How to Become an Au Pair in Europe

Love working with kids and want the opportunity to live abroad and travel? Then look no further than an au pair job in Europe! Au pairs are foreign nannies whose main duty is to provide care and language immersion for children in families abroad. In exchange, you’ll receive free meals and housing (you’ll live with your host family!), and a weekly stipend you can either save or use for travel and exploring the local area.

As an au pair in Europe, you’ll create lasting bonds with your host family while immersing yourself in the culture – all with the security of a job and a free place to stay! Learn how to become an au pair in Europe and do something exciting this year.

Tourists flock to Europe for its history, food, and sights to see. But why be a tourist when you can live there?

Here are some of the top reasons for becoming an au pair in Europe:

• Free room & board: A private room and all meals will be provided to au pairs in Europe.
• Pay: With housing and meals included in your contract, generous monthly stipends provide a comfortable lifestyle.
• Managable hours: Thanks to au pair labor laws, your work week will usually be around 30 hours or less in most European countries!
• Visas: Special au pair visas make working in Europe easy, attainable, and legal.
• New experiences: Au pairing in Europe presents a world of opportunities for language learning and cultural immersion.
• Travel: Cheap travel across Europe means au pairs can explore neighboring countries during holidays and time off.

These are just a few of the fabulous benefits you can expect as an au pair in Europe!

Europe is one of the most popular destinations for foreign au pairs. Au pairs enjoy an excellent standard of living, great working conditions, and fair pay for working no more than 30 hours a week. While duties vary by host family, the majority of your hours should be focused on childcare. You may be expected to do some light cooking, cleaning, or laundry for the children but you should not be acting as the family’s maid.

Now that you know the basics, here are some of the top countries for au pairs in Europe.

Source: AuPairWorld

Let’s face it: Europe has almost too many great options to choose from. How do you find the right fit? When picking your destination, consider some of the following points to guide you.

• Language preference: Is there a particular language you’d love to learn? Some countries like Sweden, Belgium, and Spain require au pairs to enroll in language classes. If you’re open to learning any language, this may not be an issue but if you have one you’re learning or would like to improve, it’s a big consideration!
• Desired climate: Do you flourish by the sea or would you rather be somewhere you can hit the slopes year-round? The topography and climate vary widely across Europe, from the warm waters of the Mediterranean to the snow-capped mountains of Switzerland.
• Visa requirements: While Germany and Denmark have designated au pair visas, places like Switzerland and Spain have additional requirements for longer stays if you’re not an EU/EEA citizen. Au pair programs can help guide you through the red tape so they’re often a better choice for countries with trickier requirements.
• Cost of living: Room and board is generally provided by your host family but outside of that, you’re on your own to fund travels, activities, and nights out. If you’re sticking to a tight budget, factor in the country’s cost of living when choosing your destination.
• Health needs: Healthcare in Europe is accessible and high-quality. Depending on the country, your healthcare may be covered by your host family. If you need access to specific medications or treatments, be sure those are available and covered. Vegetarians, vegans, celiacs, or anyone else with special dietary needs should research the local food culture to make sure there are options.
• Cultural fit: Culture can make a big difference in your overall experience. By US standards, some European countries are perceived as more or less friendly than what we’re used to. Remember to avoid judging a country by your social norms and be open to observing the differences neutrally. That said, every country in Europe has distinct cultural offerings by way of music, history, celebrations, food, and philosophy of life. Be open-minded – the fun is uncovering what makes each unique!

Becoming an au pair abroad in Europe is easier than ever. Follow these basic steps to get started.

1. Choose a country: Using the factors we outlined above, you’ll first need to decide on the country that fits your lifestyle and goals.
2. Search for jobs: You can search for jobs independently through an online platform like AuPairWorld or Great Au Pairs, or go through an agency. The perks of using a program provider/agency is that you’ll be supported from start to finish, including the job search, contract, and visa. Programs are available to answer any questions you may have along the way. Best of all, we have a load of great au pair program providers right here on GO!
3. Secure a family: Think about the type of family you’re interested in nannying for including ages and number of children, lifestyle (active, travelers, chill), and location (city vs. rural). Ask and answer questions honestly to make sure the match is right for both you and them.
4. Apply for a visa: Each country has its own rules and procedures for applying for a visa. In some, you may need to enroll in language classes to qualify for a student visa, while in others, you may be able to apply directly for a visa specifically for au pairs.

Starting your au pair journey doesn’t have to be scary! Stay organized and tackle each step as you get to it. If you’re a first-time or nervous traveler, seriously consider working with a program provider to get the support you need!

Even though your experience will be totally unique wherever you go, here are some general pointers that every au pair in Europe should know.

• Bonding with your host family: Suddenly living with strangers might be jarring but there are ways to break the ice. Show them pictures of your family, friends, and hometown, offer to cook a traditional meal, or suggest a game night to get to know each other. Ask them questions about their favorite things or family history. Getting off on the right foot with your family straight away will set you up for a long-lasting bond.
• Making friends: It can feel isolating at first moving to a new country on your own. Luckily, there are tons of ways to connect with other au pairs abroad. Try to connect with others nearby through sites like Facebook or Reddit, join pub crawls or other activities geared toward students, or pursue a sport, art class, or music group.
• Homesickness: It’s not uncommon to have moments or sadness or loneliness while living abroad. There are plenty of ways to cope, though! Cook some comfort food, Facetime with friends or family, or watch a favorite series to lift your spirits.
• Safety: Most of Europe, even the capital cities, is very safe. Like everywhere though, it’s always wise to be aware of your surroundings, keep an eye on your belongings, and meet any new people in busy, populated areas. Share your plans for travel with others. In terms of your host family, if you use an agency/program provider, you can be sure everyone has been properly vetted.

Thinking about your new au pair adventure will only get you so far, so start making moves! Take this new journey step-by-step and watch as it comes together, leading to a life of exciting experiences and countless memories to fill your scrapbook.

Dig in to your au pair research: