Many people use the terms ‘au pair’ and ‘nanny’ interchangeably, although the two are not one in the same. And yes, I myself am guilty of it, even though it is incorrect. But saying that I worked as a ‘nanny’ in Europe is sometimes just easier than having to explain what an au pair is to someone who has no clue. Here in small town Georgia, using a foreign term can really throw people off. So yes, sometimes it is ok to use the two as if they were the same.
But in reality the two are actually quite different. A nanny is a full-time childcare provider who usually has extensive experience/and or training as such. Nannies are typically the same nationality as their employers, so they are hired as normal employees and thus don’t require work visas and paperwork that au pairs need. A nanny may have a live-in or live-out situation with the family they work for. Nannies also make more money than au pairs and may work longer hours, depending on the work agreement.
Au pairs, on the other hand, are not necessarily trained professionals and do not have to have any experience working with children, although it is definitely a plus. The emphasis, however, is on cultural exchange. Families who hire au pairs often do so to introduce their children to a different language and culture. Au pairs usually live with their host family, but may also live on their own, as some host families offer separate living accommodations for their au pairs.The pay is also less for an au pair than for a nanny, but au pairs typically work less than nannies and are actually not technically considered employees. Au pairs also receive ‘extras’ that don’t come with a nanny job, such as language courses, help with transportation expenses, and room and board (which is not always included with nanny gigs).
So now we have it. Au pairs are not nannies and nannies are not au pairs. But if you’re an au pair – or have been or will be – you might find it easier to call yourself a nanny every now and then…
Talya,
This is a great explanation. It’s also important for American families to know that in the USA an aupair arrives on an “exchange visa” not a work permit or visa. So the program is governed as as a youth exchange by the Department of State.
I am enjoying your blog
Kay
Kay – Thanks for the clarification. The exchange visa actually doesn’t make much sense to me. I understand that an au pair is not an official ‘employee,’ according to the U.S. government, but no other exchange program that I am aware of allows up to 45 hours of work as week. So I don’t quite understand why au pairs are not considered full-time employees. Haven’t quite figured out the reasoning there…
I think they are nor considered full time employes becouse they are in an exchange program mainly, where they get full accomodation with meals, and a full time employee does not, aswell as au pair you are treated as a family member, taking part of the family activities, and benefits an employee will never have, if you wish to know more,have a look of here:http://www.aupair-australia.net
Unfortunately, even if an au pair is not considered a nanny, many families believe that au pairs can have same kind of experience, they need to be aware what an au pair means, at
Au pair agency in Australia we offer a free service for au pairs and try to offer them a secure place to arrive, and be treated like a family member, not an employee
An au pair is not a nanny, see the difference here;
The French term “Au Pair” means “on par” or equal. Au Pairs are international visitors who travel to Australia on the Working Holiday Visa to acquire a better understanding and appreciation of Australian life while living with an Australian family and caring for their children. They become full-fledged family members, sharing a cultural exchange experience that often leads to a lasting relationship with the Host Family.
They are very motivated to come to Australia, because the strict approval process demands a lot of effort from the applicant’s side. The Au Pairs have extensive childcare experience and are genuinely interested in children. They are not “professional nannies” or “professional housekeepers” and there will be some explaining and instructing required from the host parents, especially during the first few weeks.
Childcare is a meaningful way for international visitors seeking insight into Australian life to help their Host Families. Their responsibilities may include:
waking and dressing the children, bathing and playing with the children
preparing meals for the children, looking after their belongings, making the children’s beds, doing their laundry and straightening their rooms, cleaning up the kitchen after the children eat or straightening up the playroom once playtime is over
driving children to and from school, appointments or outings as requested by the Host Family
The Au Pair’s responsibilities do not include housework unrelated to the children such as cleaning the home or doing the parent’s laundry. They are not professionally trained childcare workers or capable of running an entire household when parents are absent for business or personal travel. Responsibility for the welfare of the children always remains with the parents.
Au Pairs make a substantial financial and personal commitment to participate on the program. As such they are committed and extremely enthusiastic about their role caring for the children of their Australian Host Family.