Become An Au Pair To A Host Family

Cultural Exchange

Cultural Exchange is incredibly important in our shared world today. We're very proud of these program values.

This experience will look great on your CV or Resume. Learn a new language in an immersion setting. Contribute a skill that will last a lifetime.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How do we choose host families?

  Your host family is screened carefully. Also, you have the ultimate safety net: local coordinators and full-time staff in-country you can call on anytime. All of this is to ensure you have a safe, comfortable environment and that your host family is a suitable host. Receive a clear set of guidelines and expectations that are set with your host family. Through monthly meetups with other au pairs, make new friends during your time abroad.

  We take our time making a match because it is impossible to change a host family based on location, for example. However, once you are on the program and if issues arise, we maintain emergency families and can step in and help. This is extremely rare.

• Can I choose my location?

  We recommend focusing on family interviews and choosing your location based on the host family that you really “connect with.” Let the family connection guide your decision on where you will live.

  What you can do is tell us the area where you’d like to be and whether or not you’d like a large city, a small town, or a rural placement.  And we’ll try our best.

  Remember … the host families choose us when they need an au pair and so timing is everything.  There are many locations that you may not have considered prior to applying that are fantastic places in your country of choice.  (We can tell you about many tutors that have loved their locations!)

• What is the application process like?

  1. Submit the online application along with the $350, non-refundable deposit. This amount comes off your program fee. We also break up the fee into payments. Or, for no interest, you can use Klarna to pay the entire fee in payments.
  2. You'll receive a link for a supplemental form and additional materials to submit.
  3. When we receive all of your docs, we begin to match you with a well-screened host family.
  4. We'll email you the host family information.
  5. Set up a (Zoom, WhatsApp, or Skype) call with the host family for your interview.
  6. Once you and the host family agree that it's a good match, you and the family arrange the exact arrival and departure date together.
  7. Find and purchase your flights.
  8. Arrange your international health insurance.
  9. If you need a visa, please arrange for your visa at this time.
  10. Fly overseas and begin your Homestay Tutor program and cultural experience!

• More Frequently Asked Questions

  Do I need to get a visa?

  You will not need a visa if you stay for 2-3 months (France, Italy, Spain). If you go to France for 4+ months, you'll need the Au Pair visa. In Germany (4+ months), you need an A1 CEFR level of German, and you'll get your visa there. The Netherlands (12 months only) will give you the visa in The Netherlands when you apply there with your host family.

  When can I book my flights?

  DO NOT book any flights until you are matched with your host family. They will go over several arrival dates with you, and we'll tell you when it's safe to book your airfare.

  How long can I stay on the program?

  Italy and Spain for up to 3 months; France, Germany, and The Netherlands for up to 12 months.

  Do I need to speak the local language?

  Nope! However, if you arrive with some knowledge of the local language, it will be a little easier for you. The only exception is Germany, where you will need a CEFR level of A1 to qualify for the visa.

  I've heard that bringing a gift to the host family is good.

  Who doesn't like a present? We recommend bringing something that represents where you are from. Maple syrup, pancake mix, and a coffee mug are a few ideas.

  Do I have free time?

  Yes! Anywhere from 1 to 2 days off per week. That schedule will be part of your discussion with the host family.

  Will my host family speak English?
  
  Count on them to know basic English.

  Can I be placed with a travel companion?
  
  Unfortunately, host families needing an au pair only have one au pair in the home at a time.  So, we cannot provide a homestay for anyone except one au pair per household. If you want to apply with someone else, they would be placed with another family. We would try hard to find a host family so you would be close to one another, but we could not guarantee that. We are successful most of the time.

  How long does it take to be placed with a family?

  If you give us 90 days, we will succeed in an awesome placement. Some tutors want a last-minute placement, and we charge extra for that. The longer we have to make the match, the better the program you'll have.

  What can I do in my free time?

  As you read the Blog posts from former au pairs, here are a few things they've done:

  • Take language courses
  • Visit museums
  • Take cooking classes
  • Museum tours
  • A long weekend traveling around
  • Meeting new friends

  What if I don’t like my placement when I arrive or have host family issues? Can I move?

  Before you depart, we will connect you via email, phone, and Skype with your new host family. You’ll have all the details you want before you ever leave home.  The Cultural Exchange Project spends a great deal of time on match-making. It is the only way the program will be successful. There needs to be a “connection” between you and your host family.

  But after you arrive, if you’re having issues, we have a way to start the process to fix things or change your placement, if necessary. This is extremely rare, but we’ve done this long enough to know things can come up on all sides.

  Will I be a part of the family or an employee?

  Some of our au pairs tell us that the bond they form with their host family can last a lifetime.  We know some au pairs who actually fly back a few years later for a reunion or to attend a milestone event for one of the children they cared for.

  You will participate in family activities, share cultures, and make friends in your new community and with other au pairs in the area.

  Should I become an au pair?

  Becoming an au pair is a serious position … While you get paid to travel … your main responsibilities are the children you care for. While you might consider yourself patient, fun-loving, and perfect for a job like this … think about how responsible you are and your previous experience with children under your care. If you’re ready … we have incredible families who need you right away, living in amazing locations. It's an amazing cultural exchange!

  I'm from the European Union (EFTA or EEA). Do I still need to go through the long-term visa requirements?

  Citizens of full European (EFTA, EEA) Member Countries can live and work in the EU without a visa or work permit. There is no visa application. The Cultural Exchange Project will supply an eager host family who has been screened and EU citizens just need to show up on the agreed-upon date to begin the Au Pair duties.