Definition "au pair": What is an au pair?
(Also to be found with keywords Au pair and Definition au pair)
An au pair is a young adult aged 18 to 30 who travels to a foreign country for a defined period of time to live with a host family. There are male au pairs as well as female. The au pair supports the host family with childcare and light housework while learning the language of the host country and getting to know its culture.
The au pair is considered as a full member of the family during the temporary period of the au pair stay. As such, he or she helps the family with childcare and can be asked to assume some light household tasks. In return, the host family provides free board and lodging, as well as pocket money. However, the au pair is neither a housekeeper, nor a nanny. Au pairs are unmarried and do not have children of their own.
Benefits for au pairs
- Improvement in language skills
- Getting to know a new culture
- Attendance of a language course
- Finding out about a foreign country
- Personal development
- Acquisition of skills and experience for career development
Benefits for host families
- Support with childcare and light household chores
- More flexibility in everyday family life
- Enrichment for the children
- Better management of hybrid working situations
- Cultural exchange in the family