What does it mean to be an “Au-pair”

An Au-pair is a young girl or boy between 18 and 24 years of age, who has a working relationship with a host family. This relationship should benefit both sides - the Au-pair and the host family. The Au-pair from abroad helps her host family with childcare and light cleaning and in exchange the host family provides a home for the Au-pair.

Big advantages are:
   - Au-pair has a place to stay while living abroad
   - Food is provided
   - Au-pair regularly receives an established amount of pocket money

An Au-pair is able to improve her foreign language ability while living abroad and work hours per week are limited to ensure plenty of free time. The Au-pair is treated respectfully “as a member of the family.”