What is an au pair?

An au pair is a female or male person, or couple, who lives with a Host Family in a foreign country for a period of time, whilst learning a foreign language and culture.

In exchange, an au pair will participate in childcare and related activities, as well as light household chores and babysitting.  If the Host Family has older children, then the au pair can help develop a child’s particular skill; this can be anything from learning French to riding a horse.

Many au pairs are still students (ie attending a college or university), and work as au pairs during their vacation.  Others decide to take a year or two off before, during, or after college/university before starting their careers.  Not surprisingly, many go on to a carrer in childcare or educational fields.

The au pair programme can be a very exciting and rewarding experience for both au pair and Host Family!

The latest VISA requirments can be found at http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/en/howtoapply/infs/inf28pbsyouthmobility