What should you expect from an au pair's salary?
As an au pair, you can expect your salary to at least cover the basics.
Before exploring how to apply to be an au pair, consider the salary. Unlike many other jobs abroad, an au pair salary can be much lower; however, you’ll have no living expenses and there are plenty of perks!
Au pairs get free room and board—and depending on your host family, you may even find yourself with access to travel allowances, a mobile phone, or perhaps your own car to use in your time off.
Of course, the au pair salary varies between destinations, between host families, and most are dependent on your hours and responsibilities. Some au pairs get paid hourly, while others receive a weekly stipend; some work full-time hours, while others have plenty of free time on their hands.
On average, au pairs can expect to work between 20 to 35 hours each week, and can get paid anywhere from 80€/week in Spain to $250/week in Australia.
When exploring au pair jobs, it’s always important to consider whether the au pair salary matches your expectations and needs. Talk to the family, ask questions about inclusions, and don’t forget that most of your au pair salary will go straight to your pocket.
How to apply to be an au pair
Are you ready to make your working abroad dreams a reality? The process for becoming an au pair is fairly simple, and before you know it, you’ll find yourself hopping on a plane to meet your new host family. Here’s how to become an au pair abroad.
1. Choose your destination.
It’s a good idea to choose a destination where you know the au pair job market is thriving.
Is there a country at the top of your travel bucket list? Or are you happy to spin the globe and see where it takes you? Becoming an au pair is possible in many countries around the world, but it’s always important to consider the visa requirements, your ability to speak the language, and program availability.
Some of the best countries to au pair abroad are Australia, New Zealand, and across Western Europe. Whether you want to spend your free time on white sand beaches, sipping wine straight from the vineyard, or shredding slopes, there are endless options for au pair destinations.
2. Choose your program.
While some travelers opt to find au pair jobs on their own, joining a program can be a safer option—and that’s extremely important when you’re living under someone else’s roof by their rules.
An au pair program will take care of the logistics, match you with a well-suited host family, and provide you with ongoing support throughout your time abroad. Once you’ve chosen your destination, choose a program that can help get you there to make the process easy for you.
3. Submit your application.
You’ve found a program that resonates with you and your goals, so now it’s time to submit your application! That’s the easy part. Fill in your personal details, passport information, and host family preferences, then wait for matches with future hosts around the world.
4. Interview with host families.
Remember to ask the important questions.
The host family interviews are a crucial part of the process of becoming an au pair. While the hosts will want to get to know you, it’s also your opportunity to discover if they are the right fit for you. Don’t be afraid to ask questions like:
- How old are the kids?
- What are the work hours and duties?
- Will you have to cook and clean, or just look after the children?
It’s always a good idea to ask if you can get in touch with the family’s previous au pairs, too, as they can shed helpful insight into what it’s like to live with your prospective families.
5. Say yes!
Once you’re matched with a family, consider if it feels right for you. Are you happy with the salary and responsibilities? Can you imagine living with your new host family in a brand new country? If you’re feeling a full-body yes, then it’s time to accept your position as an au pair abroad!
6. Make your travel arrangements.
Now is the time to work out the nitty gritty details. Consider when you will arrive at your destination, apply for your visa with plenty of time for processing, and double check that your passport is still valid.
Most programs can help you with the finer details, alleviating some of the stress that goes along with making travel plans. Finally, book those flights, and you’ll be on a plane in no time to your new home and an experience of a lifetime.
Talk to our FREE Online Advisor & get matched with 5 au pair jobs abroad
3 au pair programs to get you started
An au pair program can help guide your experience.
While it’s possible to find au pair jobs on your own, a top-notch program can teach you everything you need to know about how to au pair abroad. They’ll be with you every step of the way, taking away the stress, answering your questions, and creating a smooth transition to life overseas. Here are GoAbroad’s top picks for au pair programs abroad.
1. Global Work & Travel: Working Holiday Australia
- Why? This Aussie company began in the founders’ garage and has since grown to one of the best work and travel companies worldwide. Global Work & Travel prides themselves in a vast range of experiences to suit every type of traveler. Their working abroad programs intend for true immersion and offer assistance through every step, from visa applications and flight bookings, to excursions to help you experience local culture and connect with new people.
- Where? Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Italy, New Zealand, USA
2. GeoVisions Foundation: Work as an Au Pair in Australia
- Why? With 15 years of experience, GeoVisions Foundation is an expert in working abroad placements all over the world. This program works with partner agencies in your host country, making it easy to access support both before your departure and on the ground throughout your time abroad. They’ll ensure you are carefully placed with a host family chosen just for you, and they’re available 24 hours a day, seven days a week if you need assistance.
- Where? Australia, China, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, New Zealand, Spain
3. Totalnannies Ltd: Work as an Au Pair or Nanny in Italy
- Why? Unlike many other programs that provide a variety of work placements abroad, Totalnannies Ltd specializes in au pair placements. Working solely with host families and prospective au pairs means his program guarantees high quality service and support. Based in London, Totalnannies Ltd is family-run by multilingual staff. While their most popular placements are in Italy, there are diverse placements available that will suit every traveler interested in becoming an au pair.
- Where? Egypt, Italy, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland, UK
Becoming an au pair abroad is a great way to work and travel!
Who knows where au pairing will take you!
It’s always intimidating when choosing to dive out of your comfort zone and work abroad. Becoming an au pair is one of the best ways to travel the world while gaining work experience, as it gives you the comfort of home no matter how far you travel.
So if you’re a big kid at heart, do your research, pick a high quality program to guide you, and say yes to an incredible travel opportunity that will quench your thirst for adventure.
