Become an Au Pair
The term “au pair” comes from the French meaning “on equal terms.” An au pair is considered a family member; being an au pair is more than just a job. Young English-speakers who wish to discover France, explore French culture and improve their language skills will find a welcoming French family with whom they can create a genuine cultural exchange.
When you become an au pair in France, you are bound to have an amazing experience. Leave your comfort zone, travel to another country and learn another language and culture. You will have the chance to make friends from all around the world and build a meaningful, lifelong relationship with your host family.
Au Pair Paris matches young English and Spanish speakers with welcoming French families in a careful and personalized selection process. Your French host family will help you discover Paris and France and benefit from a rich international cultural experience. Along with childcare, they are looking for you to share your skills, interests and passions.
Current and recent au pairs include graduates from Stanford, Smith, Georgia Tech, NYU, Barnard, University of Chicago, Michigan State, Indiana University, University of CA and other schools. Some au pairs are putting off college and taking a gap year abroad. They all share a strong interest in France and French culture.
Qualifications for Au Pairs
To become an au pair, candidates should meet the following requirements:
- A genuine enthusiasm for children and childcare
- Be between the ages of 18 and 30
- Be in good health, open-minded, flexible and responsible
- Have basic conversational skills in French
- Be able to provide references, photos, a passport, a birth certificate, a short medical form, a background check, a resume and a short letter of motivation
Tasks and Responsibilities for Au Pairs
This will vary with the age of the children but in general will include: bringing to/picking them up from school (except possibly Wednesday, when most Parisian children don’t have school), bringing them to after-school activities; feeding, bathing, playing and helping them with homework; informal lessons in art, music, language; household tasks related to the children (children’s laundry, straightening), helping with family tasks (setting the table, helping with dishes, etc.)
Program Compensation and Benefits
You receive a weekly stipend of 80 euros for a maximum of 25 working hours. In addition you’ll have a private bedroom and full board; paid vacation (length depends on duration of stay), health insurance (approx 200 euros per month, paid for by host family); and a local public transportation pass (90 euros per month, paid by host family).
We provide full guidance through the application/visa process. We offer support throughout your stay, including help in finding a French class, introductions to other Au Pair Paris au pairs, information meetings, social gatherings and individual assistance.
Your Costs
We have a two-step fee policy:
- Non-refundable 30 euros which covers your interview, step-by-step guidance for creating your family dossier and paperwork requirements, plus visa information and guidance.
- 70 euros is invoiced when you and your host family sign an au pair contract.
You are responsible for your round trip airfare to Paris, visa charges, French immigration fees once in France and cost of a French class (optional but highly recommended).
French Visa Requirements for Au Pairs
Within 90 days of your departure, you must make an appointment a VSF Global office in your home country. The Au Pair Paris program will help guide you through this process. For more information about visas and a visa application form, go to https://france-visas.gouv.fr/.