Work Travel Volunteer

Why should you become an Au Pair?

• You'll improve your language skills.
• You'll have the chance to study abroad.
• You'll become immersed in another culture.
• You won't have to worry about food or accommodation bills.
• You'll improve your childcare skills.

Au Pairing is unfortunately notoriously poorly paid (it's pocket money rather than a salary)

There are different levels of au-pairing depending on your prior experience and qualifications.

Au-Pair:-

Work 20-25 hours a week including evenings or weekends. Length of service ranges from 3 to 12 months. You look after children only.

Au-Pair Plus:-

30-40 hours a week worked. Better pay but you look after the household chores as well as the children.

Nanny: - formal childcare qualifications are needed.

Did you know?

Au Pair means "on equal footing" and means that as an au pair you should be treated as an equal to the family to live with.

Where can you work?

Au-Pairs generally work in the USA or in European countries but it is also possible to work in Australia and New Zealand or Canada too.

How to get a job as an Au-Pair

Go through an agency. It will determine your safety whilst away. Both you and your family will be thoroughly vetted before you are placed.

You and the host family will get a;

1. CRB check (criminal records check)
2. Telephone interview
3. Medical on occasions

Working in the USA demands slightly more vigorous checks including a face to face interview, reference checks and a psychometric test. However, in general, the support over there is better too. You'll be trained in first aid and child development plus you'll have the opportunity to meet other au-pairs in your vicinity. Some agencies give you free flights and the pay is generally far better than in Europe. Sometimes the host family is allow required to give you a study allowance and time off to attend courses.

Kids Camp and Camp Counsellors

Why should you do it?

• Achieve the outdoor lifestyle
• Get fit
• Meet like-minded people
• Good fun
• Love kids and sport
• Free flights, accommodation and food

The downside is the hours are extremely long and the work is physically demanding plus the pay is poor and you possibly won't be allowed to consume alcohol or smoke cigarettes on your time off.

Typically camp counsellors work 7am to 10pm every day. It's not easy!

Visit our directory to find out which organisations can help you work as an au pair or as a camp counsellor.