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Carmen Kurz
Au Pair Guide
A helpful handbook for your time abroad
With important information, addresses and numerous tips for everyday au pair situations, like dealing with children and common sicknesses, as well as an au pair dictionary
“If you don’t travel,
you won’t see anything.”
John Letiane, Südafrika
First published in English in 2013. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, whether electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording and any information storage or retrieval system, without the written consent of the publisher.
The information contained in this book was carefully researched and reviewed by the author. Nevertheless, contextual and factual errors may still exist. The author assumes no responsibility or liability for any factual or contextual errors contained in this book.
©2013 flyout Publisher House
Lohtorstr. 24, 74072 Heilbronn/Germany
Phone 0049 7131 5986768, Fax 0049 7131 5986769
info@flyout-verlag.de
www.flyout-verlag.de
ISBN 978-3-9814777-1-9
www.au-pair-guide.com
Au Pair Guide App available in the App Store and Google Play Store.
Translated: John Dalbey
Cover design and layout: Kollmar Design
Typeset: Carmen Kurz
Photos: flyOUT archive and Fotolia
Contents
Foreword
Part I
Introduction
Preparing for Your Au Pair Experience
General Requirements
Country-specific Requirements
The Traditional Au Pair Host Countries
Australia
France
Germany
Great Britain
Ireland
New Zealand
Spain
USA
Other Interesting Host Countries
Au Pair or Demi Pair?
The Costs Associated with an Au Pair Program
Pocket Money
Finding a Host Family
Private Placement
Internet Platforms
Agencies
Application Process
Documents
Telephone Interview
To-Do-List
Insurance Abroad
Health Insurance
Accident and Liability Coverage
Departure
Packing Your Bags
Carry-on Luggage
Clothing
Leisure Items
Other Useful Items
Arrival
Important Contact Data
You as Au Pair
What Is Expected of You as an Au Pair
What You Can Expect from Your Host Family
The Tasks of an Au Pair
Childcare
Light Housework
A Typical Day for an Au Pair
Your Host Family
Ethnic Background of the Host Family
Rules and Guidelines in the Host Family
General Rules
Living with the Host Family
Location
Working Hours and Free Time
Language
Language Courses
Food
Religion
Travel & Vacation
Telephon & Internet
Complications
Conflicts with the Host Parents
Conflicts with the Children
Ending the Au Pair Relationship
Think Positively
Culture Shock
Homesickness
When the End Draws Near
One Last Thing
Part II
How to Properly Handle Children
How Children Develop
0–6 Months
6–12 Months
1–2 Years
2–3 Years
3–4 Years
4–5 Years
5–7 Years
What Preferences Do Your Host Family’s Children Have?
Rhymes and Fingerplay
Part III
A Short Introduction on Caring for Sick Children
Fever
Taking a Child’s Temperature
At What Point Should I Call a Doctor?
Measures for Combating a Fever
The Common Cold
Bronchitis
Middle Ear Infection
Gastroenteritis/Diarrhea and Vomiting
Eye Infection/Conjunctivitis
Measles
Mumps
Rubella/German Measles
Head Lice
First Aid for Children
Nosebleeds
Wounds
Blocked Windpipe
Insect Bite or Sting
Burns/Scalds
Bone Fractures
Emergency Numbers for Traditional Au Pair Countries
Hot and Cold Therapy
Heat Applications
Cold Applications
Thanks
Appendix
Au Pair Dictionary
Useful Adresses, Websites and Apps
About the Author
Foreword
Many young people have a desire to see the world after graduating high school. They want to experience something new before beginning their studies at college or starting their career.
As an au pair, you will live and work with a host family, supporting them with childcare and light housework. In return, you will earn some money while receiving free room and board. This provides you with an opportunity to experience another country and meet new people – becoming intimately and authentically familiar with their culture and language. It is a fascinating and exciting time, filled with new experiences and challenges that will give you a new perspective. Your host family is also looking forward to this intercultural exchange, which represents an important aspect of these programs.
During your stay with the host family, there will be some challenging moments. But these can also be very rewarding times if one is able to maintain a good attitude and perspective. This Au Pair Guide aims to help you get off to a good start and adjust to your new surroundings. It is your handbook for this new chapter of your life. Preparation, openness and an understanding for new cultures are the keys to a successful au pair experience.
But what is it like, living with a new family for a year? Or working with children? How does one handle a year without one’s own family and friends? Can anyone apply for these programs? What requirements are there? What about language skills – how important are they? And what are the potential pitfalls?
In part I of the Au Pair Guide, you will find answers to many of these questions and receive a comprehensive overview of life as an au pair. Part II offers helpful information on how children develop and how to care for them. After all, these are the people you will be spending the majority of your time with. An overview of the most common child sicknesses and first aid tips are listed in part III. The detailed appendix also includes an au pair dictionary where you can find the most important terms and phrases in Spanish, French and German as well as a list of helpful web addresses.
Good luck and enjoy the read!
Carmen Kurz
“I would love to spend a year in a foreign country, but I don’t have much money!” I hear this all the time from people interested in hearing more about au pair programs. The au pair experience is different from other trips abroad. It is relatively inexpensive as the basic thought behind these programs is a balanced “give and take” approach. The term “au pair” is French for “reciprocity”. The host family that takes you in and welcomes you into their family gives you the opportunity to experience the wonders of a foreign country, integrate into a new culture and make new friends along the way.
It sounds really simple, but leaving family and friends behind and adjusting to a new family marks the beginning of a new chapter in one’s life. If you want to have a successful and enjoyable time abroad, you will need to be ready to try new things, leave familiar things behind and be open to change.
Preparing for Your Au Pair Experience
The preparations for your stay abroad as an au pair begin long before you leave home. It is best to start planning the basics of your trip about a year in advance. This time is used to mentally prepare for the upcoming trip. Think about what language you would like to learn and which countries you are interested in. Gather information on the culture, language, politics and history of your top 3 or so favorite countries. By familiarizing yourself with the history of a country, you will have a much easier time understanding certain traditions and customs. Consider how long you would like your stay to be. The longer your stay, the deeper and more familiar you will become with your host country’s culture, language and overall lifestyle. Generally, an au pair program lasts for at least six months and most last a whole year. In the US, the guidelines are clearly defined and an au pair stay lasts at least 12 months. Other countries allow for shorter stays, such as a few months over the summer, but this depends on the respective country’s entry requirements.
General Requirements
Single and childless
At least 18 years old
Adequate language skills (sometimes only English skills are required – even in countries with different official languages)
Valid ID and/or passport (validity should extend at least a few months beyond your planned return date)
Physical and mental fitness
Childcare experience
Reliable and responsible character
Clean criminal record certificate
Message from John:
An Au Pair in Germany
John from South Africa tells of his experience:
I can still remember it like it was yesterday: The dream of travelling to a foreign land. For me it didn’t matter where it was – I just wanted to be out there, exploring the world and seeing how people live on the other side of the earth. The first time I heard about the au pair program in Germany, I jumped at the opportunity. I didn’t even hesitate for a moment. I knew that this was my chance and I dove in head first.
Childcare experience can be gathered through internships at childcare facilities, babysitting work or tutoring as well as assisting or leading at a children’s camp or sports center. This is a very important requirement, as childcare will be among your main tasks as an au pair and should not be overlooked. Your experience will need to be backed up with references. Practical experiences within your own family or references from relatives are generally inadequate.
Country-specific Requirements
Some countries have very specific requirements for au pair programs set by the government. For example, au pairs travelling to Australia or New Zealand need to show proof of sufficient finances for room and board and a return flight when entering the country. This assures the country that it will not have to financially support the incoming traveler. Australia also has a rule that limits an au pair to a maximum of six months per host family. Those wishing to stay longer have to switch to a new host family after six months. The US government stipulates that au pairs can only be placed by approved agencies. Private arrangements are therefore illegal in the US.
Depending on the host country, a visa may be required for entering and working in the country. Visa applications are only approved if one meets the host country’s specific requirements. These can include the applicant’s nationality, age, language skills, financial situation and health. This means that it may not be possible to be an au pair in your country of choice. The entry requirements and work provisions regarding your job as an au pair must be carefully followed. More specific information can be requested from the embassy of the respective country or an experienced au pair agency.
Points to consider: Language, country, length of stay, entry requirements
