An au pair is in charge of taking care of the children and lives within the home of the family. The au pair is provided accommodation and meals and a stipend of spending money. The family gains a loving caretaker for their children and an addition to the family. Expats have both found work, and employed, au pairs.
What the au pair Must Know
- Be conversant in English/German
- Be between 18-27 years old
- Have a High School diploma or equivalent
- Be able to commit to at least a 6 month placement
- Have at least 6 months child care experience
- Be able to provide 3 references regarding your experience and character
- Be in good physical and mental condition as evidenced by a Physician's Report. Agree to a background check.
What the family has to do
- The au pair must have her own bedroom.
- The au pair will work to a maximum of 40 hours per week with a minimum 2 days off during the week.
- They understand that having an au pair does not mean having a servant. Au pairs may be asked to do some housework as agreed upon in the contract.
- It may be of benefit to register the au pair at the family doctor.
- The family should pay an allowance. The amount should be written into the contract.
Another excellent place to look is in expat forums. Here, other expats can give advice on the services they use and what to look for.
Visa
If hired through an agency, the agency usually guides the au pair through the process. For more information on visa, consult the section on Passport and visas.
Update 6/06/2011
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