What Do You Like About Being An Au Pair?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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During an au pair

stay you live in another country and have the chance to do lots of travelling there

. You learn the language more or less automatically in everyday life, and if you want you can certainly take a language course, too. And really getting to know another culture is definitely part of the deal, too.

Is au pairing a good idea?

Hosting an

Au Pair is a great idea

, especially if you need flexibility, have at least one child, care about your money, and are concerned with preparing your child for a global society. Your family should consider hosting an Au Pair, depending on your individual needs and expectations.

What’s it like being an au pair?

Au Pair is a cultural exchange that helps you discover another culture while living with a Host Family. As an Au Pair you will get

a room, regular meals and a certain amount of pocket money

in exchange for help with childcare and some light housework.

Does an au pair have to live with you?

Au

pairs must live with the host family during their time

in the U.S. Some host families have separate guest housing on their property, and in most cases this is an appropriate solution, provided the au pair has full access to the host family’s main house at all times and is invited to join them in daily activities …

What are the disadvantages of being an au pair?

having another person in your home means you’ll

have less privacy

. as au pairs are typically younger, they may not have extensive childcare experience. their younger age may result in some behaviour issues, such as staying out late.

Do au pairs clean?

As an adult member of your household, your

au pair can be expected to clean up after themselves

. Au pairs can: Wash or load dishes that only they’ve used. Keep their bedroom tidy.

Is an au pair cheaper than a nanny?


An Au Pair costs an average of $8.32 an hour

, far below the cost of a nanny. It’s literally that simple. First the stipend is paid weekly to your Au Pair, and starts at a minimum of $195.75.

How long do au pairs stay?

How long can an au pair stay in the United States? Au pairs initially come to the U.S. on a

12-month J-1 au pair visa and can extend for an additional 6, 9 or 12-months

, allowing a family to benefit from up to two years of live-in childcare from the same au pair.

What happens if an au pair gets pregnant in the US?

2 Do NOT get Pregnant while you on the Au Pair program-If an au pair becomes pregnant while on the program,

she will immediately be sent home

.

How many kids can an au pair care for?

Au pairs are required to reside with and provide childcare for only

one family

during their program term.

Do au pairs get sick days?

Sick time is very subjective and changes for every situation so we really can’t provide written documentation in that regard, especially because this is not a work program and

au pairs are not given “sick time”

as a normal employee would.

What is the salary of an au pair?

Au pairs are entitled to receive the national minimum wage, which amounts to

$18.29 per hour (gross)

. The average cost of “room and board” (AUD $350) is to be deducted from the total. On this basis, we can recommend an amount of 200-250 AUD for 30 hours/week.

What are the pros and cons of being an au pair?

  • Pro # 1: flexibility. …
  • Pro # 2: competitive cost. …
  • Pro # 3: trust. …
  • Pro # 4: cultural exchange. …
  • Con #1: loss of privacy. …
  • Con #2: longer adjustment period. …
  • Con #3: bigger emotional investment. …
  • Con #4: communication hurdles.

Why you should become an au pair?

Au Pair in America is a

meaningful way to care for children and share experiences

, bringing together so many opportunities into one incredible experience. When you are an au pair you become an extended part of a new family, sharing your culture and combining childcare with a year of adventure, study and travel.

Can au pairs cook for the family?


Yes, au pairs can cook

. However, this is not their primary focus. They’re there to provide child care, not to be a cook. An au pair is not a servant or an employee who is there to complete whatever tasks you lay out.

Do au pairs get paid vacation?

Au Pairs get

2 weeks paid vacation

(14 days Monday through Sunday – not 14 weekdays) and 1 1/2 consecutive days off per week. One full weekend off per month is also a requirement. Vacation time should be taken as mutually agreed upon time.

Maria LaPaige
Author
Maria LaPaige
Maria is a parenting expert and mother of three. She has written several books on parenting and child development, and has been featured in various parenting magazines. Maria's practical approach to family life has helped many parents navigate the ups and downs of raising children.