FAQs & INFORMATION
Please find here the information you should read in preparation of your application. There is also an answer to the frequently asked questions. If you cannot find the answer to your question, you can e-mail us on
nicole@smartaupairs.com
OPTIONS FOR AU PAIR VISAS COMING TO AUSTRALIA
For
people from Belgium, Canada, Republic of Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Republic of Ireland, Italy, Japan,
Republic of Korea, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Taiwan and
United Kingdom.
Information for applicants from Bangladesh, Chile, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Thailand, Turkey and the USA on holiday
and work visas in Australia.
If you want to be Au Pair in Australia you will need to qualify for a visa from the above categories. We have partner agencies in many of the above countries to assist with your application. You can only apply to us directly for the Au Pair in Australia program if you are already Australia at time of registration.
Au Pairs travelling to Europe will get detailed information during the au pair briefing and interview. Each country is slightly different and it depends the country, your circumstances and the program you apply for as to what visa may be best for you.
HOW CAN I MEET OTHER
AU PAIRS?
1) The best place to meet other au pairs is
language
classes. If you are not going to language classes because you are a
native
speaker, why not go along to the first lesson or registration at your
local
language school and offer to help other au pairs improve their language
skills!
This is a great way to make friends and do something really
constructive.
2) Join a local Club – anything from (team) sports,
gym,
fitness, running, music, reading, chess, film-club. Ask the host family
to find
out about clubs nearby. Often Clubs run by the local council
(government) are cheaper
than private clubs.
3) If there is a University in the City, there are
usually student
get-togethers and leisure activities.
4) Ask the agency to give you e-mail addresses of
au pairs
nearby and see if any meetings are being organised
5) Register with facebook groups for au pairs
(facebook
groups are also open to others so take care before arranging any meeting
and/or
giving personal information
5) Register with ‘ex-pat’ groups in your area,
other people
who are new to the area are very likely to also be looking to meet other
people
nearby to explore together
6) Sign up for a local excursion, especially
backpackers
daytrips will be certain to be booked by other young people AND it is a
great
way to see more of the country.
7) Volunteer – during your time off, you can get
involved in
volunteering, Google ‘volunteering + your location’ to find out how you
can get
involved, you may be able to help with local events, conservation &
wildlife projects, at the local church or community centre.
8) Ask your host family to introduce
you to au pairs and/or other people of your age in the area
9) In the UK we have a dedicated
website to introduce you to other au pairs
FAMILY VETTING
Our agencies abroad use different methods and many agencies know their
host families from years of au pair placements. Families are generally
interviewed in detail by phone; family, home and work details are checked and in some countries home visits are undertaken.
WHAT WILL MY HOURS BE, AND HOW MUCH CAN I EXPECT TO EARN?
As au pair you take part in a cultural exchange program. You are expected to do 25-30 hours of duties, mostly related to childcare but also some light housework. Pay varies by country but don't forget, you also get all your accommodation and meals!
See country guides for more detail.
WILL I HAVE TO PAY FOR MY FLIGHT?
Au pairs are expected to pay for their own flight to the host family unless specifically agreed otherwise. The host family will collect you from the airport or arrange for collection.
In the Netherlands and Germany, we have a special agreement where you can 'earn back' your flight costs. Ask us for more details.
Why not let our
specialist travel company take care of your flights? Their knowledge is sure to save you money!
TIP: double check your luggage allowance. Excess luggage may cost as much as your ticket.
WILL I BE ABLE TO DRIVE?
If you have a full, clean driving license you should be permitted to drive abroad. We recommend you apply for an International Driving Permit before you travel.
If the family needs you to drive their vehicle, they will arrange appropriate insurance for the car you will be driving. We also ask them to provide you with a couple of lessons and time to practise before you drive on your own or with the children.
Please provide a copy of your license in advance, with your references.
WHAT SHOULD I DO ABOUT INSURANCE?
Before you travel, you must have travel insurance.
Your au pair insurance policy should protect you from costly emergencies, repatriation and legal assistance.
You can buy, extend and claim online even after you've left home.
Recommended by Lonely Planet, World Nomads travel insurance is available to people from over 150 countries and is designed for adventurous travellers with cover for overseas medical, evacuation, baggage and activities such as skiing and snowboarding.
HOW DO I IMPROVE MY CV?
There are several ways of improving your CV. Putting the Au Pair experience on your CV shows that you are independent, mature and capable. It also indicates that you are able to be flexible and work as part of a team. Living abroad makes you more culturally aware and if, at the same time you have improved your language skills, this is another valuable benefit of aupairing!
Other extras that are great on your CV and are easy to achieve as part of your time as an au pair are:
FIRST AID
APPROVED LANGUAGE CLASSES - language skills
ARE THERE ANY WAYS OF EARNING MORE MONEY AS AN AU PAIR?
Please speak to your host family if you would like to earn more. They may be able to help you. On an au pair visa, your options may be limited, on a Working Holiday Visa you are more flexible.
BABYSITTING
Your host family may be able to recommend you to their friends for babysitting. That way you will come recommended and you know you will be safe.
DOG WALKING
If you like fresh air and keeping fit, why not help a busy dog owner by walking their dog(s). It saves you money on gym membership and you meet new people in the park too!
TUTORING
Your
host family may be able to recommend you to their friends for (language) tutoring or help with homework. It is sometimes nice to gain additional exprience from working with children of a different age group to the host family's children.
ANY TIPS ON HOW TO SAVE MONEY?
If you have any tips you want to share with us, please get in touch.
TELEPHONE Download Skype for free now, allowing you to make FREE calls to other Skype users and CHEAP calls to landlines and mobiles abroad. Easy to sign up now!
ANY IDEAS ON ENTERTAINING THE CHILDREN?
Even if you have a lot of experience with children, you sometimes need new ideas.
Check BBC play & do for some great suggestions.
Feel free to let us have your favorite source of new ideas to entertain the children.
I'M UNHAPPY. WHAT CAN I DO?
Even with the best planning and support, occasionally things do not work out and someone is unhappy.
TALK TO YOUR HOST FAMILY FIRST! We always first try to assist to find a solution between the two parties. We can mediate and often an open and frank discussion results in a positive outcome.
However, there are situations where this is not the case. Each situation is different and we will do what we can to support both parties. If appropriate, we find a replacement.
At all times we ask both parties to remain courteous.
The hosting contract states 14 days notice, giving au pair and host family a chance to make alternative arrangements.
HOW WILL I KEEP IN TOUCH WITH MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS?
Although you will be making lots of new friends, it is important to keep in touch with your family and friends back home. Traditionally this has been costly but with technology evolving all the time, you may find that it is much easier now to keep in touch.
If you have broadband at home and at your host family, you can chat online in writing and also speak to them. If you have a webcam, you can even see each other. Before you leave home, talk to your parents and advise them of the options, this way you can share your experience!
WHAT IS THE SMART AU PAIRS CERTIFICATE?
At the end of the au pair stay, our au pairs find that they have gained valuable skills for life.
Employers and Universities really appreciate applicants who have been abroad and our certificate is an ideal way to show them about your achievement.