FAQs for applicants
Q. Can I be a live-out au pair?
Q. Can I choose which family I go to?
Q. How do I choose my host family?
Q. What duties will I be expected to carry out?
Q What duties are not acceptable for an au pair?
Q. If the children are out during the day time , will I be asked to do more?
Q. What can I do to occupy myself when I am not on duty?
Q. Can I care for babies?
Q. Will I be asked to babysit?
Q. Who pays for my travel costs?
Q. Can I look after an elderly relative?
Q. Will I have my own bedroom?
Q. Will I be asked to drive?
Q. How will I make friends?
Q. Do I need health insurance?
Q. Will the British National Health Service cover my treatment?
Q. What if I am unhappy?
Q. Is there a notice period?
Q. Can I be a live-out au pair?
A. No, this is a Cultural Exchange Programme and as such you will be living with your chosen host family in their home.
Q. Can I choose which family I go to?
A. Wherever you choose to go, you will be given every opportunity to select your own host family.
Q. How do I choose my host family?
A. Generally candidates receive written information on interested host families and then arrangements are made for telephone interviews and exchanges of emails, photos, etc.
Q. What duties will I be expected to carry out?
A. As au pair your duties will be a mixture of childcare and light housework. This can include tidying, washing dishes, preparing simple meals for the children, keeping the kitchen tidy and clean, loading and unloading laundry into the washing machine, ironing for the children, vacuuming, dusting, making and changing childrenÕs beds, cleaning the childrenÕs bathroom, everything to do with keeping your own room clean and tidy, light shopping, pet walking etc.
Q What duties are not acceptable for an au pair?
A. We do not expect au pairs to be asked to do gardening, spring cleaning, window cleaning, cleaning the oven other than simply wiping it out, washing carpets, washing the car, the weekly household shopping, pet training, etc.
Q. If the children are out during the day time , will I be asked to do more?
A. It is essential that the au pair is aware of the normal daily routine before arrival. If there are no children around during the day, the au pair may be quite happy helping with other household tasks.
Q. What can I do to occupy myself when I am not on duty?
A. You may wish to attend a language course at a local college and there are many schools which have classes specially designed for au pairs. Perhaps you will wish to join a sports club, do voluntary work, study or just meet your friends.
Q. Can I care for babies?
A. We do not advise an unqualified au pair to have continuous sole charge of a child under the age of two.
Q. Will I be asked to babysit?
A. Generally au pairs are expected to babysit for two evenings per week. Additional pocket money is normally paid for any additional evenings.
Q. Who pays for my travel costs?
A. Generally it is the au pairÕs responsibility to pay his/her own travel costs to and from the UK unless the family has stated that they are willing to fund this. The host family will collect you from the airport or if that is not possible they will make arrangements for your to be collected.
Q. Can I look after an elderly relative?
A. Most au pairs enjoy looking after children and like to be placed in a family where they can be involved in family life. However, there is always a need for companions for the elderly and you may wish to consider if you would agree to do this.
Q. Will I have my own bedroom?
A. You will certainly have your own private bedroom and will probably share the other facilities of the home with the family. Full board (all meals) are provided.
Q. Will I be asked to drive?
A. You need to consider carefully if you wish to drive abroad. Nowadays many host families require a driver. Wherever you are placed you will need to make sure you fully understand such matters as car insurance and the laws of the road. You will need to provide your driving licence.
Q. How will I make friends?
A. The best place to make friends is at language school. However, you can also join a local Club (swimming, sports, tennis, music, reading É.) and you will be sure to meet people. Your agency will help you with names of other au pairs in the area and you can also register with facebook groups for au pairs (but do take care!). Volunteering is always a good way to meet people and your host family will be sure to know other au pairs nearby. In the UK there is an excellent password protected website specifically for au pairs so you must register on this and your agency will provide you with all the information.
Q. Do I need health insurance?
A. It is advisable for you to obtain health and travel insurance before joining your host family. This will protect you from costly emergencies, repatriation and legal assistance if required. Childcare International will be pleased to provide you with information on insurance cover.
Q. Will the British National Health Service cover my treatment?
A. A European Health Insurance Card entitles you to reduced Ðcost or even free medical treatment if within the EEA countries. This card must be obtained before you travel but it is still advisable to obtain additional insurance. Please view www.ehic.uk.com
Q. What if I am unhappy?
A. Childcare International is Òon handÓ to help solve your problems. Remember that you do need to keep in touch with us and let us know if there are any matters which you are unhappy about. We are here to helpÐ You are important to us and we want you to enjoy your stay and go home with great memories of your time abroad.
Q. Is there a notice period?
A. Both families and au pairs are informed that we require a two week notice period. This normally allows sufficient time for us to find you, the au pair, a new host family and the family to find a new au pair. Flexibility is required at this awkward stage but the situation can be handled well if both parties are reasonable and helpful.