How to Become an Au Pair
When you become an au pair, you’ll live and work in another country as a member of an international family. You’ll be able to immerse yourself in the local culture, sharpen your language skills and make friends for life.
The first step is to decide where you want to go and find an agency to help you find a family. These agencies will match you with a family, apply for your visa, and provide support during your time abroad.
Know Your Requirements
Whether you’re interested in becoming an au pair or have already decided it’s the right way to live abroad, knowing your requirements and what to expect is essential. By preparing in advance, you can maximize your chances of finding a good match.
As an au pair, you’ll work with a host family and care for their children. You’ll be able to learn about American culture and meet new people.
Find an Agency
Au pairs are international citizens who live and work with a host family to care for their children. They help with childcare, cooking, cleaning, and other household chores.
In return, au pairs receive free board and lodging while learning a new language and culture. They also receive a stipend tied to the minimum wage in their home country.
There are many different au pair agencies in the USA, and finding the right one for you depends on your specific needs and preferences. Some of these options are more cost-effective than others.
Create Your Profile
A well-crafted profile can make all the difference when searching for a job or connecting with new people. A good shape can include details about your education, work history, and social networks.
A great photo can also make you stand out from the crowd. Consider including a recent shot of you in action or an image that captures your personality.
Review your profile periodically to ensure it is current and accurate. Adding a few fun facts about yourself is also a good idea. For instance, is there a particular hobby you’re most passionate about? Or is there something you’re working on that you’d like to share with your potential host family?
Send Your Resume
Before you send your resume to potential host families, it’s essential to understand what you need to include. This will ensure that you are sending your resume in the most effective way possible.
The first thing you should do is identify your skills and qualifications and what your au pair experience has taught you. This will make your resume stand out from the rest.
Send Your Letter of Recommendation
Whether you’re applying as an Au Pair or a Host Family, a letter of recommendation is very important. It provides a Host Family or Au Pair with an insight into your personality and expectations and can help to make the right match for you.
Ideally, your letter should be written by someone who knows you well and can speak to your strengths. This person should be able to explain why you would make an excellent au pair.
Writing a letter of recommendation requires a lot of work and should be done well before the application deadlines. This gives your recommender time to prepare a thoughtful and comprehensive letter that will be an excellent addition to your application.
Apply for a Visa
If you love to travel and want to experience a different culture while helping children, becoming an au pair is an ideal way. Many countries offer a variety of exchange programs that allow you to work as an au pair for up to 9-12 months.
Once you’ve found the right agency or program provider, they will work with you to match you with a family that matches your preferences and qualifications. They’ll also provide support throughout the process.
Meet Your Host Family
As an au pair, you live with your host family for free and help them with childcare. In return, you receive free room and board plus pocket money.
The best way to find a host family is through a program provider or agency. They will match you with families who fit your criteria and offer more support throughout the process.
During your first few days, getting to know your host family and their expectations for you is essential. This will help you communicate effectively and avoid potential issues down the road.
Start Your Adventure
Au pairing is a great way to immerse yourself in a new culture entirely. It also provides a chance to work on your English skills and make friends worldwide.
Finding your perfect host family is one of the essential parts of your au pair adventure. You can find a family on your own or through an agency, but it’s worth taking your time to find the right fit for you!
Before you start applying to families, creating a list of your top priorities is a good idea. This will help you weed out the ones that don’t suit your needs and focus on those that do!
