an easy guide to becoming an au pair

I knew quickly that I was in love with the world. I had no idea it was so easy to travel if you put your mind to it. After deciding that I simply could not sit still any longer, I sought out opportunities around the world that would allow me to make money and travel. I quickly found the idea of being an “au pair.” I always thought an au pair was an overworked and underpaid nanny. That is not the case. An au pair is an addition to a family- someone that acts like an older sibling while providing a cultural exchange to whomever they’re living with.

“An au pair is a helper from a foreign country working for, and living as part of, a host family. Typically, au pairs take on a share of the family’s responsibility for childcare, and receive a monetary allowance for personal use.”

I decided on Italy and a program that fits into the goals I created for myself (Rome Abroad). The program required participants to pay a fee then they would place you with a family. You look through a selection of families, have calls with them, and go through a screening process. You get to know the family and they get to know you. Rather than being an employee, you are a member of the family. It may be the most crucial stage of the process!

The contract is usually produced once the family has been chosen. If you’re working with an agency, they’ll likely handle this. However, if you’re working on your own, there are various examples of good contracts to protect you online. (I would recommend looking here). During the contact stage, you’ll determine with the family what hours/days you’ll work, how much “pocket money” you’ll be paid and any other incentives (this could include a bus pass, a SIM card, or language lessons). Usually, in this stage, the family will also detail what your living arrangements will look like (for ex. a private room + private bathroom, a private room + shared bathroom, etc.) Make sure you review this contract a million times and are okay with the standards that are being given to you. This is the document that will protect you if anything is different then what you were told. While I personally had a wonderful time as an au pair, I have heard some horror stories. So, say it with me- make. sure. you. are. protected.

After you’ve selected your family, have a contract signed, you’ll likely book your travel. I recommend spending time on Google Flights and playing with dates before securing the dates with the family. Leaving on a Monday instead of a Tuesday could mean spending $100 less. You just never know! 

So you’ve got your contract in hand, you feel confident with your selected family and you’ve made your way to the airport. After landing, there are a few things you should immediately settle.

• Where to buy a SIM card locally – As I said before, some families provide this while others don’t. I highly recommend having your host parent(s) go with you to get this situated. Don’t be like me and get scammed because you’re unsure of what you’re asking for! Do your research beforehand, know exactly what you need, then ask for help. Either bring your host family or have them write out instructions for you.
• The nearest grocery/pharmacy – Your family may be supplying meals and household items, but you will still need basics like shampoo, conditioner, among other various items. Figure this out immediately because when you land and realize you forgot to pack deodorant, knowing a store is a 5-minute walk away will come in handy! In Rome specifically, there are small grocery stores everywhere. I used to stop in nearly every other day and grab snacks or basic items. It was great to know where this was located when I first arrived.
• Public transportation routes – My host family supplied me with a monthly transportation pass when I lived in Rome. While this was great and I was thankful for it, I still needed to get familiar with the metro, bus, and tram lines. Get comfortable with them as soon as possible so you feel more confident in your travels and new home. I had a weird mishap my first time riding the tram in Rome. After this, I was stressed out and less confident. It took me a few days to be comfortable with traveling again. Get familiar with this early on and you’ll avoid the extra stress.
• Your family’s recommendations – You may think this isn’t as important as the others, but it absolutely is! You’re moving to a new country, city, continent. Ask your host parents for their recommendations on where to travel. You want to live like a local- ask a local! My host mother was from the north of Italy, while my host father was from the south. This was great for me, because their recommendations were so diverse. I’m so glad I asked them!

If you’d like more specific or specialized information on becoming an au pair – check out my “Italia travel advice” page! I’ve given advice to over 10 potential au pairs and I would love to help you on your journey.