FAQ: Preparing for the au pair stay
Good preparation is the basis for a successful au pair stay – for both au pairs and host families. Here are questions and answers all about getting ready for the au pair experience.
Good preparation is the basis for a successful au pair stay – for both au pairs and host families. Here are questions and answers all about getting ready for the au pair experience.
The more you know in advance about a prospective au pair, the better your decision will be in making a final choice. Use these questions to find out more about au pair candidates you are considering.
We recommend that you have extensive contact with young persons whom you are considering as possible au pairs. Communicating with a video connection via Skype is very helpful. Speak in your own language with the au pair – this way you get a direct impression of their current language skills. Use the questions presented below to be sure to find out everything that is important for your family. And take some time to add questions of your own!
Basic conditions of the au pair placement:
Childcare experience:
Daily routine with children:
Personal questions for the au pair:
If you have pets:
If your au pair needs to enter your country on a visa:
Furthermore, you should provide your au pair with sufficient information on your family and life. Thus, they will understand your daily routine. Here are a few tips on how to do this:
You wish to work as an au pair for a family and wonder how you can be sure if they are the right family for you? Here you will find the most important questions you should ask your host family.
There are many factors to be considered in choosing the right host family. It is important that you get to know them as best you can, and well in advance. The best idea is to communicate via Skype. However, email or telephone conversations are also good options. Introduce yourselves to each other, talk about your expectations and above all, do not hesitate to ask the family everything you wish to know. Below you will find a list of useful questions:
Your daily routine with your host family:
Our tip:
Basic conditions for your au pair stay:
Our tip:
Experiences with au pairs:
You have found your perfect host family in your favourite host country? So now, you can start planning your trip. Here are some useful tips so that you can be best prepared for this exciting adventure!
First, get to know your host family by chatting on the phone or on Skype and do not forget to sign an au pair contract with them. Have you also checked whether you meet all the official requirements of the host country you have chosen? Then, it's time to carefully plan your trip. We have summarised the main aspects you should consider to the following points. The following tips will help you be well prepared:
Your first au pair will soon arrive at your home and you probably wish to be well-prepared. The following information provides some tips.
Being well prepared is the most important thing to ensure your au pair settles in to your home quickly. Here are some tips for what you can do before your au pair arrives:
Premium Members receive the AuPairWorld Family Handbook as a PDF document per email. This document lets families collect all the important information that a new au pair needs to get off to a good start as part of the family team. Families can then print it out so – a useful tool and a great part of your welcome package to your au pair!