There are one of two ways to become an Au Pair Abroad; go with a placement agency, or find a host family on your own. If you would prefer to find a host family on your own, then you will first need to choose an Au Pair website. These platforms are free for Au Pairs and allow you to create a profile and connect with host families. Below are 10 different websites that you can use to find an Au Pair job abroad.
Photo Credits: Guillaume de Germain
What to Know / FAQs
How do these Au Pair websites work?
Each website generally works the same: You create your own profile, search through the profiles of families who are looking for an Au Pair, then make it known you are interested in working with them or directly message them yourself. Host families can view your profile and reach out to you as well. You will need to do all the work, including interviewing the family and finding the correct work VISA, yourself.
How much does it cost?
All of these websites offer free registration for Au Pairs. Some are completely free to use and others will require certain plans or subscriptions to access certain parts of the process, such as messaging families.
What are the requirements to use these websites?
Technically, anyone can use these website. However, to become an Au Pair you will need to make sure you meet the VISA requirements of the country you are looking to work in.
Why use these websites instead of paying a placement agency?
Everyone has their reasons for finding a host family on their own instead of going through a placement agency. Most people prefer to use these websites because it is free and they do not mind doing the work in order to find a host family. Ultimately you get to make the final decision of who you are working with and the location you will be working in.
How do I know the families on these websites are legitimate?
If the websites put the host families on their website through a vetting/verification process it will be noted below. However, you should still do your research to make sure the families are legitimate. To do so make sure their profiles provide detailed and accurate information, and have photos of them and the children. You should also interact with them multiple times over FaceTime, get a tour of the house, and see the children.
I've created a profile and found a family. What do I do next?
Once you find a family, the next step is to message them and begin getting to know them. You should then have multiple FaceTime interviews to meet the parents and children face to face. If you are unsure of what questions to ask, try some of these 101+ Questions to Ask Your Au Pair Host Family. After getting all the details and creating your Au Pair contract with your family, the next step is applying for the necessary VISA and purchasing your plane ticket to head abroad!
Websites to Find an Au Pair Job Abroad
Membership fee: Free for Au Pairs.
Host family locations: Around the world.
Do they vet their host families: Yes.
Notes: I have used this website to find Au Pair jobs and highly recommend it. You can create a profile and message host families for free. Host families do have to pay a membership to create an account.
Related Posts: How to Fill Out Your Au Pair World Profile
2. Au Pair.com
Membership fee: A basic plan is free for Au Pairs.
Host family locations: Around the world.
Do they vet their host families: Yes.
Notes: A host family must be a premium member to contact you. If you want to contact a family, you must purchase a membership. One month is $49.90 and 3 months is $89.90.
3. Find Au Pair
Membership fee: Free for Au Pairs.
Host family locations: Around the world.
Do they vet their host families: They check accounts before allowing families to be members.
Notes: You can send a notification that you are interested in a family, but you can not contact them, they must send you a message first.
Membership fee: Free for Au Pairs.
Host family locations: Around the world.
Do they vet their host families: They do screen all host family profiles.
Notes: This site free for host families too. You can also connect with agencies.
Membership fee: Free.
Host family location(s): Around the world.
Do they vet their host families: They screen every profile.
Notes: You can send a notification that you are interested in a family but you can not contact them. They must send you a message first, unless you pay for a subscriptions, which ranges from $27-$45/month.
6. Nanny Job.uk
Membership fee: Free for Nannies/Au Pairs.
Host family locations: Mainly in the Uk and Europe.
Do they vet their host families: Unknown.
Notes: This website is reviewed positively by users and mentions that an agent works with you to find a family once registered.
Membership fee: Free plan to find families yourself. It's €49 for a certified profile, and €345 for the assistance package.
Host family location(s): France, Australia, Spain, New Zealand, Ireland, Belgique, Germany, and Luxembourg.
Do they vet their host families: Yes.
8. New Au Pair
Membership fee: Free.
Host family location(s): Around the world.
Do they vet their host families: No, they do not scan profiles.
Notes: Families do have to be registered to see your profile.
9. Au Pair One
Membership fee: Free.
Host family locations: Around the world.
Do they vet their host families: No.
Notes: This website does not screen profiles or accounts.
Conclusion
If you are looking for an Au Pair job abroad, you can use one of these website to create a profile and find a host family on your own. Of course, make sure you do plenty of research before deciding on a host family to make sure they are the right fit for you. Good luck in your search and hopefully you find the host family that is the perfect fit for you! If you have experience using one of these website, or a specific preference, please share your thoughts in the comments below.