Working for an au pair placement agency abroad: what is it, why would you do it, and where is the best place to go?

What is working for an au pair placement agency abroad like?

• An au pair temporarily lives with a family abroad and provides support with light caregiving duties in exchange for room and board, and an allowance.
• The placement agency handles selection, screening, matching, and guidance throughout the stay. As an au pair, you'll work in a context where trust, safety, and intercultural communication are paramount.
• The work involves cultural exchange, family dynamics, international regulations, care and responsibility, and administrative coordination.
• Behind every placement is a family seeking support and a, usually young, individual who is moving abroad for an extended period. Your role is to ensure that expectations are clear and that the process is safe and responsible.
• Responsibilities:
  • Conducting intake and selection interviews with au pairs.
  • Screening host families.
  • Facilitating matching interviews.
  • Checking references and documents.
  • Providing information on rights, obligations, and cultural differences. Assisting with visa and residence procedures.
  • Maintaining contact during the stay.
  • Mediating in conflicts.
  • Administrative work.
• Working conditions:
  • This usually involves office-based or hybrid work.
  • Contracts are often for part-time or full-time positions.
  • The salary depends on the setting, for example, commercial or non-profit.

What are the reasons for working for an au pair placement agency abroad?

• To contribute to cultural exchange: promoting mutual understanding between countries and families.
• To take responsibility: guiding programs that prioritize safety and well-being.
• To strengthen communication and empathy: working with young people and families with different expectations.
• To become organisationally aware: learning how international regulations and contracts interrelate.

What skills and motivations do you need to work for an au pair placement agency abroad?

• Empathy: Sensing the needs of both au pairs and host families. Homesickness, tensions, or cultural differences require understanding.
• Communicating: Clearly explaining expectations, boundaries, and responsibilities prevents misunderstandings.
• Managing conflicts: Tensions can arise within a family situation, and someone who can mediate is very helpful in this regard.
• Planning: Placements, visas, and start dates require strict organization.
• Stress management: Remaining calm and solution-oriented in emergency situations or conflicts.
• Analysing: Assessing whether a match is realistic and suitable.

What are the best countries and locations to work for au pair placement agencies abroad?

• Au pairs are needed all over the world, au pair placement agencies can also be found in many different countries.
• Popular au pair countries: United States, Germany, France, Spain, Australia.
• Countries with strong au pair programs: The Netherlands, Denmark, Norway, Sweden.

What are the risks of working for au pair placement agencies abroad, and are you insured against those risks? 

• What are the risks of working for au pair placement agencies abroad, and what happens with some regularity:
  • Health risks vary by country: infectious diseases, climate, and medical facilities vary greatly.
  • Medical care is very expensive in some countries, and costs can therefore be high.
  • Work can be emotionally demanding: conflicts within families or problems with young people can have an impact.
  • Busy placement periods lead to increased work stress.
  • Work can be physically demanding: heavy lifting, helping around the house, and so on.
• Are you insured while working for au pair placement agencies abroad?
  • There may be several reasons why you need separate insurance when working abroad.
  • Local employers generally offer limited or no supplementary insurance.
  • During work, internships, or volunteering abroad where you receive compensation or a salary, your own health insurance coverage in the Netherlands may be cancelled. See the pages on: insuring paid work, internships, or volunteering abroad.
  • For insurance: check insurance for commercial, financial, managerial, and organizational activities, for working abroad, for internships abroad and for volunteering abroad.