You’ve chosen the programme, picked your destination and received an offer from a host family.
Whether you’re planning to become an Au Pair France, Australia, Ireland, Spain or beyond, the excitement is probably starting to feel real. The destination looks great, the opportunity sounds interesting, and maybe you’ve already started imagining what your life there could look like.
But there’s one important step before saying yes: the interview with your potential host family.
At Roast Jobs, we’ll arrange an interview between you and the host family so you can meet each other, ask questions and understand whether the opportunity feels right for both sides.
And remember: don’t rush into saying yes just because you’re excited. The family isn’t the only one making a decision. You are too.
You’ll be working with them, living in their home and probably spending several months together. So don’t be afraid to ask questions, even the ones that might feel a little awkward.
Here are some of the most important ones to ask before saying yes:
1. What Does a Normal Week Actually Look Like?
Don’t only ask how many hours you’ll work. Ask when you’ll work them.
Five hours from 8 AM to 1 PM is very different from working two hours in the morning and another three in the afternoon.
Ask about school runs, meals, bedtime, weekends and your days off.
The idea is simple: you want to be able to picture what a normal day will actually look like.
The more you know about your schedule, the easier it will be to organise your free time and avoid unexpected surprises once you arrive.
2. What Are the Children Really Like?
You’re going to spend a lot of time with them, so get curious.
What do they enjoy doing? Are they energetic or quiet? What’s their normal routine? How old are they? And what happens when they don’t want to listen?
You could even ask:
“What’s usually the most challenging part of the day with the children?”
The answer might tell you much more than “They’re lovely kids!” 😄
3. What Exactly Will I Be Responsible For?
Don’t assume you already know all the tasks. Ask what your normal responsibilities will be so you and the family have the same expectations from the beginning.
Will you cook for the children? Do their laundry? Clean their rooms? Walk the dog? Prepare meals?
It’s much easier to ask now than to arrive and discover that something you weren’t expecting is part of your daily routine.
4. What Will Living With the Family Be Like?
Remember, you’re not only accepting a position. You’re also moving into someone’s home.
Ask about your bedroom and bathroom, meals, groceries, visitors and house rules.
But go a little further.
Does the family normally spend a lot of time together? Do they expect you to join family activities, or will you have more independence during your free time?
Some people love feeling like another member of the family. Others prefer having more personal space and doing their own thing when they’re not working.
Think about what would make you feel comfortable.
5. How Will I Get Around During My Free Time?
This might seem like a small detail now, but it can make a big difference once you’re there.
Is there public transport nearby? Will you have access to a car? If yes, can you use it during your free time? How far is the nearest town or city?
You can also ask whether there are other au pairs or young international people living nearby.
Knowing this before you go will help you understand what your social life and free time could actually look like.
6. Can I Speak With Your Previous Au Pair?
If the family has hosted someone before, don’t be afraid to ask if you can speak with them.
A previous au pair can tell you what daily life is really like, how the schedule works and what they enjoyed about living with the family.
You’re simply getting another perspective before making a big decision. 😄
And if they haven’t had an au pair before? That’s okay too. Just use the interview to make sure expectations are clear on both sides.
7. What Should You Ask Yourself After the Interview?
When the call ends, don’t only think:
“Did they like me?”
Ask yourself:
“Did I like them?”
- Did you feel comfortable talking to them?
- Were their answers clear?
- Does their lifestyle match yours?
- Can you imagine living in their home?
Don’t feel pressured to accept an opportunity just because you’re excited about going abroad.
Take some time. Review your notes. And if something isn’t clear, ask us.
At Roast Jobs, we’re here to support and guide you through the process so you can make a decision that feels right for you. But remember that flexibility and adaptability are also an important part of living and working abroad.
There isn’t one “perfect” host family or position where absolutely everything will be exactly as you imagined.
Maybe you really like the family, but you’d prefer a slightly different schedule. Maybe you have a question about your days off or responsibilities. Talk about it. Many details can be discussed before you make your final decision.
The important thing is that expectations are clear on both sides and that you feel comfortable with what you’ve agreed to.
So ask your questions, listen carefully, stay open-minded and get to know them.
And if it feels like an opportunity you’d be happy to try? Roast Jobs will be there to support you before and during your experience abroad.
Choose your destination, subscribe at RoastJobs.com and start receiving opportunities from host families. ✈️
Your next adventure might be closer than you think.
Questions? Contact us at hello@roastjobs.com
You might want to read as well 10 Things What You Should Know Before Planning to Become an Au Pair. , The Essential List of Au Pair Interview Questions to Guide You Along the Way, How to Overcome Culture Shock and Grow While Living Abroad, Learn Languages Fast: 13 Fun and Easy Activities., How 400 Words Can Boost Your Language Skills and Confidence. and much more.
This article was written by Júlia Zapparolli. Thank you for reading. 😊
Travel & Work abroad
Travel & work abroad