Au Pair Gap Year Programs

Cultural immersion: Live with a local family, experiencing traditions and daily life firsthand.
Language development: Improve language skills naturally through daily interactions.
Relationship building: Form close bonds with your host family and their children.
Cost-effective travel: Save on accommodation and meals, as they’re typically covered by the host family.

Things to Know

Before beginning your au pair journey, consider these key points to ensure a successful experience:

Working hours: Most au pair roles require 20–30 hours of childcare per week, plus light household tasks.
Living arrangements: Au pairs live with their host families, so expect a close-knit environment.
Stipend: Host families provide a modest allowance; the amount varies by country.
Language skills: Some programs require basic language skills, while others offer language classes.

Popular Providers

Frequently Asked Questions

The au pair gap year is an opportunity to combine the love for travel with working in childcare in a foreign country. It entails living with a host family, caring for their children, and immersing oneself in the daily life and culture of the host country while gaining work experience and financial security.

The Career Benefits of Being an Au Pair

Choose a destination that matches your choices and skills, and then look for a program provider to help you through the application process. Comply with the requirements and apply through the agency or program. Once you've been matched with a host family, complete the required visa and travel arrangements, and get ready for your au pair duties and cultural exchange experience.

How to Become an Au Pair Abroad

Top destinations include France, which offers high compensation, reasonable work hours, and au pair visas for non-EU nationals. You can immerse yourself in a multicultural society and enjoy French culture, from craft brews to art. Also, New Zealand is ideal for those concerned about language barriers. Communication is easy and allows you to focus on cultural differences and build lasting connections with your host family.

Au pairs may or may not be subject to the 2-year rule, which applies to some J-1 visa categories in the U.S. Whether it applies depends on individual circumstances and the specific J-1 program. Au pairs should check their visa status and consult their program sponsor for guidance on this rule.

While au pairs have numerous advantages, their roles can have restrictions. Au pairs usually aren't allowed to work more than the agreed-upon hours, to work for multiple families without legal authorization, to violate the terms of their visa or contract, or to overstay their visa in the host nation.

9 Pros and Cons of Being an Au Pair

Latest Program Reviews

I had the time of my life!

September 29, 2025by: Elizabeth Fenwick - United KingdomProgram: Global Youth: Au Pair Program in China

10

I spent 1 month in Hangzhou, China as an au pair. It was a wonderful experience and this agency and Mars helped me from the start until the end. It was a life changing experience getting to experience the life in China from the perspective of a native. Getting to teach English was a rewarding experience as it also showed me what I needed to improve on as well. I would recommend this agency as they were so lovely to me the entire time, for instance from helping me set up mobile apps to the visa application.

I have a woderful adventure

June 13, 2025by: Kristine Duda - Czech RepublicProgram: Cultural Homestay: English Tutoring with Chinese Host Family

9

I found a wonderful family, and have a free adventure in the acient China! they help with every step, the visa, flying tickets, oreitation, surviving training, airport pickup, everything is clear, and the guys are all kind, truely trustable. I enjoyed the life there.

I had the time of my life!

September 29, 2025by: Elizabeth Fenwick - United KingdomProgram: Global Youth: Au Pair Program in China

10

I spent 1 month in Hangzhou, China as an au pair. It was a wonderful experience and this agency and Mars helped me from the start until the end. It was a life changing experience getting to experience the life in China from the perspective of a native. Getting to teach English was a rewarding experience as it also showed me what I needed to improve on as well. I would recommend this agency as they were so lovely to me the entire time, for instance from helping me set up mobile apps to the visa application.

I have a woderful adventure

June 13, 2025by: Kristine Duda - Czech RepublicProgram: Cultural Homestay: English Tutoring with Chinese Host Family

9

I found a wonderful family, and have a free adventure in the acient China! they help with every step, the visa, flying tickets, oreitation, surviving training, airport pickup, everything is clear, and the guys are all kind, truely trustable. I enjoyed the life there.