What is an Au-pair and what are the requirements to become an Au-pair?
An Au-pair, is a young adult aged 18 to 30 who travels to a foreign country for a defined period of time, as part of a cultural exchange program and lives with a host family. There are male Au-pairs as well as female Au-pairs. The Au- pair supports the host family with childcare and light housework while learning the language of the host country and getting to know it’s culture.
The Au- pair is considered as a full member of the family during the temporary period of the Au-pair stay.
Requirements
Applicants age, highly depends on the host countries rules. Germany has a rule of 18-27. Applicant should be no older than 26 at the time of visa application. Countries such as France and Belgium, have an acceptance of up to the age of 30.
Applicant should be single (unmarried) and should have no dependents (children).
Must have a love for children and prior experience with children e,g Babysitting, babysitting for friends or relatives. Or babysitting siblings.
Must be able to commit to a 12 month contract with host family. Unless needed for less months. an extension is possible with the agreement and arrangement with host family.
Must be in good health.
Must not have a criminal record.
Must not be a relative of the host family.
Non EU applicants needs to apply for a visa before journey.
Applicant should be able to provide a language certificate of A1 level at visa application. Language course is at your own cost. We may help you find a school or organization in your area. If you do decide to do the course online. Please book a test appointment at a reputable Language School.
Germany usually only recognizes certificates from the Goethe-Institut, Österreichisches Sprachdiplom Deutsch (ÖSD), and TestDaf (Test of German as a Foreign Language).
Travel costs to host family country is to be covered by Au-pair. Unless host family offers to pay.
It is also advisable to have a return ticket, for the end of the Au-pair contract.
Au- Pair duties for Germany
Light housework e,g cleaning, vacuuming, washing or ironing of children’s clothes.
Making breakfast for kids and preparing light meals.
Looking after the children or child e,g getting them to and from kindergarten or school, bringing them to play dates, bringing them to extra mural activities, playing with them, going for walks e,t,c.
Sometimes you might have to help with the family pet.
Au-Pair working hours and rights
Maximum working hours for an Au-pair in Germany is 6 hours per day. And maximum 30 hours a week. This includes babysitting hours. Should there be any exceeding hours. An agreement between Au-pair and host family has to arranged in advance. and any overtime must be compensated. The Au-pair has to have at least four free evenings a week. And at least one free day a week. This can be any day of the week that the family and Au-pair ave agreed on. And does not have to be a weekend. The Au- pair does however have a right to one free Sunday a month.
Holidays
The Au-pair has four weeks paid holidays. Or 2 days holidays a month, in the period of 12 months. The Au-pair can decide how they want to use their holiday. With the agreement between family and Au-pair. Taking the Au-pair with the family on holiday, does not count as the Au-pairs holiday. Unless the Au-pair will not be working during this time. Or staying with the family. This should however be discussed and agreed upon by both parties, before hand.
Accommodation and Food
The Au-pair must have their own private room in the family home. The room must be at least 9sqm, must have a window, furniture e,g Bed, Desk and Closet. the room must have heating and a lockable door, for the Au-pairs privacy.
Meals must be provided for by the family and shared together. However if the Au-pair would like to eat foods from his/her own country. There should be an allowance for that. As part of a cultural exchange.
Pocket money, language school and transportation
In Germany, the Au-pair receives pocket money from the host family, to the amount of 280 Euros. the host family is also required to pay 70 euros per month, towards the Au-pairs language course. This amount is separate to the pocket money.
Transportation to and from language course
The transportation costs are paid for by the host family. Anything from 50 euros to 100 euros a month. This amount is separate from the pocket money. If family wants Au-pair to drive. the Au-pair has to be in possession of a legal drivers license for the host country. Gas and service care of the car, are to be taken care of by the family.
Insurance
The host family is responsible for the insurance of the Au-pair. The insurance includes; illness, pregnancy, birth of a child or in the case of an accident.
Cancellation of Au-pair contract
The cancellation of a contract has to be an agreed upon 14 days notice. In the case of an unavoidable reason for cancellation. The contract can be cancelled with immediate effect.
Administrative fee:
We do not charge any fees to the Au-pair for our services.
Our services to you as the Au-pair include:
- Sourcing out the perfect host family for you
- Doing safety checks
- Providing you with placement documentation
- Helping you with information on language schools in your country
- Helping with visa issues
- Contacting the foreign offices in the host country
- Matching you with host family
- Conducting interviews with potential host families
- Setting up interviews be tween you and host family
- Staying available to you fro the duration of your stay in the host country as emergency contact
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