What is an au pair?
"Au pair" is a French expression meaning "at the same level" - the expression is
used because an au pair is supposed to be treated as a member of the family and
not as a servant. This means that you will not be employed in the traditional
meaning of the word and thus most families will expect you to participate in
some of their activities. An international agreement, signed by several
countries, says that an au pair is a person who joins a host family to help
around the house and look after children. In return the au pair is to receive
board and lodgings plus pocket money and must also be given the opportunity to
study the language and the culture of the host country.
To become an au pair you have to be between 18 and 30 years of age. You must
have experience with children and housework and you must have at least basic
knowledge of the English language to be able to communicate with your host
family. As an au pair in Scandinavia you will have an excellent opportunity to
experience the every-day-life in a Nordic country and you will be introduced to
a language very different
from your own.
Denmark, branded within Scandinavia with a friendly and relaxed atmosphere, is a
popular destination with bustling cities, lovely countryside, lots of islands
and coastline, historic sights and picturesque villages. Copenhagen, the capital
city, attracts tourists from all over the world offering a wide variety of
attractions from Tivoli Gardens and the little Mermaid to romantic castles and
not to forget the famous nightlife plus the relaxed and easy-going nature of
most Danes.
You will probably find the local language very hard to understand, but you will soon discover that most Scandinavians speak quite good English, so you can almost always get by with basic knowledge of the English language.
Initially Scandinavia will probably seem very different from your home country. There is a definite cultural difference and you must be willing to adjust somewhat to the Scandinavian way of life. No family will expect you to change completely, give up your religion or become totally integrated - but you will be expected to settle in and to get used to local habits. Depending on the country of your choice and where you come from you may find the population a little forward but please be aware that in some countries within Scandinavia we tend to be more open and frank than in many other countries.
The duties of an au pair
As an au pair your duties will include ordinary housework such as dusting hoovering, ironing etc. You are not supposed to do heavy housework such as the spring cleaning or the gardening, and your working hours are not supposed to exceed 5 hours a day with one full day off every week. In addition to this you must be prepared to babysit up to 3 evenings per week.
Most of the host families offering au pair positions have children, and often the children are away at school or nursery during the day. Most au pairs are therefore expected to help with getting the children ready in the mornings and to clear up after breakfast.
The mornings and sometimes early afternoons will often be free time - work then starts again when the children have to be picked up from school or nursery and looked after until early evening when the parents return home. After dinner most au pairs will be free to go out unless babysitting is required.
Practical information:
Driving: You will need an international driving licence. If your host family requires you to drive please make sure that you have an international licence before leaving your country.
Holidays: If you stay with the family for six months or longer you will be entitled to a minimum of one week off, but will often have of two or more. You will not receive payment during your holiday.
Insurance: The host family is asked to make sure that you are covered by their home insurance. However, we recommend that you take out health insurance as e.g. transportation to your home country will not be covered even once your are covered by local health insurance after the first 6 weeks.
Language classes: Language classes are available in most places. The best place to find out about local classes is the internet or at the local library after you have arrived.
Payment: Denmark min. DKK 2,500 per month. If you are an au pair+ your pocket money will be higher. You will, of course, have your own room and you will be entitled to three meals a day also on days off.
Residence permit: Depending on where you come from you will have to apply for a visa before you arrive. Please note that it normally takes approx. 6-8 weeks for your visa to come through.
Tax: You are liable to pay tax on your earnings plus board and lodgings and you are responsible for advising the local tax office of your income.
Time off: You will have at least one full day off per week.
Travelling costs: You will have to pay for your journey to Scandinavia, but if you stay with the host family for more than six months we suggest that the host family pays for the full cost of your return journey, including refunding you the initial travel expenses, when you leave the family providing that you have stayed for the length of time agreed. Please do not expect the host family to pay for your journey unless it is specifically agreed upon. If you leave the family before the agreed time the family is not likely to pay for your journey. If you go home for a holiday (e.g. at Christmas) the family will not pay for your travel.