anyone has the experiences of being an au pair?

**smallkallis** · 27-06-2011, 12:54 PM

I want to be an au pair and go to Germany..but now i totally has no idea how should i start.....any suggestions?

**linzi133** · 27-06-2011, 04:46 PM

No idea about Germany....but I was an au pair in the US many many years ago...eeek!! (16 years to be precise!)
I had an amazing time. I went via and agency which I think is a good way to do it as I think you have a little bit of protection I guess

**Heaven Scent** · 27-06-2011, 05:37 PM

I've never been an au pair but have used them - I would suggest for your safety you go through and agency - you need to understand that aupairs cannot be left alone with babies (under 1 I think) you have to be prepared to do housework as well as looking after the children. You are not paid a wage - you are given free accommodation and pocket money in exchange for 25hrs of work (childcare & housework) per week plus two evenings of babysitting - You should aI think 3 nights babysitting and for that you get extra pocket money - You need to find out from your prospective family exactly what they expect you to do before you go I used to have a written time table that I would send to the agency - if you go through an agency and you have difficulties with the a family they will mediate for you and will try to re-locate you if things don't work out - having said that you do have to pay to join the agency but look at the fee as an insurance policy.

**Pixie dust** · 27-06-2011, 05:55 PM

I was an au pair in Denmark many many years ago. It was for the lady who had been an au pair for my college tutor.

I had a great time for the 2 years I was out there. Like others have said you do housework and babysitting and exchange you get food and accommodation I was also was given an amount of money a month.
I soon met other au pairs and had a great social life(many a Sunday morning coming home a 6am) and the family took me on several holidays including Italy. They paid for me to come home once a year.

I am not sure about how you would go about it now but I would recommend it 100%. Having the right family that does not take advantage makes a big difference.

**smallkallis** · 28-06-2011, 07:53 AM

Originally Posted by linzi133

No idea about Germany....but I was an au pair in the US many many years ago...eeek!! (16 years to be precise!)
I had an amazing time. I went via and agency which I think is a good way to do it as I think you have a little bit of protection I guess

Thank u for ur suggestion and i think maybe via an agency could be a better idea..

**smallkallis** · 28-06-2011, 07:57 AM

Originally Posted by Heaven Scent

I've never been an au pair but have used them - I would suggest for your safety you go through and agency - you need to understand that aupairs cannot be left alone with babies (under 1 I think) you have to be prepared to do housework as well as looking after the children. You are not paid a wage - you are given free accommodation and pocket money in exchange for 25hrs of work (childcare & housework) per week plus two evenings of babysitting - You should aI think 3 nights babysitting and for that you get extra pocket money - You need to find out from your prospective family exactly what they expect you to do before you go I used to have a written time table that I would send to the agency - if you go through an agency and you have difficulties with the a family they will mediate for you and will try to re-locate you if things don't work out - having said that you do have to pay to join the agency but look at the fee as an insurance policy.

yeah...totally agree with u, and i am looking for an agncy now! Thanks for the introduction and it really helpful,best regards!

**smallkallis** · 28-06-2011, 08:00 AM

Originally Posted by Pixie dust

I was an au pair in Denmark many many years ago. It was for the lady who had been an au pair for my college tutor.

I had a great time for the 2 years I was out there. Like others have said you do housework and babysitting and exchange you get food and accommodation I was also was given an amount of money a month.
I soon met other au pairs and had a great social life(many a Sunday morning coming home a 6am) and the family took me on several holidays including Italy. They paid for me to come home once a year.

I am not sure about how you would go about it now but I would recommend it 100%. Having the right family that does not take advantage makes a big difference.

i hope someday i could be that lucky join in a nice host family as u... thanks for sharing and appreciate it!

**smallkallis** · 28-06-2011, 10:23 AM

i checked google and found an au pair website they have some useful information for me and i am gona follow this website....thank u all!!

**nicoleon** · 28-06-2011, 12:34 PM

Joining an agency is difinetly the safer way. Saying that though, I came to the UK as an au pair and I worlked for a family I found through au pair world online. II looked after a six months old and a 3 year old from Sunday night to Friday night while the parents worked away. Many parents have different expectations to the 'reccomendations' re hours/pay/otherduties so I would difinetly check with prospective families. Can you speak German at all? (Sorry just nosy, I'm German and wondering why yo are keen to go over there?)