Au Pair in France: answers to questions
Au Pair in France
Spend a year in France caring for children, learning French, and immersing yourself in the cultural atmosphere.
What level of English and French is required to participate in the program?
To participate in the program, it is advisable to have a language level of at least Intermediate.
Is it necessary to have higher education?
The main requirement for admission to the program — completed secondary education (school). Higher education will be a plus, but it is not the main criterion.
How do I pay for the program?
After signing the contract at the Center, the admission fee of $150 must be paid within 7 calendar days.
What is considered experience working with children?
Working as a teacher, as a nanny, at a camp, participating in events, and other roles — any position where the prospective participant directly worked with children.
When should I submit documents for the program?
The Au Pair France program is year-round, but documents must be submitted at least 4-6 months before the desired start date.
Can I submit documents to two program sponsors at the same time?
Yes, it’s possible. The program cost does not double. But you will need to fill out two different sets of documents.
How does the search for and placement with a family work?
Having completed all the required forms and provided the necessary documents, participants in the Au Pair France program are added to participant lists that are available to families. When a family chooses an Au Pair, an interview is scheduled between them during which they discuss the details of the job.
Can an Au Pair ‘refuse’ a family after talking with them?
Yes, program participants can do this, but only a limited number of times. Before doing so, an Au Pair must inform their IEC office about the situation and consult with them on whether they should decline the family.
Can I choose the family or the city where I want to work?
Participants in the Au Pair France exchange program cannot choose the family or the city.
How many working days off will I have?
An Au Pair has 1-2 days off per week (usually Saturday and Sunday), and 2 weeks (paid) vacation per year.
What duties will the Au Pair have?
It depends on each family individually, but in general — participants in the program play with the children and take them for walks. They may help with homework, take the children to school and pick them up from there. They may cook for the children and help the family with light household chores. The schedule and duties of participants in the Au Pair program are discussed and agreed upon together with the family.
What kind of children will the Au Pair work with?
The age of the children usually corresponds to the Au Pair’s work experience.
Can I change families?
If for some reason a program participant cannot get along with their host family, they must first contact the program sponsor for advice. They will help resolve the situation and, if necessary, will try to find a new family. What you should not do is suddenly leave the family or leave France without informing anyone about the situation!
