This is a post about how to be an au pair.
Originally posted on 29 September 2024. Updated on 22 December 2025.
Travelling the world can seem like an unattainable dream. However, becoming an au pair offers a unique, affordable way to explore new countries while immersing yourself in their culture. Whether you’re fresh out of school or seeking a new adventure in your early or late 20s, au pairing lets you live abroad without the high costs of accommodation and the stress of finding a job. I was an au pair myself in three countries! I’ll be talking more about my experience on this blog so don’t forget to follow if you’re interested in learning more about the program from first hand experience. And feel free to drop questions down in the comments!
The au pair program is challenging and not for everyone but it changed my life in so many ways! And the lives of so many others who could only dream about living abroad. It’s a rollercoaster, it will turn you inside out but it will also help you grow immensely. It sits somewhere between work, cultural exchange and personal development. It’ll show you how much more you’re capable of, introduce you to people from literally all walks of life and, my favourite, show you so many different ways of living, of being, of thinking.
In this guide I’ll explain how the au pair programme actually works, who it is for, which countries offer it and what the requirements look like in practice.
Here’s everything you need to know to start your journey as an au pair and begin traveling the world on a budget:
What is an Au Pair?
An au pair is a young person, typically between 18-30 years old, who lives with a host family for about a year or two in a foreign country in exchange for childcare and light household duties. You get accommodation, meals, a weekly or monthly allowance and often opportunities to study or explore the country during your free time.
What the au pair programme really is
The au pair programme is officially defined as a cultural exchange in most countries. This distinction matters because it affects working hours, pay, legal protections and visa options. Au pairs are not full-time domestic workers and they are not meant to replace professional childcare.*
In practice, the experience varies widely. Some host families are highly structured and respectful of the rules, while others blur boundaries. Understanding the legal framework of your chosen country is essential before committing to a placement.
*In Ireland, au pairing and nannying living in are considered domestic labour.
Who the au pair programme is for
Au pairing works best for people who want to live abroad long enough to integrate into daily life rather than just visit. It suits those who are flexible, adaptable and comfortable living with a foreign family. It’s not ideal for people who need high income, total independence or strict separation between work and personal life. It goes without saying, if you don’t like spending time with kids, it’s also probably not for you.
Age limits, nationality and language skills play a major role in eligibility and should always be checked early so you don’t miss the mark.
Why Choose Au Pairing to Travel?
Cultural Immersion
As an au pair, you get an insider’s look at life in another country, much more than a tourist ever would. You’ll live like a local and create deep connections. I’d argue even living as a student doesn’t quite give you the cultural immersion living with a family of locals does.
Language Learning
One of the main gains from the au pair scheme is learning and improving a language. Living with a family speaking the local language 24/7 is the biggest immersion you can get! Working with kids is also a great help as they’ll have simpler vocabularies for you to understand at first. Besides, part of the programme is to attend a language school. It’s the perfect opportunity to become fluent!
Affordable Travel
Since room and board are included, au pairing makes traveling much cheaper. You might not earn a lot but you won’t have to spend money on rent, food and, sometimes, even transportation.
Long-Term Stay
Au pair contracts often last between 6 months to 2 years. It allows you to fully experience the local culture while earning some income. Plus, you don’t have to worry about major bills, where to live, looking for jobs or even house maintenance! Besides, you usually get to stay in nice areas and great homes!
How to Become an Au Pair
Research Countries with Au Pair Programs
Popular destinations include France, Germany and the USA.
Each country has its own visa requirements, so it’s important to know the specifics of your desired location. You should also think about your objectives:
What do you want to get out of this exchange programme?
Learn a language, travel, take some time for yourself, etc.
And then you can take a look at the countries to see which one best fits your needs.
Choose an Au Pair Agency or Go Directly
While some prefer to arrange their au pair experiences independently via websites like AuPairWorld or GreatAuPair, you can also opt for an agency if it’s available. Agencies can offer extra support with visas, placements and mediation between you and your host family.
Au pairs going to the USA have to go through an agency approved by the government. The most popular ones being:
In Europe, the Netherlands and Switzerland also require an agency to be the intermediary. You can, however, search for your family independently and only sign up to an agency after a match.
Although agencies can offer some kind of support, it doesn’t mean they will. It really depends on the agency and, mostly, the staff.
Prepare for the Application Process
Write a detailed profile to attract host families. Make sure you add:
- your childcare experience
- language skills
- why you want to be an au pair
- a bit about you, your personality, likes and dislikes and objectives
Most families will also want to interview you via video chat before confirming placement and it’s important that you do! It’s very much in your interest to have a few video chats with different families before matching with one. The same way they have requirements when looking for in an au pair, you should have yours and not accept the first offer that appears not knowing what your role will be like.
You should learn facts like children’s ages and personalities, routine, working hours, family dynamics, lifestyle, etc.
Here’s an extensive list with questions you should be asking your potential host family.
Learn a language
Most countries will have a language requirement. Even if they don’t, it is VERY IMPORTANT that you do have some knowledge, for your safety and the kids’. If you go somewhere like the Netherlands or Iceland, you don’t necessarily need to learn their local languages if you speak English. You don’t need to be fluent but it’s important to be able to understand others and communicate your message, especially in emergency situations. That’s why countries like Germany, France and the US require a certain knowledge of their local languages: for everyone’s safety.
Countries to Consider for Au Pairing
When deciding where to travel and live as an au pair, it’s essential to choose a country that aligns with your goals, interests and visa eligibility. Each country has its own requirements and unique cultural experiences. Below is a list of countries that offer au pair programs, along with a brief overview of what to expect in each:
Austria
Known for its cultural heritage and stunning Alpine scenery, Austria provides a welcoming environment for au pairs. German language skills are required, but it’s a wonderful place for those interested in European history and outdoor activities. Austria has beautiful lakes you can explore on your time off, a plethora of cultural events besides being super close to stunning Bavaria, Czechia, Slovakia, Slovenia and Hungary – Budapest is only a stones throw away and it’s an incredible European capital to visit filled with history, not to mention very affordable for that au pair pocket…
Belgium
Belgium’s central location makes it a great base for travel within Europe. Au pairs often get the chance to immerse themselves in a multilingual environment, especially in cities like Brussels where both French and Dutch are spoken.
China
Au pairing in China offers the chance to experience a completely different culture and learn Mandarin. Many host families in China are interested in exposing their children to Western cultures and languages and mostly want an au pair to teach their kids English. They don’t offer a specific au pair visa and you should go through an agency. As it’s not as popular and established programme as the ones in Europe and the US, it’s not as easy to find information so you should do a lot of research before picking an agency.
Denmark
Denmark is known for its high standard of living and progressive values. Being an au pair here can offer an excellent quality of life, with plenty of opportunities to enjoy Denmark’s natural beauty and vibrant cities like Copenhagen as well as exploring its neighbouring countries such as Sweden, Norway and Germany. Denmark host families are known for requiring more house work than childcare so make sure to discuss this when you’re interviewing.
Finland
Finland is known for its excellent education system and family-friendly environment. As an au pair, you’ll experience the unique blend of urban living in cities like Helsinki and the tranquility of Finland’s vast natural landscapes. It’s been elected the happiest country in the world for many years. Having belonged to both Sweden and Russia separately in the past, it’s got a fascinating history, mixed architecture besides their trademark: the sauna culture. Most people either have saunas or access to one and it’s as big a part of the Finnish culture as breathing. You can only be an au pair in Finland if you haven’t been an au pair before elsewhere and their visa processing times are a bit long (around 8 months!).
France
France is a dream destination for many au pairs, offering rich culture, beautiful landscapes and world-famous cuisine and the chance for au pairs to take French language classes. The country itself has distinct regions to explore besides easy (and often quick!) access to its neighbouring countries.
Germany
Germany has a robust au pair program and offers a great balance between city life and scenic countryside. Great for those looking to learn or improve German while enjoying vibrant cities and picturesque towns. A lot of Germans enjoy the simple things in life, the outdoors, weekends with the family and Germany is located in the centre of Europe which makes it a great base for travelling around besides offering great deals on train tickets.
Iceland
Iceland offers a rare opportunity to experience life in one of the world’s most unique and breathtaking landscapes. The au pair program here is ideal for those who enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and exploring geothermal wonders. It’s one of the most magical places (in my humble opinion) and it’s also very expensive so, if you want to truly explore it, getting your accommodation and meals for free PLUS a small salary sounds like a good opportunity to me! It’s also very small – in 13 hours you can drive the Ring Road which takes you all around the island.
Ireland
While Ireland doesn’t have an official au pair visa, it’s possible to au pair as a student. Ireland offers a warm and welcoming environment, with opportunities to explore its vibrant culture and stunning scenery (+ a lot of rain) and both au pair and nanny/childminder are regulated jobs.
Italy
Italy allows au pairing under a student visa. If you’re looking to immerse yourself in a country rich with history, art, and cuisine, Italy is an excellent choice for combining study with life as an au pair besides the chance to experience life in an extremely vibrant country with so much to explore (and eat!).
Liechtenstein
As one of the smallest (and richest!) countries in Europe, Liechtenstein provides a unique experience for au pairs. German is the official language, and its proximity to Switzerland and Austria makes it an excellent base for travel. You can literally walk to either – I’ve personally walked from the capital Vaduz to Switzerland and it took me about… 2 minutes?! (yes, really, through an old wooden pedestrian bridge). The country is so small they don’t have an airport nor a train station and you can drive around it in an afternoon. Once a year, the prince hosts a party at his royal pad, the Vaduz Castle, and invites all the residents.
Luxembourg
Luxembourg is another small but beautiful country where au pairs can expect to live in a multilingual environment. It’s a great destination if you’re interested in exploring nearby France, Belgium, and Germany as well as living somewhere that looks like a fairytale. Luxembourg City, Vianden and Esch-sr-Sûre are just a few of its stunning destinations. It’s a bit pricey but public transport is free and the au pair salary a little higher than other countries in Europe. You can also find families speaking English, German, French, Luxembourgish and even Portuguese!
Spain
Spain allows au pairs to participate under a student visa. This makes it possible to au pair while studying Spanish or other subjects in one of Europe’s sunniest and most culturally rich countries. You also don’t have to sign up for a whole year as many families often look for au pairs just for the summer holidays – I can think of very few places where I’d like to spend my summer!
Sweden
Sweden’s au pair program provides a great balance between family life and personal exploration. The country’s beautiful natural landscapes and emphasis on work-life balance make it an attractive choice. From exploring the lakes in the summer months or skiing in winter, the cultural hub of Stockholm or the smaller Gothenburg to Malmö where you can hop on a train and be in Copenhagen in 30min, Sweden has something for everyone. The cold, dark winter feels like a small price to pay if you can handle it.
Switzerland
With its blend of French, German, and Italian influences, Switzerland offers a unique cultural experience. Au pairs can take advantage of the country’s excellent public transport system to explore its stunning mountains and lakes all year round. The only catch is that the visa is really tricky for those outside the European Union – even local au pair agencies struggle to advise! Not all cantons allow non-EU au pairs and, the ones that do, often have quotas so, once that’s reached, they don’t issue visas anymore until spots open.
Australia
If you want to travel outside Europe, Australia offers beautiful landscapes, warm weather, and a relaxed vibe. Australia doesn’t offer an au pair visa but you can work as a student or apply for a Working Holiday Visa depending on where you’re from.
USA
I don’t know how it is in other countries but I know that, at least in Brazil, the US is the most popular country for au pairs. Many women don’t even know Europe is a possibility! Probably because in the US it’s promoted as an actual exchange program which is offered at any “study abroad” agency. To go to the US though you need to go through a government-approved agency! That’s the only way to get the J1 Visa which.
By considering these countries and their unique au pair programs, you can choose a destination that aligns with your personal and professional goals. Whether you want to improve language skills, explore different cultures, or travel across Europe and beyond, the au pair experience is a fantastic opportunity to live abroad and make lifelong memories.
Tips for Au Pairing Success
Be Open-Minded
Living with another family can be a big adjustment. Flexibility (from both sides!) and communication are key to ensuring a positive experience.
Establish Boundaries
While you’ll be a part of the family, make sure you have clear boundaries regarding your work hours and free time to avoid burnout.
Explore During Time Off
Use weekends or days off to travel around your host country and nearby regions. Many au pairs love using their location as a hub to explore neighbouring countries!
Becoming an au pair is one of the most rewarding ways to travel. Not only will you experience new places and cultures, but you’ll also grow as a person, develop language skills, and make lifelong memories.
Let me know in the comments which country you’re interested in and I’ll let you know more details about their visa requirements, what to see, where to go, etc.
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