Au Pair (meaning "on a par") is a youth exchange program where young people, mostly girls, up to certain age can live in another country with a host family. Normally, the au pair will receive lodging, food and allowance (also called pocket money) in exchange of helping out with child care and some househould cores. However, there could be variations on the program depending on the family and the au pair.

The core principle that makes au pairing possible is that, in some countries, hiring professional help and nannies is nearly impossible. For example, in most European countries, having that kind of help is expensive, there are few people willing to do this job (welfare makes it unnatractive) and most people do it wrong. On the other side, some girls are hardworking, very good at treating children, they want to live in another country, but they have limited resources to accomplish that. That would be a "perfect match".

Au Pairing is legally recognized in most "developed" countries, meaning that you can get an au pair visa and your relationship to the family will be legally recognized before the local labor authorities. Each country has its own au pair regulations and restrictions. Some factors that are taken into consideration are: country of origin, gender, age and background studies. Neighbour countries can have very different requirements, so check them before making plans.

Interplaneta highly recommends not to travel as an au pair without the required visa.

What is like to be an au pair?

The daily tasks performed by au pairs will vary from family to family. There are some activities that are frequent among most families:

Getting the children to go to school involves part or more than the following activities:

1. Waking the children up.
2. Helping them get dressed.
3. Get them to have breakfast.
4. Taking the children to school.

Helping with house chores vary a lot, and generally are not meant to be exhaustive. It is very important that you have a signed contract about the activities you are going to perform. If you think you are doing too much, you can refer to the contract. If the family believes you are not doing enough, they can do that too. This is, by far, the most conflictive point in the family-au pair relationship.

Picking the children up at school depends also on the family and the children, but is a frequent activity. Of course this implies that you will have a daily appointment in your calendar, but as the rest of the activities, it is usually shared with the parents.

Spending time with the children is also a frequent request. Children like to play and seem to have unlimited energy. Sharing the playtime and helping them with their homework is a great relief for the parents.

What do you get as an au pair?

The advantages are many, but these could be the most important:

• You can live in another country for less money than in "all inclusive" programs.
  
• You can study or improve your language skills.
  
• Living with a family will give you a different perspective about the country.
  
• You can travel, make new friends and gain a life-time experience.