We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Home

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

How do I Become an Au Pair?

Nicole Madison
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 5,093
Share

The requirements for a person who wants to become an au pair may vary, depending on whether she chooses to find work through an agency or seek opportunities independently. Generally speaking, an aspiring au pair should be at least 18 years old and have experience working with children. A person who wishes to secure an au pair opportunity may also need a high school diploma, a driver’s license, and a background that is free of criminal activity.

An au pair is an individual who travels to a foreign country to provide live-in childcare for a family. Au pairs care for children in exchange for the chance to live abroad temporarily. Often, au pairs enjoy the chance to learn about a foreign country’s language and culture. Some even have the opportunity to attend college while they’re living abroad.

Au pairs are usually at least 18 and but not older than 26 years old. They are typically required to possess a high school diploma or its equivalent. Some au pairs have already started college when they sign on with a family, but a college education isn’t required. An au pair is usually expected to have a driver’s license, as she may need to apply for an international license in order to drive while abroad.

Typically, an individual needs some experience with children in order to become an au pair; this may include babysitting, working in a childcare center, or assisting with recreational activities at Sunday school. While au pairs need some experience with children, they aren’t expected to be childcare professionals. This means they do not need many years of experience to secure a position. Some agencies do require au pairs to have many hours of experience, however. For example, an agency may require 200 hours of babysitting experience.

Most families and au pair agencies require au pairs to submit to background and criminal record checks. Some agencies may require psychological testing as well. Often, au pairs must have medical examinations and complete health forms prior to traveling to begin a work assignment.

If an individual fits the requirements and wants to become an au pair, she may contact an au pair agency and apply. These agencies screen prospective au pairs and families, matching au pairs with families abroad. Sometimes au pairs choose to contract with families on their own. In such a case, an individual who wants to become an au pair may respond to ads on au pair Web sites and in related publications. There are even some online databases that allow au pairs to post profiles for families to see.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Nicole Madison
By Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison's love for learning inspires her work as a WiseGeek writer, where she focuses on topics like homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. Her passion for knowledge is evident in the well-researched and informative articles she authors. As a mother of four, Nicole balances work with quality family time activities such as reading, camping, and beach trips.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison's love for learning inspires her work as a WiseGeek writer, where she focuses on topics like...
Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/how-do-i-become-an-au-pair.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.