A Complete Guide to Au Pairing Abroad

A recent Q&A with an expert sheds light on the experience of working as an au pair. Are you contemplating a gap year? Whether you’ve just completed high school and need a break to figure out your next steps or you’ve been in the workforce and seek a change, becoming an au pair abroad could be a rewarding choice. It’s essential, however, to genuinely enjoy working with children and possess the patience necessary for childcare roles.

Marc Whitmill, General Manager of YDP (Youth Discovery Programmes)—an organization dedicated to helping young people enrich their lives through international work and travel experiences—advises, “The best way to start is by consulting a reputable agency that can assist with your placement. Be cautious of unreliable companies looking to profit quickly.”

“A trustworthy agency will first conduct an interview to assess your skills and understand what you want in an employer before suggesting suitable placements,” he adds. “Ensure that the agency you choose is a member of the WYSE Travel Confederation, the largest and most prestigious global organization for international youth travel.”

“It’s crucial to know what your placement fee covers before committing. Most importantly, ensure that your agency collaborates with a reliable American partner that can provide 24/7 support. An au pair gap year can be a wonderfully enriching experience when approached correctly,” Marc continues.

We caught up with Marc, a leading authority in the field who has organized around 300 au pair placements annually, to discuss this exciting gap year option in detail.

What are the most popular destinations for au pairs?
“Approximately 95% of the au pairs we place are situated in the United States, with the Netherlands being the second most common destination. Since we launched our au pair program with Cultural Care Au Pair six years ago, we’ve successfully placed around 300 au pairs each year.”

How much can au pairs expect to earn?
“Au pairs in the US earn tax-free pocket money of $180 per week (around R1,400), while in the Netherlands, they make approximately €350 per month (around R4,000). As host families cover all food and lodging expenses, an au pair can potentially save up to R70,000 over a year—though that might be challenging, it has been done before. This can be an excellent way to fund your future studies.”

Who is eligible to become an au pair?
The opportunity is available to anyone aged 18 to 26 with a matric certificate and a South African passport. Ideally, candidates should enjoy working with children, and having childcare experience and a driver’s license is a plus.

What qualities make a good au pair?
Being an au pair involves cultural exchange as well as childcare, so it’s vital to have a desire to learn about new cultures and share your own as a representative of South Africa. A friendly, confident individual who enjoys adventure and social interactions will likely succeed in this role.

What are the responsibilities of an au pair?
Au pairs are primarily responsible for caring for the children of their host families, along with performing light household tasks related to the children. You’ll be expected to work around 45 hours a week, with one full day off.

What benefits come with being an au pair?
Living in a foreign country and adopting a new lifestyle for a year is just the beginning. Au pairs are required to take a course of their choice during their stay, earning six university credits in the process. After completing your contract, you can travel in the US for one month. If you enjoy your time with the host family, you also have the option to extend your stay for another 12 months.

Is it true that only women can be au pairs?
While the position tends to attract more women, men are certainly welcome to apply. In fact, some families specifically request male au pairs, although they may have to wait a bit longer to be matched with a family.

Do you have any tips for those interested in becoming an au pair?
“Having a driver’s license can significantly enhance your application’s appeal to potential host families. If you don’t have your license yet, be sure to obtain it soon. Take the time to carefully fill out your application; with so many candidates, you want to ensure yours stands out,” advises Marc.

In summary, becoming an au pair offers a unique opportunity for cultural exchange while allowing you to learn more about yourself and the world around you. If you’d like more information or are ready to apply, contact YDP at 021 423 1583 or visit www.ydp.co.za.