An Au Pair is typically a young person who lives with a host family abroad and provides childcare in exchange for room, board, and a small stipend.
The arrangement is designed to be a cultural exchange, allowing the Au Pair to immerse themselves in a new country, learn a new language, and experience a different culture, while helping the host family with childcare and sometimes light housework.
The term "Au Pair" comes from the French phrase "au pair", which literally means "on par" or "equal to." The term originated in the early 19th century and reflects the idea that an Au Pair is meant to be an equal member of the family they live with, rather than a formal employee.
Responsibilities of an Au Pair
Primarily focused on childcare, with some additional light household tasks. Au Pairs are expected to follow the family’s rules, but also to be treated as a family member.
The primary responsibility of an Au Pair is childcare, which can include:
- looking after children,
- helping with homework,
- preparing meals, and
- taking children to school or activities.
Light household duties may also be involved, such as tidying up after the children.
An Au Pair's Rights
Au Pairs are entitled to their own private room, meals, weekly time off, and a stipend. They are not formal employees, so they don’t receive a salary or other employment benefits.
Working hours are usually regulated, with Au Pairs typically working 25-30 hours per week in most countries, although this can vary.
They also have designated free time and often take language or cultural courses during their stay.
Au Pair Guidelines in Europe
The Au Pair guidelines in Europe are generally standardised but can vary slightly from country to country. These guidelines aim to promote a healthy balance of cultural exchange and ensure the fair treatment of Au Pairs and host families.
- Au Pair Age Range: Typically between 18 to 30 years old, although some countries set different limits, such as 18 to 26.
- Host Family Requirements: The host family must provide room, board, and pocket money. They must also offer cultural exposure, allowing the Au Pair to learn about the country’s language and culture.
- Working Hours 25-30 hours per week, with at least one day off. Some countries regulate that the Au Pair should not work more than 5-6 hours per day.
- A stipend (pocket money) in exchange for their work, which can vary between countries. On average, it ranges between €250 and €400 per month, depending on the country.
- A private room and meals should be provided by the Host Family.
- The Au Pair must have health and travel insurance in most European countries.
- The typical duration for an Au Pair stay ranges from 6 months to 1 year, although shorter or longer stays may be agreed upon depending on the country’s regulations.
- Most countries require an Au Pair agreement to be signed between the host family and the Au Pair, outlining duties, working hours, days off, stipend, and conditions of termination.
- Either party can terminate the Au Pair agreement, typically with two weeks' notice. Conflict resolution mechanisms, like mediation by the Au Pair agency or local authorities, are often available.
An Au Pair Agreement Outlining Terms
An Au Pair agreement is a formal document outlining the terms and conditions of the arrangement between the Au Pair and the host family. The agreement sets clear expectations for both parties, ensuring that the cultural exchange and work relationship are smooth and fair.
- Duration of Stay
- Duties and Responsibilities
- The agreement may also specify excluded tasks, ensuring the Au Pair is not assigned duties outside their role, such as heavy housework.
- Outlines the Au Pair’s working hours
- Defines the Au Pair’s free time and days off (often at least one full day per week).
- Specifies the amount of pocket money the Au Pair will receive
- Indicates when and how the stipend will be paid (e.g., weekly or monthly).
- Confirms that the host family will provide the Au Pair with a private room and meals during their stay
- Many agreements include provisions for language courses, stating whether the host family will assist with enrolment or contribute to the cost.
- Details health and travel insurance arrangements, specifying who is responsible for obtaining and paying for the insurance (usually the Au Pair, though some host families may contribute).
- Provides details about holiday leave, including how many days the Au Pair is entitled to and whether these are paid or unpaid.
- Outlines the conditions under which the agreement can be terminated by either party, typically with a two weeks' notice. It also addresses any procedures in case of early termination.
- Specifies how disputes will be handled, such as through mediation by an Au Pair agency or by following local laws.
- This may include terms regarding the use of household facilities, expectations for behaviour (e.g., curfews), or travel arrangements for family vacations where the Au Pair is expected to assist.
Au Pair Agreement – Free Template
Below is a basic Au Pair agreement template that can be customised to suit the specific arrangements between the Au Pair and the host family.
Au Pair Agreement
This agreement is made on [Date] between:
Host Family:
- Name: [Host Family Name]
- Address: [Host Family Address]
- Contact Information: [Phone Number, Email]
Au Pair:
- Name: [Au Pair’s Name]
- Address: [Au Pair’s Address]
- Nationality: [Au Pair’s Nationality]
- Date of Birth: [Date of Birth]
- Contact Information: [Phone Number, Email]
1. Duration of Stay
- The Au Pair will stay with the Host Family from [Start Date] to [End Date].
- Extension or early termination of this period must be agreed upon in writing with [two weeks’ notice].
2. Duties and Responsibilities
The Au Pair will assist the Host Family with the following duties:
- Childcare tasks: [List specific duties, e.g., preparing meals for the children, helping with homework, taking them to school, etc.].
- Light household tasks: [E.g., tidying the children's rooms, laundry related to children, etc.].
- The Au Pair will work a maximum of [XX] hours per week, not exceeding [XX] hours per day.
3. Working Hours and Free Time
- The Au Pair will work from [Start Time] to [End Time] [Specify Days].
- The Au Pair is entitled to [XX] days off per week, including one full day off, and [XX] paid holidays over the course of the stay.
4. Pocket Money/Stipend
- The Host Family agrees to pay the Au Pair [Amount] per week/month as pocket money. Payment will be made [specify frequency, e.g., weekly, monthly].
5. Room and Board
- The Host Family will provide the Au Pair with a private room and meals during the entire stay.
- The Au Pair is considered part of the family and will share meals with the family unless otherwise agreed.
6. Language Courses
- The Au Pair will attend language courses [optional].
- The Host Family will contribute [Amount, if any] towards language courses.
7. Health and Travel Insurance
- The Au Pair is responsible for obtaining appropriate health and travel insurance before arriving, or the Host Family will assist in arranging this [if applicable].
8. Travel Costs
- The Au Pair will be responsible for covering travel costs to and from [Country].
- [Optional: Specify if the Host Family will contribute to travel expenses].
9. Holiday Entitlement
- The Au Pair will be entitled to [Number of Paid Holidays] during the stay.
10. Termination and Notice
- Either party may terminate this agreement by giving [two weeks' notice] in writing.
- The agreement may be terminated immediately if serious misconduct occurs.
11. Miscellaneous
- The Au Pair will follow the house rules, which include [curfew, internet use, etc.].
- The Au Pair is expected to inform the Host Family of any changes to schedules or concerns as soon as possible.
Signatures
Host Family:
Date: [Date]
Au Pair:
Date: [Date]
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