What is an Au Pair?
The term "Au Pair" refers to a young, foreign girl or boy who travels abroad to improve his/her language skills by sharing the life of a family.
The Au Pair placements in France are governed by an agreement called "Convention conclue entre le Jeune Au pair et la famille d'accueill".
In exchange for 25 hours of weekly childcare and light household tasks/chores, the Au Pair receives lodgings, meals and pocket money.
Protect yourself !
IAPA (and therefore UFAAP) warn you against any direct match between au pairs and host families, always use a legally registered au pair agency.
Newspapers, internet advertisements or any of the many web-based matching services may appear to be acceptable and inexpensive alternatives for securing an au pair placement.
There are, however, potential risks in arranging a placement in this manner.
10 potential risks you face when not using a legally registered au pair agency:
- high probability of unsuitable au pair or host family candidates
- absence of a written contract
- little or no experience in the au pair industry
- lack of professionalism or financial stability
- nonexistent standards or guidelines
- insufficient references and/or medical certification
- danger of document falsification
- no rematch policy (secondary placement) if the initial placement is unsuccessful
- no local support during the placement
- limited understanding of national au pair regulations
Message forwarded by the International Au Pair Association (IAPA) and his local representative (UFAAP)
International Au Pair Association
Keizersgracht 174-176 • 1016 DW Amsterdam • The Netherlands •
Tél : + 31 20 421 28 00 • www.iapa.org