If you’re thinking about becoming an au pair, you’re probably imagining yourself living in a new country, speaking another language every day, and experiencing a different culture from the inside. That’s exactly what makes the program so special.
Unlike many jobs abroad, being an au pair isn’t just about gaining work experience, it’s about becoming part of a host family. You’ll have your own room, share everyday life with locals, and build relationships that often last long after the program ends.
Before packing your bags, it’s helpful to understand what your role will look like. Every destination has its own rules, but there are a few things that are true for most au pair programs.
What You Can Do as an Au Pair
1. Take Care of the Children
Your main responsibility is supporting your host family with childcare. Depending on the children’s ages, your day could include:
- Preparing simple meals or snacks.
- Helping the children get ready for school.
- Taking them to school or after-school activities.
- Playing games, reading stories, or doing creative activities together.
- Helping with homework.
- Looking after them until the parents return home.
Your role is to create a safe, caring, and positive environment where the children can learn, play, and grow.
2. Help with Light Household Tasks
Au pairs are usually expected to help with a few household chores related to the children, such as:
- Tidying the children’s bedrooms.
- Washing and folding the children’s laundry.
- Cleaning up the kitchen after the children’s meals.
- Keeping play areas organised.
- Loading or unloading the dishwasher after family meals.
These tasks should always be connected to your childcare responsibilities—not general house cleaning.
3. Improve Your Language Skills
One of the biggest advantages of becoming an au pair is the opportunity to learn a new language through everyday life.
Many host families encourage you to speak the local language at home, and some countries even include or require language courses as part of the program. For example, our Au Pair in China program includes Mandarin lessons, giving the chance to learn both inside and outside the classroom.
There’s simply no better way to learn a language than living with native speakers.
4. Experience a New Culture
One of the most rewarding parts of being an au pair is experiencing another culture from the inside.
You’ll celebrate local holidays, discover new traditions, try authentic food, and learn how everyday life works in another country. The more open-minded, flexible, and curious you are, the richer your experience will be.
As a previous au pair I can honestly say that the cultural exchange was one of the best parts of my experience.
5. Explore During Your Free Time
Being an au pair isn’t just about taking care of children.
You’ll have free time to explore your new city, discover your favourite cafés, join a sports club, learn a new hobby, or meet other international au pairs.
Depending on your destination, you can also take advantage of weekends and holidays to travel. Countries like France, Ireland, Spain, and Australia offer fantastic opportunities for short trips and unforgettable adventures.
What You Can’t Do as an Au Pair
Just as important as knowing your responsibilities is understanding your boundaries.
1. You’re Not a Full-Time Housekeeper
An au pair is not a cleaner or domestic worker.
Deep cleaning bathrooms, washing the parents’ clothes, ironing for the whole family, or taking care of the entire house should not be part of your daily responsibilities.
Your household tasks should remain light and focused on the children.
2. You Shouldn’t Work Excessive Hours
Every country has regulations about the maximum number of hours an au pair can work.
Depending on your destination, this could be around 30 to 45 hours per week. You should also receive regular days off, holidays, and personal time.
Before you travel, make sure you understand the specific rules for your destination.
3. You Shouldn’t Be Asked to Do Unsafe Tasks
Your safety always comes first.
Host families should never expect you to perform professional medical care, operate dangerous equipment, or take on responsibilities that make you feel unsafe.
If you’re ever uncomfortable with a situation, speak openly with your host family or contact your agency for support.
4. Don’t Expect Everything to Be Like Home
Living abroad means stepping outside your comfort zone.
Families may have different routines, parenting styles, meal times, or ways of doing everyday tasks. Instead of comparing everything to home, try to embrace these differences with curiosity.
Sometimes you’ll discover a new way of doing things that you’ll take with you long after your au pair experience ends.
5. Don’t Say Yes to Everything
Because you’ll be living with your host family, it’s easy for work and personal life to blend together.
While it’s wonderful to feel like part of the family, it’s equally important to respect your own boundaries. Don’t be afraid to take your free time, enjoy your days off, and communicate if something doesn’t feel right.
Healthy boundaries create healthy relationships and that’s good for both you and your host family.
Remember: Every Country Has Different Rules
Although the purpose of every au pair program is the same, each destination has its own regulations.
Working hours, pocket money, holidays, driving requirements, language courses, and visa conditions can vary between countries like Australia, France, Ireland, Spain, and China.
That’s why it’s always important to understand the rules before choosing your destination.
A Few Tips for a Great Au Pair Experience
The best au pair experiences are built on trust, communication, and mutual respect.
Before you travel:
- Talk openly with your host family about expectations.
- Ask questions whenever you’re unsure.
- Be honest about your experience and skills.
- Stay open-minded and embrace cultural differences.
- Communicate regularly to avoid misunderstandings.
- A positive attitude and clear communication can make all the difference.
Ready to Start Your Adventure?
Becoming an au pair is so much more than working abroad. It’s an opportunity to become more independent, improve your language skills, experience a new culture, and create memories that will stay with you for life.
At Roast Jobs, we’ll be by your side every step of the way—from helping you choose the right destination and finding the perfect host family to supporting you through interviews, cultural differences, visa preparation, and your move abroad.
Our goal is to make sure you feel confident, prepared, and supported throughout your entire journey.
Choose your destination, and let’s start an adventure you’ll never forget.s.
Contact us today at roastjobs.com and take the first step towards your experience abroad. ✈️
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This article was written by Júlia Zapparolli. Thank you for reading. 😊
