Europe

All overseas placements are arranged in conjunction with our partner agencies abroad and prospective host families are carefully screened.

We co-operate with excellent partner agencies in Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Spain, Switzerland and The Netherlands, who take care of our applicants in Europe.

In whichever country you are placed, our local partner agency will be on hand to welcome you and assist with every aspect of your stay. Please note there are no agency fees payable for you to apply through Childcare International's European Au Pair Programme.

Au Pair positions worldwide all conform to the guidelines of this Cultural Exchange Programme. In exchange for duties of light housework and childcare (about 30 - 35 hours a week) a host family welcomes you to their home where you will live for the duration of your stay. You will be provided with full board, your own private bedroom, plenty of free time for study and for attending language school.

It is an amazing opportunity to really live life to the full in a safe and secure family background. What a great way to learn a language!

Families who require an Au Pair generally need help with child care and also part-time help in the home. Your duties may include cleaning, ironing, washing-up at mealtimes and helping with the children. Some babysitting will also be required, by arrangement.

Many European families like to employ a British Au Pair so that their children become familiar at an early age with the English language. However, if it is your aim to continue your studies of your chosen European language, this is the ideal way to do so. Great care is taken in the matching of applicants and host families. Full information on any interested host family will be forwarded on to you before any agreement is reached and there will be plenty of opportunity for you to speak with and e-mail any family before finalising your choice.

Length of Stay:
A stay of between 6 and 12 months is of the greatest benefit and this gives continuity to the family.

Summer Au Pair positions:
We are able to offer some short stay positions for 2 - 3 months during the summer. These placements are in great demand, so please apply early!

Travel expenses:
An Au Pair pays for his/her own return ticket.

A ticket must not be booked until a host family is confirmed in writing by ourselves.

Language courses:
The family and/or the Agency will have details of local language schools. The tuition fee must be paid by the student.

Visas:
For applicants holding passports from non-EU countries please check visa requirements with the appropriate consulate.

Police Check / Subject Access Certificate:
You will be required to provide a Police Check when submitting your application. Please view the website of the Metropolitan Police for full information: www.met.police.uk

Insurance:
A European Health Insurance Card entitles you to reduced cost or even free medical treatment if within the EEA countries. This card must be obtained before you travel, please view: www.ehic.uk.com It is also advisable for you to obtain extra 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.

Application Forms:
In order to ensure a successful placement it is our policy to ask you to complete our Application Forms in detail so that your host family is fully aware of your credentials.

Please complete the brief contact form below so that we can send you an application pack. Remember to state the country of your choice.

The Application Pack will require you to provide the following information:

Completed application form
A minimum of 2 childcare references
A minimum of 2 character references
A passport sized photo and a collage of you, your family and possibly any children you have cared for.
A note from your doctor stating that you are fit and able to work as au pair abroad
A "Dear Family" letter written if possible in the language of your chosen country
A Subject Access Certificate
A signed copy of our Au Pair Agreement Please complete the Applicant Contact Form so that an information pack can be sent to you.