Being an Au Pair means being part of a family – being part of a family means working together. And that is the key to a healthy relationship between you and your host family. As a member of the family you participate on your family’s daily schedule. In exchange they need your support in childcare and little housework. Your German skills will improve day by day by using the language and after a few weeks you’ll understand everything and talk without any stoppages. Some German classes will support your language studies and offers you a great opportunity extend your social life and make friends. Being participant of the Au pair program is a great way to make new experiences, extend your horizon (opens your mind) and mature personally.
You’ll take home memories which you can share with you family and friends for the rest of your life.

Most important for being an Au Pair is, that you really enjoy being with children and experiences in childcare. They expect you to be open minded, honest, tolerant and flexible. For having a good family live it is essential that you are willing to open your mind to a new culture and its habits. In the beginning your German basics will be very helpful – especially in association with the kids.

Childcare
Depending on the age of the children, your tasks can be differently. Mostly both parents are working and its your responsibility to make the children’s life comfortable. That’s why it’s really important, that the parents can trust you and you prove reliableness to them. Before you make the decision to become an Au Pair, it’s helpful to think about some activities for the kids and which group of age you are willing to care for.

There are substantial differences in childcare as far as the group of age is concerned.

Group of age	activity
Babies and Infants	swaddling, preparing the bottle, feed, Infants giving a bath, taking for walks,…
Preschool-kids	prepare meals and eat with the kids, take them to preschool, kindergarden etc. and pick them up, playgrounds, reading books, art projects, sing songs,…
School-kids	take them to school and pick them up, guide for homework, study, swimming, create their sparetime

Housework
As all family members, you are supposed to help with daily housework. That means cleaning up the kids bedrooms, loading and un-load the dish-washer, vacuuming, ironing, grocery shopping, prepare meals, etc.

You're admitted by the host family as a full member of the family. You got your own bedroom, full board and pocket money.
In your time off you can take German classes and spend time with you friends. Per week you need to have one full day off and at least a full weekend per month.

Conditions
at least 60 EUR pocket money per week
medical and social insurance

You apply to one of our partner-agencies in your country or you send your complete application forms directly to us. An direct application is only possible, if you’ve already been an Au pair in Germany, England or USA and show good references from your former host family. You should plan your stay as an Au Pair in Austria for at least 6 months, because for a shorter period its very difficult to find host families. Basically host families prefer Au Pairs whom participate in their family life for an entire year, because the children are not forced to get used to a new person they got attached to every couple of month. Sometimes a 8 to 12 weeks stay in summer is possible.

You may apply every time right away, but at least 2 months before your departure.
The application needs to be composed in German language or at least in english and consists of:

• Complete questionnaire with a friendly passport photo
• Character reference
• Childcare reference
• "Dear family letter" in German
• German-skills-evidence (translated certificate from school or acknowledgement of German classes of at least one semester)
• some pictures of you with children (at least 6)
• medical certificate
• Au Pair agreement
• two Au Pair-contracts (signed)
• Copy of passport

An exchange with Au Pair Austria offers you the security and experience of an professional agency. We guide and support you throughout your entire stay. Our host families are carefully selected and comprehensively informed about the AuPair program. You receive detailed information about the family before you make a decision. We guide you through all ways of authority and organize with you your safe trip to Austria.

This service expects you in Austria

• Welcome Letter with tips and tricks
• Frequently AuPair meetings
• Contact-list of all AuPairs
• Support by choosing German classes
• Personal Counsellor at AuPair Austria
• Au Pair Diploma after successful completed AuPair year

For your application we charge a treatment fee of 30 EUR. After successful exchange you need to pay 70 EUR more as exchange fee. Furthermore you are responsible for your trip to Austria and back, the costs for the visa (about 70 EUR) and half of the costs for the German classes.