Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The agency may also ask for a medical certificate (showing you are free of deadly con-
tagious diseases
etc
) dated less than three months before you leave, and translated into
French. Au pairs also have to have a medical examination on arrival in France.
The French Consulate advises you to check that the family you stay with obtains a 'moth-
er's help' work contract (
Accord de placement au pair d'un stagiaire aide-familiale
). If
you are a non-EU citizen you are expected to do this before you leave for France, but Brit-
ish au pairs do not need to.
Au pairing in North America
Being an au pair in the USA is well paid. You'll receive $195 a week (£125 approximately),
have your flight paid for, free health insurance, free food and lodging with your own room
in the family house. You also get two weeks' holiday and a chance to travel for 30 days at
the end of the year.
Many American families need childcare help because both parents work. Childcare is very
expensive in the USA and so a highly effective network of agencies has developed to sup-
ply international au pairs to US families.
The US Government regulates the au pair programme and in order to obtain the required
J-1 au pair visa you must go though a local UK agency. The requirements are quite strict:
•
Be aged 18-26.
•
Be educated to minimum GCSE standard.
•
Speak English well.
•
Have no criminal record (including cautions) and obtain an enhanced CRB check.
•
Have a minimum 200 hours of babysitting experience with non-relatives.
•
Be able to drive and swim.
•
Have no visible tattoos!
You also receive a $500 credit towards the college course of your choice.
The US Department of State website has all the up-to-date legislation on au pairing in the
US. See:
j1visa.state.gov/programs/au-pair
If you enjoy being with children, this is a great option for a year. UK agencies include:
