What should you ask your host family?

Having a video call with possible host families is a good way to get to know them better, which also helps you to choose the perfect match for you. Here are some questions to ask on such a call. 

Getting to know possible host families as well as you can before deciding to start your au pair stay with them is very important. This normally works best with a video call, but a regular phone call is also a good option. Here, both you and the host family have the chance to talk about your expectations for the au pair stay, getting answers to the questions that are most important for you. 

Our list of questions will help you to get ready: 

Questions to ask about their family life:

• How is daily life organised in the family?
• What habits and hobbies do they have？
• What do they do on their weekends?
• What are the children like?
• Do the children have particular hobbies, friends, special characteristics? What kind of meals do they like? What games do they play? Is there anything else that you need to know about the kids?
• What are the parents' job(s) and working schedule?
• When do they usually have their meals and what kind of food do they like?
• Do they follow a special diet? 

A tip from AuPairWorld

Ask the family to prepare a schedule for you (in the case you’ll become their au pair) that will list all the important activities - regular duties, appointments, free time etc.  

Otherwise, they can also fill in the Host Family Handbook.

Questions to ask about the basic conditions of your au pair stay:

• When will you usually be working?
• What tasks and activities will you be responsible for?
• Will you be expected to babysit in the evenings? If so, how often?
• On which days and evenings will you have time off?
• Are you expected to be an experienced driver?
• Will they take you with them on their holidays? If so: what will be your tasks during that time?
• Will you have your own room?
• How much pocket money will you receive each month?
• Have they considered taking out an au pair insurance policy for you?
• When will be the best time for you to attend a language course?
• Will your host family be able to help you find the right language course? And who will pay for it?

A tip from AuPairWorld

You should include all details you agree upon in your au pair contract. This will help you prevent misunderstandings and pave the way for a successful au pair stay

Questions to ask about your future au pair city, region or country

• How far is the nearest city from your host family's home? Can it easily be reached by public transport?
• Who will pay for the transportation ticket?
• Are there other au pairs living close to your host family's home? 

Questions about past au pair experiences

• Am I yours first au pair?
• Why have you decided to host an au pair?
• Have you had a nanny, au pair or babysitter before?
• Are the children used to other childminders apart from the parents?
• If they have had other au pairs, ask for their phone numbers or email addresses to find out more about their stay with this family 

Don’t be shy about asking questions that matter to you 

The first video call with your potential host family is super important, so don’t be shy about asking questions that matter to you. In the end, it’s all about making sure you and the family are a good match, which will help avoiding problems later on. Remember, starting off with clear communication and understanding sets you up for a great time as an au pair!