How an Au Pair Works

Whether you are a professional or just a busy Parent you will welcome an affordable helping hand. An Au pair provides your children with personal care in the familiar environment of your home. Au pairs are available to help with light household duties and hours are flexible to suit each others needs. The following Questions and Answers are designed to give you the Host Family an understanding of how it all works.

What is an Au Pair?

An Au pair is a young person aged between 18 -28, who live with a host Family abroad, for a period of 2 months and up to 2 Year, in order to improve on the English language and to experience new cultures. Families should note that Au Pairs are not trained child minders. It is at the Families own discretion and risk if they leave the Children in the sole care of an Au Pair

Duties?

Helping to take care of Children, dressing, helping with Breakfast, lunches, evening meals, swimming, walking or driving to play school or nursery, Babysitting and etc. Assist with light household duties, dusting, ironing vacuuming, and simple cooking.

Working Hours?

30 hours plus 2 nights baby sitting.

Free Time?

During their free time Au Pair will want to attend Language classes, this is a good way of meeting new Friends and should be encouraged.

Recommended Pocket Money?

Recommended pocket money for an Au Pair is between 75 – 90 Euros paid on a weekly basis.

Accommodation?

An Au pair should have own fully furnished bedroom, access to Bathroom/shower, Tv, Stereo & etc.

Household Rules?

Each household is different. Au pair should be made aware of these upon arrival (phone use, smoking, inviting friends and etc.)

Duties?

Some Au pairs are experienced drivers. However if you require your au pair to drive we suggest you book a few lessons with your local Driving school. Make sure they are covered by your Car Insurance. 

Medical?

Due to International agreement your Au pair can receive Medical and Hospital treatment without charge. Should your Au pair become ill and unable to carry out required duties, you must continue to provide full accommodation until they recover or arrangements are made for return home.

Holidays?

Au pair is entitled to one week Holidays for every six months worked and should be entitled to their pocket money as usual.

Travel? 

Au pair pay for their own travel arrangements. However some families may assist, if stay is longer than six months and Au pair is traveling from Eastern Europe. 

To Succeed?

An Au pair is a Student who wishes to improve on Language and experience new cultures. An Au pair is not a domestic cleaner or full time child minder. You must respect privacy, free time and honor working conditions of your Au Pair. Treat an Au pair as part of Family, invite the Au Pair on Family outings this will encourage good relations between you and your Au Pair. Ensure any problems encountered are dealt with promptly and kindly, they may not realize they have done something wrong. Good relationship is important and rewarding and in many cases may gain a friend for life.

Step by Step process:

Register Family and include Registration Fee. 
Select suitable Au Pair 
Telephone conversation with Au Pair. 
Draft invitation Letter see sample >>>
Summit remaining Placement Fee. 
Arrange to meet Au Pair on arrival. 
Make Au Pair welcome ( Cead mile Failte).Give Au Pair time to adjust. Remember this is a whole new experience and different culture