Where are your au pairs from?

We are often asked which nationalities au pairs we have on our books. We mostly place au pairs from Western Europe, UK, US and New Zealand. We are very familiar with these nationalities as our agency also has a branch in the UK. We know that their cultures are similar enough to settle quickly in an Australian family. Generally they speak good or excellent English and are well prepared for the au pair experience. Families needing a driver will find that passing a driving test in Europe prepares candidates well for driving in Australia. 

Our agencies overseas are all highly professional and the au pair vetting and preparation is taken very seriously.

We have many German au pairs and we know that they are very reliable, capable and mature and therefor they make good au pairs. Many candidates from Germany come from lovely middle class families where parents understand the value of a year abroad and cultural exchange. They often speak good English and may not need/want to attend language classes. Our German au pair was highly organised, reliable and punctual, a real example for our boys.

Another very popular choice is a French au pair. Families like the idea that a French au pair can teach the children a few words of French through play or can help with French homework. French candidates usually have passed their BAC (Baccalaureat) and have learned English for many years in school with more focus on grammar than on daily conversation. As a result, French au pairs may need a bit more help with the language at the start but they pick it up really quickly as they have studied English for many years. Our French au pair was an amazing cook and loved baking also. Her flair for fashion was even noticed by my boys!

Our Swedish au pairs are usually fluent in English. Their bubbly personalities make for great au pairs and they easily fit in with busy and lively families. They usually make friends quickly and are able to entertain themselves well in their spare time. They do enjoy going out at weekends and it is important to discuss your expectations as part of the house rules.

Our Dutch au pairs also usually speak very good English. Dutch girls are generally well travelled and adapt easily to new situations. They enjoy a challenge and are educated to be quite independent. Being Dutch myself, I always enjoy seeing their keen approach and initiative. Generally Dutch girls are rarely shy and may even come across as a bit ‘direct’, it’s a cultural thing!

Our much loved English au pairs and nannies……… if only we had lots more! Families value native English speaking au pairs and we receive beautiful applications from ‘nannies on a careerbreak’, taking a paycut just to have a chance to experience life in Australia. Many English families hire professional nannies and it is a really respected career in the UK.