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Our Au Pair & Travel trips

4.7
rating from 12,541 reviews

What does it mean to au pair abroad?

How cool would it be to have extended family overseas? If you love children and want to experience living like a local in another country, Au Pairing is a sweet option! An Au Pair (male or female) provides live-in care to the children of a welcoming host family overseas as part of a cultural exchange. You’ll receive a weekly stipend, your own room in the family’s home, and generally two to three meals a day. You may even get the chance to join the family on ski and summer vacations! Being an Au Pair abroad gives you the freedom to be more than the average tourist by immersing yourself in a completely new culture and developing valuable life skills. You’ll experience personal growth and maturity, and perhaps learn a new language all whilst having the chance to explore a new country. On your days off, you can experience world-famous festivals, iconic landmarks, breathtaking scenery, or enjoy a picnic in the park with the kids! It’s the perfect opportunity to become a cherished part of a family’s life for years to come, while also getting a genuine sense of what life is like overseas.

 

Au pair vs nanny

Whilst they have similar duties, Au Pairs and nannies are not the same. Au Pairs provide live-in care for the children of a host family abroad, and are considered to be a temporary family member. They are included in family activities, even when they aren’t working. A nanny is a professional caretaker employed by a family on a contract basis. They work set hours and are paid a wage. Au Pairs will typically live with their host family for up to 1-2 years, whereas a nanny can be employed for as little or as long as the family needs.

 

Au pair costs

One of the best parts of being an Au Pair abroad is having almost no living expenses! Accommodation is covered as you will live with a host family, plus meals will also be provided most days. That means one of the only major costs to being an Au Pair will be all the travelling you’ll do on your time off!

 

Highlights of becoming an au pair abroad with Global

  • Be matched with a host family that you have personally approved

  • Dedicated Trip Coordinator to guide you through the entire journey

  • Earn a weekly stipend to use on your fun days off

  • Live and eat like a local with your host family in their home

  • Gain a certificate of completion and add this experience to your resumé/CV

  • Become a cherished part of an international family’s life


Straight from the ‘gram

Frequently asked questions

Why should I become an au pair?

Becoming an au pair offers a unique cultural exchange experience, allowing you to live with a host family, immerse yourself in a new language, and experience a different way of life. It’s an affordable way to travel, with accommodation and meals provided, giving you the chance to explore a new country while gaining valuable childcare experience. You’ll also build international connections and develop important life skills, such as independence and adaptability, making it an enriching experience for both personal and professional growth.

Where should I become an au pair?

Popular au pair destinations include Germany, France, Spain, Australia & Canada. When choosing, consider your language goals, cultural interests, and the type of immersion you're looking for, whether it’s improving your language skills or experiencing life in a bustling city or rural area.

How long can I be an au pair for?

Most au pair trips last between 6-12 months but the length can vary depending on the country and host family’s needs. Some countries offer more flexible durations, such as short-term stays of 3-6 months, while others allow you to extend your stay if both you and the host family are happy. This flexibility means you can find a program that fits your schedule and future plans.

How does being an au pair work?

As an au pair, you live with a host family and help care for their children, providing assistance with daily routines like getting ready for school or playing with the kids. In exchange, you receive accommodation, meals, and a stipend. You may also get time to explore the country, take language classes, and experience the local culture firsthand. It’s a unique, immersive way to live abroad, blending work with cultural exchange.

How much does being an au pair cost?

The cost of being an au pair is relatively low since your host family covers your accommodation and meals. You’ll need to budget for travel expenses, personal spending money, and possibly health insurance if it’s not provided by the family. Au pairs typically receive a stipend to cover personal expenses like transportation, leisure, and shopping. Overall, it’s an affordable way to live and work abroad while experiencing a new culture.

Why should I choose Global Work & Travel to become an au pair?

Global Work & Travel offers comprehensive support throughout your au pair journey, from matching you with the right host family to helping with visa applications and offering assistance once you’ve arrived. Our team ensures the process is smooth and stress-free, giving you peace of mind as you embark on your adventure. With their vast network and expertise, you can focus on enjoying your cultural exchange experience, knowing you’re in good hands.

Why go Global

Worldwide support

Feel confident knowing that someone is always ready to assist throughout the journey & they’re only a call, tweet, comment, text or double tap away, 24/5.

We’re the experts

We don’t just say that to brag. With over 15 years in the industry and a team of over 80 passionate pros, you can bet we know our stuff better than anyone else.

Partner network

With over 100's of partners around the globe, we have access to plenty of exclusive opportunities to make your trip the best it can be.

Payment plans

There’s no reason you can’t live out your travel dreams! If your funds are low but your desire to travel and see the world is high, don’t stress. You can pay off your trip in any instalments that you get to choose.

Lifetime Deposit Guarantee

We’re proud to offer our Lifetime Deposit Guarantee for when things don’t go according to plan. Change your travel dates for when you’re ready, or choose a totally different trip of ours. You can even gift your deposit to a friend.

Flexible trips

We understand that the unexpected happens sometimes. Can’t travel right now? Swap your trip, gift it or save it for later with our Lifetime Deposit Guarantee.

Travel inspiration

Tips For Your First Au Pair Trip: From Someone Who's Been There, Done That.

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How to get the most out of an Au Pair trip abroad.

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