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	Name: Izabela Dziekiewicz

	Nationality: Polish

	Currently living: Poland

Au Pair Frequently Asked Questions

Au Pair
Who qualifies to become an Au Pair?
How do I find a nice family?
Important information for Visa Requirements & Sponsorship.
What will the Au Pair receive?
Au Pair Function within the Host Family
Responsibilities and duties of the Au Pair
Problems relating to the “Au Pair Programmes” I should be aware of?
Questions on Health and Safety
What about problems with the Host Family – What should I do?
What Pocket Money should I receive?
What documents and references should I present to the family
What Au Pair Programs abroad should Au Pairs envistigate?
Can an Au Pair gain employment?
As an Au Pair in the U.S.A, do I have American holidays off?
As an Au Pair is it an advantage to have a Driver's License?
How should I word my 'Dear Family Letter'?
Why Should I upload an Au Pair photo?

1. Au Pair (oupéar)
An arrangement for reciprocal services between two parties (family & student) which often avoids money payment and a wages relationship, it is used especially where a girl or boy wishing to travel and learn a foreign language goes abroad, lives with a family shares light household duties with childcare duties in return for food, accommodation, pocket money and the opportunity to learn.

2. Who qualifies to become an Au Pair?
“Au Pair” or foreign student should be between the age of 17 and 30 years.

Au Pairs are an extension to the family, where they live with a family of their chosen country, who will help them practice the foreign language and absorb the host country way of life and in return, help with the children and with some light household duties, and receive “pocket money“ each week from the host family.

3. How do I find a nice family?
REGISTER FREE – Click on “Register au pair” start your free registration and complete in full.

Login - access your account with your password.
Upload your photograph and write “Dear Family Letter”. It is important you write your own words or get some help from your family.
Family Profiles – Search for a suitable family, target your favourite country, all this from the website.
Become a Member – You have chosen a list of your preferred families and you need further information. At this stage membership is required.
To become an au pair member, Click on ‘Membership Account’ button and follow the steps.
Payment - We accept payment through Visa, Pay Pal, and MasterCard through our secured payment system.

If you do not possess a Credit Card we can accept Western Union transfers. Arrange for Western Union transfers through (Helloaupairs Bank) in R.O.I. in the amount of Euro…….

Email us immediately with the Money Transfer Control (MTC) number you full name and your Membership ID Number after you send the membership fee. Only then can we activate your Membership. Full Membership gives you full access to contact information on the families on our database /(system). Membership is absolutely dependent on this information.

4. Visa Documentation and Requirements.

Up-to-date Passport
Invitation Letter (Dear Au Pair letter)
Upon confirmation of Visa (Visa Fee may be required)
Confirmation letter from Language/College (A study visa requirement)
A Financial Statement. (Study visa requirement)
Reference letters from previous Employers/College (if any)

Note: Members of the 25 European Union (EU) countries do not require a visa to enter member countries, however they do require an up-to-date passport or identity card.

5. What will an Au Pair receive?
See below are some conditions, which generally apply and are offered depending on your target country. Before you finally decide check with the host family or the acting agency what is on offer!

Private bedroom (no sharing).
Free accommodation for 7 days per week for the duration of the agreed period.
Weekly Pocket Money.
Paid vacation money (this depends on the target country)
Part contribution towards Language School courses, local transport costs i.e. bus, train, airfare depending on country and contract etc. medical insurance, Mobile Phone Cards, etc. It is imperative to check first what is on offer.
Some Families can travel away on holidays/vacation, you could be included (only if you wish).
Use of family car.
Time off to attend Language School.
Free time.
FAMILES ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR AU PAIRS LONG DISTANCE TELEPHONE CALLS OR PRELONGED USE OF THE INTERNET.
An Au Pair is responsible for all her/his personal items i.e. toiletries, hair care products, & health supplements.

Whatever is on offer, it is advisable to have confirmation in writing to avoid confusion at a later date.

6. Au Pair Function within the Host Family

The Au Pair is to share the life of the receiving family, while at the same time enjoying a certain degree of independence.
Communicating with the family on the important elements of childcare and household duties should help ease any concerns you might have.
Flexibility is an important aspect in to-days busy world for working families hence, a good working relationship is important to establish from the beginning.
It is not advisable to be left in sole charge of an infant baby.
Do not hesitate to ask potential families questions on their expectations of an au pair, if you are not happy do not accept an offer without further clarification to clear the air and set the groundwork for a good working atmosphere.

7. Responsibilities and duties of an Au Pair
You are expected to wake up at a regular hour, to be agreed by the family.

The parents, some suggestions below; usually define childcare duties:

Prepare and dress children for school.
Drive them to and from school if needed
Feed them, prepare their meals
Play and talk to the children
Go swimming
Go for walks and other active pursuits

Light housework, to include:

Cleaning up after children
Childrens laundry
Vacuuming childrens rooms
Making childrens beds
Supervise homework
Light shopping for essentials
Keeping kitchen & family room tidy
Keep your space clean & tidy at all times
Observe House Rules

8. “Au Pair Programmes”

Not all countries operate an official “Au Pair Programme”
If the target country you have chosen do not operate an “Au Pair Programme it does not necessarily mean you cannot be an Au Pair in that country once you have an “Invitation Letter” from your chosen family. (Contact the appropriate Consulate/Embassy for up-to-date information).
Some countries have Language Schools where you apply for information on their “Study Programmes/Language Programmes” where they too can be of enormous help in executing a “study visa”.
Au Pairs who are members of the European Union do not need an Au Pair Visa to stay within other member countries.
Au Pairs will always need their passport or identity card to present at point of entry of their Host country.
It is advisable for all Au Pairs to check with the Embassy /Consulate of their chosen country on the regulations for entry, as these may change from time to time.
Not all countries in Europe have official Au Pair programmes.
If you should require further assistance contact us at support@helloaupairs.com

9. Questions on Health and Safety
Before you travel and depending on your target country it is important to be aware of the following;

You are physically fit and in excellent health
Visit your Dentist for any dental treatment you may require.
Visit your Optician to have your eyes checked.
EU members should ensure they carry their E111 Medical Form with them.

10. Problems with the Host Family – What do I do?
The Au Pair has arrived into the new family home and cannot settle, because of clash of personality, whatever the reason it may not be even connected to the family. If there is anything at all you do not agree with, it is imperative that the family be made aware of this, and you will find in most cases some compromises will be made. Communication is a very important factor if you are to have a good understanding of one another. You must try your best to be cheerful, pleasant, and willing.

Make a list of the issues that concern you
Approach the problem in a calm dignified manner
Choose a suitable time to speak with the parents away from the children if possible about you concerns/problem
The children may have grown to love and respect you, so it is better not to confide/tell them you have a problem, which might lead to your leaving and to their distress at your departure.
It is better to resolve the problem if you can, If it is too much and you have to leave make sure to give at least a weeks notice to find a replacement family.

11. What Pocket Money should I receive?
Pocket Money depends on the Host Family, and guidelines of their country of origin. Before you accept a placement, ensure you have been informed about the amount of pocket money on offer.

12. What Document and References do the families require?

Medical Certificate which states you are in good health
Two or three character references (Previous employer, Teacher, or school/college – No relatives)
Families request a Police Clearance Certificate from the Au Pairs home country
For USA citizens – Families can request a “Child Abuse Clearance Certificate”
Copy of Driving Licence
Copy of current up-to-date passport.

13. What Au Pair Programs abroad should Au Pairs investigate?
Depending on you’re country of origin there are many opportunities available for travel as an Au Pair. A visa, study visa, or permit may be necessary for selected countries. An ‘Invitation letter’ or “Dear Au Pair” from a Host Family is a must before you apply for a visa or placement:

USA (Au Pair in America)
Spend a year with an American family. Benefit from exiting study programs.
Experience United States culture while living in an American town!
Travel inexpensively and see other regions of the USA
Study at an American College or University
Find out more about a) Au Pair America, b) Au Pair Extraordinaire c) EduCare in America.
Contact you’re nearest American Embassy/Consulate for application form and more up-to-date information
Au Pair in Australia (Working Holiday Program)
Australia does not have an official Au Pair Program,
A Visa is required for a ‘Working Holiday Programme’ contact with your nearest
Australian Embassy/Consulate for an application form and up-to-date information.
Au Pair in Canada (Live-in Caregiver Program)
Canada do not have an official Au Pair Program, instead they have ‘Caregiver Program’. Caregivers are individuals who are qualified to care independently for children, people with disabilities or the elderly. There is a shortage of live-in ‘Caregivers’ in Canada.
The Canadian Government currently operates the program.
Contact your nearest Canadian Embassy/Consulate and ask about the ‘Caregiver Program’.
Application form and up-to-date information.
Au Pair in China
In order to meet to meet the program requirements for China, you need to:

1. Childcare experience or baby—sitting experience
2. Have no criminal record (Police Clearance Certificate from Au Pair’s home country).
3. Age limit from 18 years to 30 years.
Au Pair applicants must be prepared to attend Chinese language courses at University.

Contact the Chinese Embassy/Consulate of your home country for an application form and up-to-date information.
Au Pair in Japan
Japan do not have an official Au Pair Program, The program is recognised as a “Japan Holiday Work Visa”. Japan currently has arrangements with Australia, New Zealand, Canada, France Korea, Germany and the United Kingdom (UK)
To be eligible for a Working Holiday Visa you should be from one of the above countries and currently residing in your country of citizenship.

For more information for this visa contact you’re nearest Japanese Embassy/Consulate
Au Pair in Croatia
In order to meet the program requirements for Croatia, you need to have the following experience:

1. Have childcare experience or baby-sitting experience.
2. Have proven experience and ability how to feed, bath, & play with children.
3. Be an “ice-breaker” for Croatia.

Au Pair needs to apply for a visa at the nearest Embassy of Croatia. Contact the Croatian Embassy/Consulate for application form and up-to-date information.
Au Pair in New Zealand (Working Holiday Scheme)
Citizens from approved countries may travel to New Zealand for a Working Holiday Schemes, and undertake employment during this holiday stay. (List of approved countries below) A work visa and permit is required, applicants must be 18 years and not over 30 years, have no dependents, provide evidence of sufficient funds to purchase a return airfare if required. Must be prepared to meet the conditions of the particular scheme they are applying for.
There are 10 Working Holiday Schemes and they are as follows:

1. Canada/New Zealand
2. France/New Zealand
3. Germany/New Zealand
4. Ireland/New Zealand
5. Japan/New Zealand
6. Korea/New Zealand
7. Malaysia/New Zealand
8. Netherlands/New Zealand
9. United Kingdom Citizens’/New Zealand
10. Italy/New Zealand

Contact the New Zealand Embassy/Consulate for application forms and more up-to-date information.
Au Pair in South Africa
South Africa can offer either live-in or live-out Au Pair program.
It is advisable to have the support of a well established agency registered with the South African department of Home Affairs who may be able to sponsor an Au Pair.
A legal South African Au Pair work permit is required for a non-citizen, which allows the Au Pair to work. An applicant from outside South Africa must cover their own expenses such as:

1. Medical insurance
2. Airfare
3. Language courses if required
4. Some initial pocket money.

Contact the South African Embassy/Consulate in your home country for application forms and up-to-date information.
European Union (EU)
Within the 25 European countries of the EU, not all counties operate a specific Au Pair Programs. No visa is required for members of the EU to visit and work within member EU States, however it is absolutely necessary to have an up-to-date passport or identity card for inspection at point of entry.

Member countries as follows: Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Poland, Portugal Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, The Netherlands, & United Kingdom.

There is an European Agreement on “Au Pair Placement”, which was drawn up within the Council of Europe by the Social Committee, it was left open for signature by the member states of the Council of Europe in 1969. Not all members applied their signature, however, many countries apply the protocol of the agreement.

For entry of Non EU citizens to the above listed countries a visa will be required, for this contact the target country Embassy/Consulate for up-to-date information.

14. Can an Au Pair gain employment?
Yes, After your placement contract with your Host Family is complete and you have the professional qualification required. But it totally depends on your host country particular regulations on employment and information on entry visa and work permits. Be advised to contact the relavent Employment Goverment Department for further information.

15. As an Au Pair in the U.S.A. , do I have American hoidays off?

Remeber you are not an employee, you are a member of the Host Family, hence you are not automatically entitled to American holidays off. You are actually expected to involve and share in many activities of the national holidays in the company of your Host Family. Many Host Families after discussion agree to an arrangement that enables you to spend part of the holiday with friends or relations. Do not treat holidays as days off from work; you should view them as a time to learn about the many American customs and help your host family for their celebrations.

16. As an Au Pair is it an advantage to have a Driver's License?

The short answer is YES! it is expected you hold a full driving license. Laws are different from country to country and from state to state. It is an advantage to have an International Driver's License (IDL) or International Driving Permit (IDP).

17. How should I word my 'Dear Family Letter'?

Write a letter as if you were writing to a distant relative or a pen pal. The host family want to know about you, after all you are going to spend time with them and their childgren. Tell your host family about your education and your academic achievements if any, your hobbies & interests e.g. sporting activities, photography, music & dance, the arts etc. describe where you live, your own family, the children (their ages) you have taken care of and the reason why you wish to take time out to be an Au Pair. Many families are looking for an au pair who can help with light housework, some cooking, and if you have some experience, it certainly would be wonderful but you must tell the family all about it.

Give as much detail as you can so that the host family, reading your letter, gets to know you. This letter is one of the most important parts of the application process, so it is important you take time to write a nice letter. It is important you write clearly or otherwise type the letter.

18. Why should I upload my photographs?

Firstly families like to meet you visually on the page, so it is very important you upload your au pair photo album or at least one photo, the more the better. It is only natural that the family would want to get a good idea of what you are like, and the best way to show them you are a nice, sweet, genuine au pair, is to let them see photos of you, maybe your family and friends. You have to have a photo for your passport, why not a photo for your host family. The majority of families now source au pairs who have at least one photo on their profile. If your photo is not on your profile, families who are seaching cannot see you, Generally, the more photos you upload, the more families will contct you.