AuPair

AuPair internships

An Au Pair internship is an excellent chance not only to get acquainted with the culture and traditions of another country but also to gain work experience, as well as improve the language. Such internships are perfect for those who like to work with children and do not mind living in a foster home during practice.

What is an Au Pair Internship

Au Pair programs are a kind of cultural exchange that enables young people to visit their host families in America and help them look after their children.

The French term “Au Pair” means “equal; with the same rights” and reflects the idea of an Au Pair program.

The primary responsibility of program participants is mutual support. The term “Au Pair” refers to a program member who lives in the family and helps with household chores.

A feature of the program is that the interns do not perform the functions of a nanny or cleaning lady. Before the start of the program, both parties agree on the tasks to be performed. Do not think that responsibilities are assigned only to the governess. Certain requirements are also imposed on the host family. So, they must have at least one minor child, a free room for living, and also must comply with the established standards of the program.

Au Pair Internship in the USA

Au Pair programs appeared in America in 1989, and now the country ranks first in terms of the number of families accepted. Currently, there are 17 accredited agencies in the United States, so it will not be possible to find a family without an intermediary organization.

FIn the US Au Pairs receive a scholarship - from $195.75 per week. As part of such a program, you will live in an American family with children, help in their daily lives: do homework, play outdoors, accompany them to school. Before starting to carry out tasks in the host family, some agencies require the attendance of special training to develop skills for working with children. At the end of the training courses, each participant passes an exam, the results of which affect the choice of the family.

At such courses, participants get acquainted with the physiological and psychological characteristics of children of different ages in order to be ready to solve any difficulties that arise. At the same time, the internship includes compulsory attendance of English courses or professional courses, where you can develop as a professional. The family helps pay for your courses and allocates up to $1000 for training. Some participants are given the right to choose their own courses to attend college and university. As a rule, these are continuing education unit programs that include both theoretical and practical tasks.

Au Pair’s Responsibilities

The responsibilities of both parties are specified in the contract and discussed before the start of the program. The main responsibility is child care. The Au Pair usually monitors the daily routine, accompany the child to school and meets after the end of classes. You may also be charged with preparing school lunches.

It is important that the participant in the program is not obliged to manage the household; household chores are carried out only in the framework of caring for the child. When communicating with the host family on Skype, discuss in detail all the responsibilities, an approximate schedule, and your rights. Your working hours are also regulated. The governess can work up to 45 hours a week and not more than 10 hours a day. According to the terms of the program, participants are given 1.5 days off per week, at this time the host family should not entrust the intern with any work.

An Au Pair internship is paid, so the family needs to pay from $ 195 dollars per week. One of the responsibilities of the family is also to provide a personal room for living and three meals a day.

Au Pair Requirements

The intern must comply with the age limits: not younger than 18 years old and not older than 26. A certificate of a criminal record is required.

Level of knowledge of the language, at least Intermediate. Some programs will require at least 200 hours of experience working with children. You will also need to prepare several documents, including a recommendation on work experience or volunteering, as well as a motivation letter.

How to go for an Au Pair internship 

If you do not know where to start, we can help with paperwork, preparation of the letters of recommendation and preparation of the application. StudyQA offer several internship programs. Fill in the form on the site, and we call you back.

AuPair Internship, work with children