Au Pair in Germany: answers to questions
Au Pair in Germany
Take care of children, learn German and immerse yourself in German culture. Accommodation and meals provided by the family!
What level of English and German is required to participate in the program?
To participate in the program, it is desirable to have a language level of at least Intermediate.
Is it necessary to have a university degree?
The main requirement for enrollment in the program — a completed secondary education (school). Higher education is a plus, but it is not the main criterion.
How do I pay for the program?
After signing the contract at the Center, the entrance fee of $150 must be paid within 7 calendar days.
What is considered experience working with children?
Work as a teacher, as a nanny, work at a camp, participation in events and other roles — any position where a potential participant directly worked with children.
How does the search for and placement with a family work?
Having completed all the necessary forms and provided the required documents, participants in the Au Pair Germany program are placed on participant lists that are available to families. When a family chooses an Au Pair, an interview is arranged between them during which they discuss the details of the job.
Can an Au Pair ‘decline’ a family after speaking with them?
Yes, program participants can do this, but only a limited number of times. Before that, an Au Pair should inform their IEC office about the situation and consult with them on whether they should leave the host family.
Can I choose the family or the city where I want to work?
Au Pair cannot choose the family or the city.
How many days off from work will I have?
An Au Pair has 1-2 days off per week, and 4 weeks of (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 go for walks with them. They may help with homework, and they may take the children to school and pick them up from there. They may cook for the kids and help the family with household chores. The schedule and duties of the Au Pair are discussed and agreed upon together with the family.
What kind of children will the Au Pair work with?
The age of the children under care usually corresponds to the experience of working as an Au Pair.
Can I change families?
If for some reason a participant in the Au Pair program cannot get along with the host family, they should first contact the program sponsor for advice. They will help resolve the situation and, if necessary, try to find a new family. What you should not do is suddenly leave the family without warning anyone about the situation!
Is it possible to participate in the program if the Au Pair already has a host family in Germany?
Such an option is possible under certain conditions. More details about this procedure can be clarified with a representative of IEC.
