Au pair stories & testimonials

An au pair placement is a unique experience for young people from all over the world. The same applies to families who host au pairs from different countries. On this page, au pairs and host families tell us about their unforgettable experiences.

Share your experiences with us – here's how!

 

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Borja with sunset in background
Au pair

Finding the right family in England

UK

A second search made it possible for Borja to find a good host family and he was able to have just the au pair stay he was looking for.

Au-pair Ann in Denmark
Au pair

I appreciate life from a different perspective now

Denmark

Ann moved from Kenya to Copenhage to become an au pair. She struggled at the beginning with some cultural differences, especially the weather.

Au-pair Graham in Spain
Au pair

A day in my life as an au pair

Spain

Graham is a male au pair in Spain. He's recorded a typical day in his au pair life. Watch the video to see how a current au pair stay in Spain looks like!

Amina with her host child
Au pair

Amina's video experience during Covid-19

Australia

Amina has been au pairing in Sydney during the coronavirus pandemic. In her video, she'll explain how her routine changed and how she adapted to it.

Tatiana in Madrid
Au pair

Video: My au pair journey in Madrid

Spain

Tatiana didn't know what to do after high school, so she decided to go abroad as an au pair. She enjoyed her experience as au pair in Madrid (Spain) so much, that she even extended it.

Angela in Germany
Au pair

Video: Angela's au pair experience in Germany

Germany

Angela was an au pair in Hannover last year. She comes from Italy. When she arrived in Germany, she had to change her family, but she didn't give up! Discover her au pair story. 

Gracie in Belgium
Au pair

My summer as au pair in Europe

Belgium

Gracie explains in a video how was her experience as American au pair in Europe: from the search to her final summer au pair experience!

Elli in France
Au pair

Video: Ellie's experience as an au pair in a small town

France

Ellie didn't know what was an au pair and ended up writing a book about her experience as she really enjoyed it. Watch her experience video to find out how it was!

Lydia in Iceland
Au pair

Just go abroad as an au pair!

Iceland

Lydia has recorded her au pair experience in Iceland in a video, where she explains why au pair and why Iceland with tons of tips for you!

Two au pairing friends look at a lake
Au pair

My au pair stay in the time of Brexit

UK

Leonie gives a report on her current gap year as an au pair in England which is going great – despite the ongoing Brexit drama and needing to find a new host family.

Buildings in Valencia
Au pair

The best decision I've ever made

Spain

For Greta, the plan to be an au pair in Spain was the best decision she has ever made. In her report she explains why she enjoyed her time with the host family in Burriana, near Castellón.

Ana on the beach with sunglasses with her host child
Au pair

Each day was special with my host kid

UK

Ana, who comes from Brazil, was an au pair in England in 2014. For her it was one of the most exciting and wonderful experiences of her life!

Ana together with her host child in London
Au pair

It is an experience I will never forget

UK

Ana had never left her home for more than 15 days and she landed as an au pair in London, just to have the best host family ever.

Au pair got the son of Khaled in her arms
Family

We became a big family

Khaled and his family have already had many au pairs and they have stayed in contact with all of them.

Justine with her 2 little host kids
Family

The beginning of an amazing relationship

Canada

Host mum Stephanie wrote us just a few words about the first time she had an au pair in Canada.

Jana sitting on the cliffs next to the ocean.
Au pair

Jana's great year out in Ireland

Ireland

Originally, Jana had not intended becoming an au pair in Ireland. It happened quite spontaneously.

Alex playing with her host child on the tablet.
Family

Hosting our au pair, it felt like expanding our family!

Canada

For host mother Amanda and her family the time with their au pair Alex and her boyfriend was a valuable experience.

Niamh, her host parents and one kid in the night
Au pair

I can honestly say I had a great experience

Spain

Niamh was an au pair in Spain and had a very close bond with her hostkids. She doesn't regret her stay at all, also because her host parents supported her always.

Dublin bei Nacht, Hochhäuser spiegeln sich im Wasser
Au pair

Ellen's experience and tips in Dublin

Ireland

Our editor Ellen was au pair in Dublin (Ireland) for 6 months last year and she wrote a blog and recorded videos documenting her experience. Take a look at them!

Giorgias host family in an event
Au pair

Being an au pair has completely changed my life!

Spain

After her experience as an au pair in Spain, Georgia can say that the time with her host family was great and being an au-pair in Tenerife has completely changed her life!

Linda in Dublin
Au pair

My Irish adventure – au pair experience from Dublin

Ireland

Linda from the Netherlands surely had the time of her life in beautiful Ireland. Read more about her personal au pair experience in Dublin.

Claire and her host child wearing masks
Au pair

Thank you for this great opportunity!

UK

Claire from France decided to become an au pair in London. She had a great time and later started working as a manager for a tourism company. Now she is packing her bags for Melbourne. 

Christin in front of a cathedral in London
Au pair

My second family was my au pair dream

UK

Ever since grade six I had wanted to go abroad after school. After a short trip to England's capital I was hooked and knew for sure: I was going to spend my time abroad as an au pair in London!

Gina's host child and dog
Au pair

I became part of a Chinese family

Unfortunately, Gina had to split with her first host family in China. However, she soon found a new family she fell in love with. Read below how she found a great friend in her host child.

Giulia together with her daughter and her au pair at the beach
Family

I had such a great time with Molly, my au pair!

Italy

Host mum Giulia from Italy simply loved her au pair from the very first moment.

Greg's children with their au pair at the beach
Family

Getting an au pair changed our lives

Ireland

Host dad Greg from Dublin never regretted having embarked on the au pair adventure. Read why!

Ita's host children
Au pair

From the very first moment I had fallen in love with the island

Spain

Au pair Ita had a great time as an au pair on the Canarian island of Lanzarote, where she felt "adopted" by the family and even learnt how to surf.

Michelle skiing in the Alps
Au pair

Going to France as an au pair literally changed my life

France

Michelle from UK came as an au pair to France, in particular to Annecy. She was unable to hold a conversation when she arrived.

Riverside of River Lune near Lancaster.
Au pair

I wish to stay longer than originally intended

UK

After not having a good start with a family in Ireland, Sarah reacted bravely. She reactivated her profile and started to search for a new host family in the UK.

Foggy hills in Ireland
Family

The au pair experience really opens your eyes to other cultures

Ireland

Jenny from Ireland and her family had their first au pair experience with an au pair from Sweden. "We truly cannot wait for our next big sister to join our family!"

Blue water at the Spanish coast.
Family

My children now have a British sister

Spain

Host mum Rosa from Spain sent us this experience report about the family's positive time with their summer au pair. 

Vendy with her two host children
Family

The kids love her to bit

UK

Host mum Peace from Scotland would not want to miss her unforgettable au pair experience for the world. With Vendy from the Czech Republic she found a helping hand.

Lake Geneva near Geneva, Switzerland
Au pair

I feel stronger now and am more prepared for challenges

Switzerland

Why can it be hard at the beginning of an au pair experience? Because some have to battle with homesickness. Here are some tips on how to get over this. 

Helen with her host child
Au pair

I felt like the family were my own

Spain

Helen, 22, moved from London to Málaga to work as an au pair in Spain during the summer.

Kristina and her host children within a fake framework
Au pair

Living with 12 kids never gets boring

USA

Why Kristinas au pair experience is really unique? Because she came as au pair in the USA, specifically in Ohio, into a host family with 12 children.

Gaileen with her host children
Family

Elisa provided us with the certainty of knowing that our kids were tenderly cared for

Canada

Hostmum Gaileen from Canada writes her story on hosting an au pair for the first time in their house in British Columbia.

The ocean at the cliffs of Ireland
Au pair

I felt like another daughter with the second family

Ireland

Laura from Spain was au pair in Ireland. As she noticed that her first family was not the right one for her, she stayed at friends' and looked for a new one.

Iris with her host child (covered)
Au pair

I am extremely glad to continue with this experience

UK

Although my experience didn't have a good start, I am extremely glad to continue with it. I'd recommend anyone who wants to go abroad and likes children to grasp such an awesome opportunity!  

Catherine's riding a horse
Au pair

I would recommend it!

Germany

Au pair Catherine spent time in Münster, Germany. She went for a short-term au pair stay, but even though, she had a great experience with her host family.

The White House in Washington from above
Au pair

Video: everyday life as an au pair in the USA

USA

Julien, male au pair in the USA, has made his very own video about his daily au pair routine. Enjoy watching!

Weg ans Meer unter blauem Himmel
Au pair

Giorgia's bad experience and our tips to avoid such situations

Netherlands

Giorgia went as an au pair to the Netherlands. When skyping her host family, she felt really positive about the au pair stay.

Beata and Gareth
Family

We found a good friend and basically a new family member

UK

Host family Beata and Gareth from the UK were very excited to welcome Theresa from Austria, their first au pair, in their family.  

Celeste with her host child and a dog
Au pair

Meeting new people and learning independence

Austria

Celeste from Mexico had a great experience as an au pair in Austria. She learnt German, met Au pairs from all over the world and travelled a lot.

Leonie with her kiwi host family
Au pair

Travelling to New Zealand was the best decision I could take

New Zealand

After a first au pair experience in Spain, Leonie decided to go to New Zealand, which was the best decision she could take in her own words. Discover why.

Leonie and her host children making picnic
Au pair

Become an au pair to get to know a foreign country!

Spain

At the age of 13, Leonie from Germany heard for the first time of the possibility of travelling abroad to become an au pair.

Helen with her host child in a costume
Au pair

I found a second family in Spain

Spain

Helen, au pair from Scotland, wanted to improve her Spanish. She found a host family with seven children in Spain.

London Palace of Westminster
Family

I am looking for another wonderful au pair

UK

Claire from the United Kingdom decided to have an au pair when her third baby was born.

Lisa with her 3 host children
Family

Lisa became our friend, sister and daughter

Ireland

Host mum Dolores from Ireland was excited to meet Lisa, her second au pair. First there were difficulties in communication.

Eva's au pair with her host children in Spain
Family

Our first au pair – a story of success

Spain

Host mum Eva from Spain searched for her first au pair through AuPairWorld. The family chose Iga, a Polish girl. It was a great experience for both parties!

Nikola and her 4 au pair kids
Au pair

Ireland is one of the greatest places ever

Ireland

Nikola from Slovakia went to Ireland as an au pair and looked after four kids. Her family lived in a small town and it  turned out to be a really fun experience.

Dublin a bridge over a river.
Au pair

My host family was gorgeous

Ireland

Miriam from Australia chose Ireland as to become a summer au pair. She never regretted her choice and even found herself a second family there.

A castle situated besides a river, at the foot of a hill, somewhere in Ireland.
Au pair

Being an au pair is a real human experience

Ireland

Pauline from France really she wants to be a nanny. She was au pair three times already in three different countries for a short term.

Caroline with her husband and their little boy
Family

Hosting an au pair is a wonderful experience

Canada

Caroline from Canada was planning to return to work full time. Therefore, she needed someone to look after her children on a full time basis. Her friends praised and recommended AuPairWorld.

Anastasia in Rome
Au pair

If you have a dream, go for it!

Netherlands

Anastasia from Russia always wanted to go to the Netherlands. Her family insisted that she needed a proper job, but she followed her dreams and finally found a perfect host family.

Fiona's children are laughing all the time
Family

Communicate clearly what you expect

Australia

Fiona from Australia has three children. She stays in touch with her au pairs.

Siska with her host children
Au pair

I've never enjoyed my life the way I did in France

France

Indonesian Au pair Siska spent an unforgettable year in Caen, France. It allowed her to improve her language skills so much, that she's now making a career out of it.

Chelsea on a cliff in Ireland
Au pair

I loved almost everything about being an au pair

Ireland

Chelsea from Florida decided to become an au pair in Ireland as she'd never been outside of the U.S. before: a rewarding experience!

Karen and her family on a playground
Family

We keep in touch with all of our au pairs

UK

Karen from the United Kingdom has two little children. She wishes to go to college. As her husband is working and travels a lot, the family need some help at home.

Kim, her husband and their 2 children
Family

We hope our next au pair experience will be as great as our first was!

Canada

Host mum Kim from Canada had a great experience with her first au pair Mia. The kids miss her a lot.

Host dad Angus
Family

Dad with five kids needs help!

UK

Host dad Angus lives in the UK countryside with his wife and five children: “No one wanted to be our au pair.” After this experience he was happy to discover AuPairWorld and could not resist the te

Tiinas's children are building a snowman with their Spanish au pair.
Family

Our children fell in love with her immediately

Finland

Host mom Tiina from Finland is utterly enthusiastic about her Spanish au pair girl. The children loved her from the very start. It was a genuine cultural exchange.

Ursula in the train
Au pair

The first time ever I saw and felt snow!

Netherlands

Read the interview with au pair Ursula from South Africa telling her wonderful experience as an au pair in the Netherlands. Altough the preparation is exhaustive, it is worth the bother!

The German Bundestag in Berlin
Au pair

Now I'm fluent in German!

Germany

Au pair Hellen from Kenya showed great courage and a big heart. When she arrived in Germany, her host country, she had to wait for her second chance to find the right host family.

An ox on a meadow
Family

Enjoy the time with your au pair!

UK

Host mum Kate from Scotland appreciates all of her au pairs who came from different countries.

Alicia in front of an Irish flag
Au pair

I ended up staying two and a half years in Dublin

Ireland

Ana Alicia couldn't find a job in Spain. She then decided to go to Ireland as an au pair.

Michael, his wife and their kids
Family

Looking for our 6th au pair through AuPairWorld

Ireland

Five au pairs, most of whom stayed longer than planned. This host family from Ireland and their five au pairs still remain in close contact.

Abraham und seine Familie sitzen sich gegenüber
Family

We all went to Annas wedding party

Like a fairy tale, but in real life: A host family in Mexico invited a German au pair. She had to look after their 9 children.

City centre of Munich with a fountain on a sunny day
Au pair

My most exciting experience so far!

Germany

Barbara finished her studies in the USA. After having spent months on her job search, her sister inspired her to go to Europe as an au pair. What a great idea!

Chiara's au pair with an Irish flag
Family

Help your au pair settle in

Ireland

Host mum Ciara from Ireland has three boys. Her family has been hosting au pairs for the past five years. Therefore, Ciara can provide some useful tips to au pairs and host families. 

Red architecture in Birmingham
Au pair

It is one of the best experiences life gave to me so far

UK

Maria from Valencia (Spain) went to the UK for five months to work as an au pair. She had a great time with her host family near Birmingham

London Tower Bridge in blue and orange light.
Family

I wholeheartedly recommend au pairs to anyone

UK

After their second child was born, Alexandra from the United Kingdom and her family decided to hire an au pair. They have had two of them so far and are very happy about their experience.

Cathedral of Milan
Family

We are looking for our fourth au pair

Italy

Host mum Anna and her husband are Italian. However, they spent several years abroad. Back in Italy (Milan), they wished that their three children get in contact with different cultures.

Alice doing some gardening
Au pair

I would have stayed for a year!

Germany

In the summer of 2007, Alice from England spent two months as an au pair in Germany in Rotenburg an der Fulda.

Josefin with her host children
Au pair

Being an au pair is the best thing I've ever done in my life

Spain

Josefin travelled from Sweden to Valencia (Spain) to work there as a summer au pair.

Tatiana with 3 au pair kids
Au pair

It's been the most amazing thing that has ever happened to me

USA

Tatiana from Russia spent two years as an au pair in New Jersey, USA. Her experience proved to be great: she became more confident and she even started thinking in English!

Rita in front of a church
Au pair

Rita explored Belgium and Europe as an au pair

Belgium

Rita travelled from Brazil to Belgium to become an au pair. She had an amazing experience with her host family, learning French and discovering the Belgian traditions.

Huizi running through flower nurseries
Au pair

I will keep my host family in mind forever

Netherlands

Huizi from Wuhan (China) worked as an au pair in the Netherlands. From the moment of her arrival, she loved the big seven-member family.

Marina and her host kids on a playground
Au pair

The time as an au pair changed my life

Germany

In addition to English and French, Marina wished to learn a new foreign language. She decided to become an au pair in Germany – a tricky objective involving certain obstacles.

Karine's children and their au pair on a trampoline
Family

They have all enriched our family

UK

Host mum Karine from England had two au pairs so far. To her, they have been much more than just a helping hand with her children and housework.