Many host families who first embark on the journey of hosting au pairs look for an au pair agency local to them as they feel safe and comfortable in the knowledge that there is assistance nearby.

 

Originally, many au pair agencies were run by ‘host mums’ as a hobby. In today’s tougher climates however, it pays to use a professional expert agency with a solid network of partners in Europe to supply vetted candidates and the required support not only prior to departure but also once in your family.

We are a trusted agency with expert knowledge about au pair placements. We are considered the Adelaide specialist eventhough we support au pair placements throughout Australia.

Local au pair agency versus professionalism

Our au pair agency is member of the International Au Pair Agencies Association, IAPA. 

Where is the au pair agency based?

Smartaupairs is based in Adelaide where we run an intensive 3 day inducation program for arriving au pairs.

All au pairs based in South Australia receive this induction program as part of their program and for au pairs being placed in other locations this program is optional and often appreciated. In Adelaide we also have the Adelaide Au Pair Club with lots of outings to connect au pairs with each other and show them the sights at the same time!

 

How about au pair placements in other locations?

We place au pairs all over Australia.

If the candidates are placed in other locations, we still encourage them to make Adelaide their first stop in Australia to join our induction program before they arrive in the host family of their choice.

 

What makes a popular au pair location?

Many au pairs put on their application form that they prefer to be based in Sydney. It is often the only city that they know by name! We recommend they keep an open mind and make 'finding the right family' the priority, rather than being based in Sydney.

Many au pairs travel after the au pair program and then ofcourse Sydney should be on the itinerary.

Au pairs generally prefer to be placed in a location where it is easy for them to meet other young people so that they can speak English all day and make friends outside your family.

For an au pair to be happy, she/he needs to generally have social interaction. If you live in a town/city, walking distance from language schools, parks, beach, cafes etc. your au pair will find it very easy to meet up with other young people, make friends and practise her English skills. If you live in a remote location, please make sure you help your au pair to connect with other young people.

How can your au pair meet others nearby?

In addition to introductions through language classes you may have other clubs or classes nearby. From a library club to tennis club to pottery or dance classes, make sure your au pair has a chance to meet people.

 

Where would we not place an au pair?

We do not place au pairs in remote locations where there is no access at all to other (young) people. Our experience has been that the au pair, even with the best intentions from the host family and the au pair candidate, finds it hard to make the most of their cultural experience, simply as there are no ways of meeting enough other people. We have however been able to place au pair couples successfully with families who live very remotely or sometimes we can place 2 au pairs!