Au Pair Guide

Carmen Kurz

Au Pair Guide

A helpful handbook for your time abroad

With important information, addresses and numerous tips for everyday au pair situations, like dealing with children and common sicknesses, as well as an au pair dictionary

“If you don’t travel,

you won’t see anything.”

John Letiane, Südafrika

First published in English in 2013. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, whether electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording and any information storage or retrieval system, without the written consent of the publisher.

The information contained in this book was carefully researched and reviewed by the author. Nevertheless, contextual and factual errors may still exist. The author assumes no responsibility or liability for any factual or contextual errors contained in this book.

©2013 flyout Publisher House

Lohtorstr. 24, 74072 Heilbronn/Germany

Phone [phone], Fax [phone]

[e-mail]

www.flyout-verlag.de

ISBN 978-3-9814777-1-9

www.au-pair-guide.com

Au Pair Guide App available in the App Store and Google Play Store.

Translated: John Dalbey

Cover design and layout: Kollmar Design

Typeset: Carmen Kurz

Photos: flyOUT archive and Fotolia

Contents

Foreword

Part I

Introduction

Preparing for Your Au Pair Experience

General Requirements

Country-specific Requirements

The Traditional Au Pair Host Countries

Australia

France

Germany

Great Britain

Ireland

New Zealand

Spain

USA

Other Interesting Host Countries

Au Pair or Demi Pair?

The Costs Associated with an Au Pair Program

Pocket Money

Finding a Host Family

Private Placement

Internet Platforms

Agencies

Application Process

Documents

Telephone Interview

To-Do-List

Insurance Abroad

Health Insurance

Accident and Liability Coverage

Departure

Packing Your Bags

Carry-on Luggage

Clothing

Leisure Items

Other Useful Items

Arrival

Important Contact Data

You as Au Pair

What Is Expected of You as an Au Pair

What You Can Expect from Your Host Family

The Tasks of an Au Pair

Childcare

Light Housework

A Typical Day for an Au Pair

Your Host Family

Ethnic Background of the Host Family

Rules and Guidelines in the Host Family

General Rules

Living with the Host Family

Location

Working Hours and Free Time

Language

Language Courses

Food

Religion

Travel & Vacation

Telephon & Internet

Complications

Conflicts with the Host Parents

Conflicts with the Children

Ending the Au Pair Relationship

Think Positively

Culture Shock

Homesickness

When the End Draws Near

One Last Thing

Part II

How to Properly Handle Children

How Children Develop

0–6 Months

6–12 Months

1–2 Years

2–3 Years

3–4 Years

4–5 Years

5–7 Years

What Preferences Do Your Host Family’s Children Have?

Rhymes and Fingerplay

Part III

A Short Introduction on Caring for Sick Children

Fever

Taking a Child’s Temperature

At What Point Should I Call a Doctor?

Measures for Combating a Fever

The Common Cold

Bronchitis

Middle Ear Infection

Gastroenteritis/Diarrhea and Vomiting

Eye Infection/Conjunctivitis

Measles

Mumps

Rubella/German Measles

Head Lice

First Aid for Children

Nosebleeds

Wounds

Blocked Windpipe

Insect Bite or Sting

Burns/Scalds

Bone Fractures

Emergency Numbers for Traditional Au Pair Countries

Hot and Cold Therapy

Heat Applications

Cold Applications

Thanks

Appendix

Au Pair Dictionary

Useful Adresses, Websites and Apps

About the Author

Foreword

Many young people have a desire to see the world after graduating high school. They want to experience something new before beginning their studies at college or starting their career.

As an au pair, you will live and work with a host family, supporting them with childcare and light housework. In return, you will earn some money while receiving free room and board. This provides you with an opportunity to experience another country and meet new people – becoming intimately and authentically familiar with their culture and language. It is a fascinating and exciting time, filled with new experiences and challenges that will give you a new perspective. Your host family is also looking forward to this intercultural exchange, which represents an important aspect of these programs.

During your stay with the host family, there will be some challenging moments. But these can also be very rewarding times if one is able to maintain a good attitude and perspective. This Au Pair Guide aims to help you get off to a good start and adjust to your new surroundings. It is your handbook for this new chapter of your life. Preparation, openness and an understanding for new cultures are the keys to a successful au pair experience.

But what is it like, living with a new family for a year? Or working with children? How does one handle a year without one’s own family and friends? Can anyone apply for these programs? What requirements are there? What about language skills – how important are they? And what are the potential pitfalls?

In part I of the Au Pair Guide, you will find answers to many of these questions and receive a comprehensive overview of life as an au pair. Part II offers helpful information on how children develop and how to care for them. After all, these are the people you will be spending the majority of your time with. An overview of the most common child sicknesses and first aid tips are listed in part III. The detailed appendix also includes an au pair dictionary where you can find the most important terms and phrases in Spanish, French and German as well as a list of helpful web addresses.

Good luck and enjoy the read!

Carmen Kurz

Introduction

“I would love to spend a year in a foreign country, but I don’t have much money!” I hear this all the time from people interested in hearing more about au pair programs. The au pair experience is different from other trips abroad. It is relatively inexpensive as the basic thought behind these programs is a balanced “give and take” approach. The term “au pair” is French for “reciprocity”. The host family that takes you in and welcomes you into their family gives you the opportunity to experience the wonders of a foreign country, integrate into a new culture and make new friends along the way.

It sounds really simple, but leaving family and friends behind and adjusting to a new family marks the beginning of a new chapter in one’s life. If you want to have a successful and enjoyable time abroad, you will need to be ready to try new things, leave familiar things behind and be open to change.

Preparing for Your Au Pair Experience

The preparations for your stay abroad as an au pair begin long before you leave home. It is best to start planning the basics of your trip about a year in advance. This time is used to mentally prepare for the upcoming trip. Think about what language you would like to learn and which countries you are interested in. Gather information on the culture, language, politics and history of your top 3 or so favorite countries. By familiarizing yourself with the history of a country, you will have a much easier time understanding certain traditions and customs. Consider how long you would like your stay to be. The longer your stay, the deeper and more familiar you will become with your host country’s culture, language and overall lifestyle. Generally, an au pair program lasts for at least six months and most last a whole year. In the US, the guidelines are clearly defined and an au pair stay lasts at least 12 months. Other countries allow for shorter stays, such as a few months over the summer, but this depends on the respective country’s entry requirements.

General Requirements

 Single and childless

 At least 18 years old

 Adequate language skills (sometimes only English skills are required – even in countries with different official languages)

 Valid ID and/or passport (validity should extend at least a few months beyond your planned return date)

 Physical and mental fitness

 Childcare experience

 Reliable and responsible character

 Clean criminal record certificate

Message from John:

An Au Pair in Germany

John from South Africa tells of his experience:

I can still remember it like it was yesterday: The dream of travelling to a foreign land. For me it didn’t matter where it was – I just wanted to be out there, exploring the world and seeing how people live on the other side of the earth. The first time I heard about the au pair program in Germany, I jumped at the opportunity. I didn’t even hesitate for a moment. I knew that this was my chance and I dove in head first.

Childcare experience can be gathered through internships at childcare facilities, babysitting work or tutoring as well as assisting or leading at a children’s camp or sports center. This is a very important requirement, as childcare will be among your main tasks as an au pair and should not be overlooked. Your experience will need to be backed up with references. Practical experiences within your own family or references from relatives are generally inadequate.

Country-specific Requirements

Some countries have very specific requirements for au pair programs set by the government. For example, au pairs travelling to Australia or New Zealand need to show proof of sufficient finances for room and board and a return flight when entering the country. This assures the country that it will not have to financially support the incoming traveler. Australia also has a rule that limits an au pair to a maximum of six months per host family. Those wishing to stay longer have to switch to a new host family after six months. The US government stipulates that au pairs can only be placed by approved agencies. Private arrangements are therefore illegal in the US.

Depending on the host country, a visa may be required for entering and working in the country. Visa applications are only approved if one meets the host country’s specific requirements. These can include the applicant’s nationality, age, language skills, financial situation and health. This means that it may not be possible to be an au pair in your country of choice. The entry requirements and work provisions regarding your job as an au pair must be carefully followed. More specific information can be requested from the embassy of the respective country or an experienced au pair agency.

Points to consider: Language, country, length of stay, entry requirements