What is an au pair?

An au pair is (normally) a young person, who lives with a host family for between 1 and 12 months. The role of the au pair is basically to look after the children, prepare meals and do some light housework. The au pair may also be asked to take the children to and from school, help them with homework, etc. The original aim of the au pair program is to ensure an exchange of cultures coupled with looking after children. The au is normally treated as part of the family, and though there is no contract, the conditions of work should be laid down on paper to protect both the family and the au pair.

Can I apply for the Au Pair in Spain program even if I have no experience babysitting?

The more experience you have with child care, the better your placement opportunities. Still, there are other qualities that are also important such as maturity, responsibility, an interest in cultural enrichment and a real desire to work with children, and these will also be taken into account.

How long in advance should I apply for the Au Pair in Spain program?

Normally, it takes up to 2 months (8 weeks) to process your application, although placements are usually made in far less time. The sooner we have your application, the better the chances of being placed on the dates you desire.

How long in advance should I apply for the Au Pair in Spain program?

Normally, it takes up to 2 months (8 weeks) to process your application, although placements are usually made in far less time. The sooner we have your application, the better the chances of being placed on the dates you desire.

What is the required level of Spanish to be eligible for the Au Pair in Spain program?

You need at least to be able to communicate in Spanish in simple contexts. This will make your adaptation process much easier. If you do not speak any Spanish at all, we might be able to match you with a family who speaks at least some English. You will find that you will pick up Spanish quite quickly in a total immersion situation such as living with a host family as an Au Pair.

What must I do if I am having a problem with my family?

The first step is to sit down and discuss the problem with your family. The problem will never go away unless you talk about it. If you talk to the family and the situation doesn't improve, you are welcome to contact us for advice. If you wish, we can contact the family and speak to them on your behalf. If you reach a point where you feel you can no longer stay with the family, it would be fair if you could give the family at least 2 weeks notice so that they have time to arrange another Au Pair or baby-sitter.

How do I know if I will be a good Au Pair?

The most important thing is that you must love children! Most families want someone who is friendly and will fit in with the family. If you are willing to work hard, be flexible, and have fun at the same time you will have a fantastic Au Pair experience! If you have a positive attitude, you will have a great time.

What about my free time?

You will always have at least one day free. This is your time and you can do whatever you want to, but if you are planning to sleep overnight at a friend's it is important that you tell your family so that they will not worry about you when you don't show up.

Will I be expected to look after the children alone?

At many times, you may be left in sole charge of the children, so make sure before you accept the job, that you will be comfortable with this situation. When you are in charge of the children make sure that you never leave them alone, especially if they are very young. Also, make sure that you have contact details for the parents in case you have an emergency. You should also learn the emergency numbers for the police and ambulance. Generally, though, you will only be alone with the children for a few hours at a time.

What are the important questions to my potential host family before I accept them?

Make sure that you ask the family questions about how their home is run. Find out what tasks you will need to do in the house and when they will need you to work. Find out what time of the day you will have free to be able to take a Spanish course. Also ask how near they are to transport links (buses, metro, etc.). Find out what rules they have in the house, so that you will know what they expect of you. Find out if you will have your own room and, ask how much you will be paid. But, again, most importantly, make sure that you know exactly what the family will expect of you!