How to go on an au pair stay?
Au pair Au pair stays offer a unique opportunity to deepen your language skills while also giving the opportunity to immerse yourself in another culture and meet new people. These multiple advantages are attracting more and more students. But an au pair stay cannot be improvised, so that everything runs smoothly once there, here is some information that should be known in advance.
General informations
An au pair stay is possible for a young person between 18 and 30 years old. It allows him to be fed and hosted by a family abroad, for a period ranging from 3 months to a year with, in return, the obligation to provide babysitting work for one or more children of the host family.
So this is not a vacation getaway! Unlike placement in European Union countries, the United States and Canada, you are required to sign an employment contract to work as an Au Pair. Signing up for this plan means that you are available and ready to do different tasks such as feeding the children, doing their laundry, taking them to school or helping them with their homework. You may also be called upon from time to time for cooking or cleaning.
Outside of your working hours, you are free to use your schedule as you see fit. In addition to your language courses, you can walk around the region, join friends, attend cultural events of your choice ...
If you like travel and adventure, this total immersion in a family is an interesting alternative to travel for less. More rewarding than a language stay, this experience allows you to take a first step in professional life. Although au pair stays are less lucrative, they provide the opportunity to learn to be independent and to live away from family and friends while enjoying real comfort.
Au pair work entitles you to two days off per week, three meals a day plus remuneration per hour. This does not mean that you are paid the same as a babysitter. This pocket money, located around 150 to 300 euros per month, will only be used to cover your personal expenses.
Preparing for an au pair stay
suitcase and travel Before your departure, check that you have all the recommended documents for the au pair trip. A visa is not necessary for young French people who wish to stay in countries of the European Union. Outside of Europe, you need to apply for a visa specifically dedicated to au pair work. To go to the United States, for example, you absolutely must have a “J-1” visa. This visa is issued to young people aged 18 to 27 for a non-renewable period of one year. To obtain the appropriate residence permit, contact the consulate of the country of destination in France.
In addition to having a European health insurance card (for stays in the European Union), your au pair stay requires health insurance covering three main guarantees: medical costs, civil liability and individual accident. Also remember to take out insurance including a repatriation guarantee. For a stay of 1 to 12 months, do not hesitate to refer to our Globe Partner contract.
If you had to drive there, these insurances are supplemented by a local insurance contract, which will intervene in the event of a road accident.
Preparing for your au pair trip is not limited to formalities and administrative papers. Remember to check your language level before you go by taking a TOEIC / TOEFL-type test. You do not need to have a perfect command of the language of the host country, an ability to understand and respond to basic sentences is sufficient. Also make sure that you are able to communicate in an emergency such as calling for help or asking for directions when you are lost.
So that you have no trouble adapting to the culture of the country, be sure to educate yourself about the context you will be facing there. Find out about the weather, the means of travel (being in possession of an international driving license is sometimes essential to be hired), local traditions and customs.
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