Au pair vs. Nanny

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…