General Questions and answers for AuPairs

At the beginning, find out about the legal framework for au pairs in the country in which you want to work to ensure that your rights are respected. Arab countries in particular have repeatedly drawn unpleasant attention in the past due to abductions, forced labor and exploitation. The safest way to determine that you are in contact with a reputable host family is always personal contact. Meet your host family in person before the start of your stay to get a better feel for their seriousness and personality.

Speak openly about your expectations and concerns and listen carefully to how they respond.
Pay attention to small details in the way the family members deal with each other and with you that indicate respect and appreciation.
If the host family understands your doubts and is willing to work with you, this speaks for their trustworthiness.

If you come from a far away country, the possibility of a personal conversation is of course difficult or even impossible.
In this case, arranging a video chat is the only way to determine the seriousness of your future host family.
While they are talking to you, ask the family about anything that seems dubious to you.

If your host family suggests that you should not live and work with them but with another family, break off contact and inform us immediately!

Last but not least: Listen to your gut feeling and trust that you are the best judge of whether a family is right for you or not.

Many would like to take their visa with them immediately. Unfortunately, when applying for a visa for au pairs, a large number of documents and paperwork must be obtained before the au pair program can even be set up and submitted to the responsible embassy.
The processing time is relatively generous. People hurry up slowly. From the day of application to the visa being issued, 6-8 weeks or even more can pass. The processing time for an au pair visa to Germany can be influenced by various factors.

Completeness of the documents:

If the documents submitted are incomplete or further information is required, this can delay processing. For example, missing medical documentation or incomplete proof of language skills can lead to inquiries.

High demand:

During certain seasons (e.g. before summer), the demand for AuPair visas can increase, resulting in longer waiting times as the relevant authorities have more applications to process.

Official checks:

The visa offices must ensure that all requirements are met and all information is correct. This takes additional time, especially if background checks are required.

International circumstances:

Unexpected events, such as pandemic-related restrictions or political changes, can affect the way authorities work and thus lead to delays.

During the waiting period, the AuPair can continue to improve their language skills and prepare for the upcoming stay, making the transition to the new life easier. The au pair can also get to know their host family better in the meantime. Be it through email correspondence or video calls, which promotes a stronger bond and preparation for the upcoming life together.
In any case, it is worth being patient and using the time it takes to process the application productively in order to be as well prepared as possible for the au pair adventure.

Absolutely not!

The embassies don't like it when people mess around with their appointments. That's why they ask for your passport number when making an appointment. If appointments are booked too often with the same number and then missed or cancelled, this number can be blocked for further bookings.

We recommend 2-3 photos of yourself that can be used as a profile photo on our website, as well as several photos of you with children you have looked after. Include some photos that show your interests and hobbies (e.g. sports, music, travel).

Use different perspectives in the photos. For example, close-ups for portrait photos or wide-angle shots for group photos. Use natural lighting for the photos, preferably outdoors or near a large window - but not directly in front of it.

For portrait photos, choose a neutral background so that you remain in the foreground and the background does not distract. Be authentic and smile in the photos to show a positive charisma.

Dress appropriately for the occasion. For example, wear work clothes for childcare. Photos with friends or your own family are also suitable. Group photos or other puzzle games (guess who I am...) are unsuitable, as are party photos or a stiff pinstripe suit.

Please also do not use photos where an image manipulation has been used. (Face enhancement or similar). Such filters are often used on social networks, but have absolutely no place in applications. Remember that the photos should look professional, but still reflect your personality. Use the opportunity to publish your photos on our website and introduce yourself to potential host families.

You are welcome to indicate your wishes on the registration form and we will try to comply with them. However, a specific city should not be a main criterion of your AuPair stay, as this can result in a longer duration of your placement.

If we find a family that suits you but lives in a different city or area, we will still let you know.

Of course, we're happy to help. We understand that filling out forms can sometimes be challenging. Here are more detailed instructions on how to proceed to get the support you need:

1. Visit AuPair-HELP: There you'll find all the information you need to create a new ticket.

2. Create a new ticket: Click the "Open a new ticket" button. This will guide you through the process.

3. Select a topic: Select the "Support with forms" topic. This will help the agent quickly understand your request and offer you targeted support.

4. Fill out the information:

- Name: Provide your full name so the agent knows who they are dealing with.

- Agent: State the name of your assigned agent. Many au pairs have a personal contact, and this makes communication easier.

- Form: Describe exactly which form it is. Links or specific notes about the document can be helpful.

- Contact preference: Also tell the agent how and when you are best reachable. Whether by email, phone, or messenger - this information will help with coordination.

5. Submit ticket: Review all the information and submit the HELP ticket.

6. Wait for a response: Your assigned agent will contact you as soon as possible. Please be patient; sometimes it may take a while, especially when we receive a large number of requests.

If you have further questions or specific points are unclear, don't hesitate to mention them in your ticket. The more precisely you formulate your concerns, the better we can help you.

We hope these steps help you get the best possible support you need!

Preparation is everything.

Be well informed about the family, their interests and expectations of you as an au pair. This will make you feel more confident during the conversation. Realize that it is normal to be nervous before an important conversation like this. Accept your feelings and try to deal with them positively.

Don't worry about the language. Your host family knows that you only have a basic knowledge of the German language. An A1 certificate, which you need to apply for your visa, is sufficient to communicate with the host family. If you don't feel confident, you can read your German scripts again or contact our local agency.

Make a list of topics that you would like to address in order to be able to have a structured conversation.
Wear comfortable clothes to feel comfortable and relaxed during the phone call. Breathing techniques can help calm you down. Breathe in and out deeply to reduce your nervousness. If you notice your voice shaking, pause for a moment, take a deep breath and speak a little more slowly. This can help to stabilize your voice.
Have a glass of water handy in case your mouth gets dry during the conversation. A few sips can have a calming effect.

After the call, reward yourself in some way for your bravery, even if you don't yet know whether it was successful. It's about being proud of yourself and gaining more confidence for further conversations.

The easiest way to reach your agent is via AuPair-HELP. To do so, please create a new ticket on the platform. Select the topic 'Contacting my agent'. Here are the steps you should follow:

1. Fill out the ticket details: Provide the name of your agent and how you would like to be contacted – this can be by email, phone, or messenger. It would also be helpful if you could state the best time to reach you so your agent can get back to you as soon as possible.

2. Write your message: Use the text field to describe in more detail what the issue is or what questions you have. The clearer and more precise your concerns The more clearly you formulate your request, the better your agent can respond.

3. Additional Information: If you have specific situations or problems you'd like to address, add this information as well. This will help your agent prepare for the conversation or exchange.

4. Submit Ticket: After filling out the relevant information and composing your message, you can submit the HELP ticket. You will usually receive a confirmation email that your request has been received.

Once your ticket is received, your agent will contact you as soon as possible. Please note that response times may vary depending on the current volume of inquiries.

If you have further questions or need support in the meantime, please don't hesitate to visit the FAQs on the website or contact the general hotline. We're here to help!

Your language skills do not have to be perfect. However, you should have a basic knowledge of simple communication.
In Germany, for example, an A1 certificate according to the Goethe Institute standard is required to apply for a visa. You must prove this knowledge with a few sentences in German during the visa interview!
But this is not the only reason why it is very advantageous to have a basic knowledge of the local language before coming to Germany as an au pair. Here are some reasons and examples that illustrate this:

Communication with the host family:

Good communication makes everyday life and living together easier. If you can hold simple conversations, you will understand the needs and expectations of the host family better and can avoid misunderstandings.

Integration into the family:

Language skills promote exchange and relationships with the host family. You can take part in conversations at the table, understand jokes and thus become a part of family life.

Interacting with the children:

As an au pair, you play an important role in looking after the children. If you understand the language, you can play with the children, read stories or help them with their homework.

Shopping and everyday errands:

In everyday life, you may have to do things independently. You can ask for products in the supermarket, pay at the checkout and understand the signs or instructions.

Making social contacts:

If you speak the language, you can make contacts with other people more easily. You can make new friends or take part in leisure activities, for example in sports clubs or language courses.

Cultural understanding:

Language is closely linked to culture, and language skills help you to better understand cultural differences. You will recognize certain phrases and be able to better understand their meaning.

Emergencies and important information:

In the event of an emergency, it is important to be able to communicate. You can quickly ask for help in an emergency situation or understand important information, such as the doctor's address.

The embassies carry out the processing of visa procedures in their capacity. This means they check the information provided by the applicant for accuracy.

When an AuPair applies for a visa, this verification procedure is somewhat different than when applying for family reunification, for example. Most of the information provided by the AuPair applicant will be checked during the interview, which will be conducted in the language of the host country.

Through targeted questioning, an attempt is made to find out the truthfulness of the information in the visa application.

The methods sometimes used there would lead to disciplinary proceedings against an official in this country in a very short time.

For example, documents are often randomly requested that are not on the list of required documents. If the applicant cannot provide them, they are sent home with a new date. With the sentence. "This list does not claim to be complete." you sneak away from responsibility.

To counteract these methods, it's best to bring all documents you own or that concern you.

If one of our agents assists you from here or on-site, they will prepare you for your visit to the embassy.

Definitely no unnecessary baggage!

It's important to be well prepared and pack only the essentials. Here are some things to keep in mind:

1. Climatic Conditions: First and foremost, find out about the climate and current weather in your host country. Pack warm clothes, especially if you're traveling to a country with colder temperatures. Many au pairs from warmer countries underestimate the winter temperatures in Europe. Imagine boarding a plane in sunny 30 degrees Celsius and getting off 7 hours later in 3 degrees Celsius and rain. That means you're already catching a cold! A warm jacket, scarves, hats, and gloves can be very useful here.

2. Clothing: Choose versatile clothing that's easy to combine. Make sure you have comfortable shoes, as you may be doing a lot of walking, especially in the first few days exploring your new surroundings. Remember that you also need to feel comfortable while working with children, so pack comfortable and practical outfits.

3. Personal Hygiene Items: You don't need 10 towels and 5 tubes of toothpaste. You can buy most basic hygiene items at local supermarkets or drugstores. However, it can be helpful to pack a small amount of your favorite products, especially if you have sensitive skin or are used to certain brands.

4. Important Documents: Don't forget to bring all the necessary documents, such as your passport, visa (if required), au pair and insurance documents. It is also advisable to make a copy of these documents just in case.

5. Technology and Communication: If you are bringing devices such as a laptop or cell phone, make sure you also have an adapter for the power outlets in the host country. Find out if there are special SIM cards or internet plans in your country that you can use to stay in touch with family and friends.

6. Special Mementos: Consider packing personal items or small gifts for your host family. Something that represents your culture or simply has personal value can make the transition to the new environment easier.

7. First Aid: A small first aid kit can be useful. Pack some basic medications, such as painkillers or something for an upset stomach, as well as bandages and other small health items that might help if you find yourself struggling right away.

Remember that your host family will usually already provide many things for you. Feel free to ask any questions you may have, and visit our website for more valuable tips and recommendations. There you will also find a detailed packing list that can help you not forget anything important.

Better forget it...

When choosing a language school, make sure it offers language courses that meet the standards of the Goethe Institute. You can inquire about this at your local community, district office, local administration, or similar institutions. They have directories of reputable providers and language course providers that can offer comprehensive information and recommendations. Reputable language schools ensure that their courses are designed according to recognized standards – such as those of the Goethe Institute. These standards guarantee high-quality teaching and a customized learning experience that meets the needs of the students.

Structured instruction that covers grammar, vocabulary, and the application of the language in realistic life situations is crucial for effectively developing language skills. A recognized certificate, such as the Goethe Certificate, is not only proof of the skills you've learned, but also a valuable addition to your resume, especially if you later want to work in a German-speaking country or in an international environment.

The "language course" you discovered is most likely just a bit of "chat in German." Such informal training courses are often unstructured and don't offer qualified training. They also generally don't provide formal qualifications, which are necessary for many future educational opportunities or jobs.

It's worth paying attention to quality, because qualified language skills can significantly influence your professional development and open new doors for your career.

No, the so-called 'Au Pair ID' is in fact largely worthless and merely represents unnecessary baggage that you carry around with you.

There are no substantial benefits associated with this ID: You don't receive any discounts and you can't use it to identify yourself anywhere. In many cases, it's simply a piece of paper with little to no practical use.

As a qualified au pair agency, we instead offer you an official certificate confirming that you have worked as an au pair in Germany. This certificate is not only valuable but also important for your future career prospects. It serves as proof of your stay in Germany and clearly and comprehensibly documents the year and purpose of your stay.

This can be particularly important if you need references or proof of your international experience later in your academic or professional career. It shows potential employers that you have gained international experience, improved your language skills, and possess intercultural competencies. These skills are highly sought after in today's globalized job market and will set your resume apart from others.

In any case, it makes much more sense to rely on an official confirmation from our agency that certifies your experience and skills rather than fob you off with an 'au pair card' that has no real value.

Other than the course of your illness, not much will happen.

Your host family will take out health and accident insurance for you, which will cover you in the event of illness. Note that only acute illnesses or accidents are covered. Treatment costs for chronic and psychological illnesses and secondary illnesses from a previous illness are generally not covered.

If you have an accident while traveling to your host family, the travel accident insurance will apply. This must be taken out before the start of the trip and must be proven to the embassy.

It all depends on your future plans. There are many opportunities for you to further your education, start an apprenticeship or learn a profession here. It is important that you contact us early on or get information from our AuPair Competence Center to write appropriate applications. Together we can develop a strategy that matches your interests and goals and help you take the next step in your professional career.

Remember that many doors are open to you - use the opportunity to find the right direction for you. During your AuPair year you have not only gained valuable intercultural experience, but also had the opportunity to discover specific interests and talents. Here are some examples of options you can consider:

Vocational training: You could start an apprenticeship in an area that interests you. Popular options include jobs in healthcare or education, such as kindergarten or childcare.

Language courses: Another option is to take language courses to improve your language skills. This can not only increase your career opportunities, but also improve your quality of life in the host country.

Volunteer work: One option that many au pairs consider is volunteer work. This can take place in various social, cultural or environmental areas and offers the opportunity to develop your skills and make new acquaintances.