What is an au pair

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Au pair or nanny? – Simple explanation

A great way to explore the world and other cultures, travel, learn language and improve your other skills – all at the same time!

An au pair or nanny is normally a single girl or boy, aged 17-30, who helps the parents with childcare and sometimes housework, whilst living as a guest in the host family’s home.

Living with a host family, looking after children

Au pair programs were originally designed with the intent for people to come together and exchange cultures. So an au pair usually lives with a family in a foreign country whilst he or she learns the host family’s language and exploring their culture.

An au pair participates not only in childcare but also in other related activities, ranging from light housework to babysitting. Or even helps older children develop particular skills (such as learning a new language or sport).

Au pairs tend to participate in many of the family activities. They are treated as part of the family, living as a guest in their home . Therefore participating in an au pair programme can, be a very exciting and interesting experience for both the au pair and the family.

In some countries, people use the terms “au pair” and “nanny” interchangeably. However, it is generally accepted that a nanny is more likely to have professional childcare qualifications and/or first aid training. This is often seen as being particularly important when there are very young children to be cared for. On this site we ask members if they have nanny qualifications, and this is then something that the family can ask about, if they make contact with a particular candidate.