A summer au pair stay gives you the chance to live with a host family, improve your language skills and experience another culture from the inside. Discover why many young people choose to spend their summer as an au pair instead of taking a traditional summer job at home.
What if your summer could be more than just another temporary job?
Instead of spending your holidays in the same place you've always lived, you could be exploring a new country, improving your language skills and becoming part of a local family abroad.
That's what makes a summer au pair stay different.
Most travellers only experience the highlights. They visit the landmarks, take the photos and head home.
As a summer au pair, you get to experience everyday life in your destination country.
You'll celebrate local traditions, discover hidden neighbourhood favourites and see what life is really like beyond the tourist attractions. Many au pairs say this is one of the most rewarding parts of their stay.
One of the biggest advantages of becoming a summer au pair is flexibility.
Not everyone is ready to spend six months or a year abroad. A summer au pair stay allows you to experience life in another country during your holidays without committing to a long-term placement.
It can be the perfect option if you:
Practise every day with your host family instead of only learning from books or apps. Daily conversations help you build confidence naturally and improve your communication skills.
Accommodation and meals are typically provided by your host family, making a summer au pair stay one of the most affordable ways to experience life abroad.
Living abroad demonstrates independence, adaptability and intercultural awareness — qualities valued by universities and employers alike.
Many au pairs return home with more than new language skills. They build friendships, become close to their host families and create memories that stay with them long after summer ends.
Still wondering what a summer au pair stay is really like?
Read how Jackie spent her summer in Spain, became part of a host family and experienced everyday life in a new country. Her story offers a glimpse into what your own summer abroad could look like.
You might enjoy being a summer au pair if you:
Dreaming of Spain, France, Italy or somewhere completely different?
Use our Country Check to get a quick overview of where you could become an au pair. Then explore our country guides to learn more about specific requirements, visa rules and what to expect in each destination.
Not sure where to start? Our Summer Au Pair Guide also includes an overview of popular destinations and countries where families are especially interested in finding summer au pairs.
Country Check
Summer au pair guide
Whether you're looking for adventure, language learning or your first experience living abroad, a summer au pair stay could be the start of something unforgettable.
Create your free profile, connect with host families around the world and start planning your summer abroad.
Compare au pair programmes in different countries and find information about requirements, visa rules and what to expect in your chosen destination.
Discover helpful offers for au pairs, including discounts on language learning, eSIM products and au pair insurance offers for your stay abroad.