Once you’ve made the decision to work as an au pair and narrowed down where you want to go (perhaps you’re even considering more than one place), it’s time to start the search for a host family. This can be tough, but really doesn’t have to be. There are many agencies out there who will help you find a family to work for, and the best part about it is, you don’t pay anything. Legitimate au pair agencies charge the family any agency fees. This makes it easy on you, since all you’ll have to do is tell them what you’re looking for, wait, and see what they come up with. It also doesn’t hurt to have more than one agency looking for you.
This website has a link to the International Au Pair Association, where you can find scores of trusted au pair agencies who have been tested by the industry standard. It’s a great place to start your search. Simply choose your country of interest to visit reputable agencies from that country. Of course, it is possible for decent agencies to exist who are not IAPA members, but you will have to be a little more cautious. Some agencies are fronts for not-so-wholesome enterprises, so you will want to be careful and make sure they have a legitimate track record of professionalism. Americans don’t have to worry about this as much as girls from other areas, but prudence is always wise.
In any case, as long as you find a couple of good agencies to start scoping out families for you, you will be well on your way to finding a great family to live with and work for.
June 11th, 2008 at 8:47 pm
If you’re looking for an international agency, I highly recommend GreatAupair.com. During college I interned for a firm that represented GreatAupair, and the feedback was always so positive. They’re really great at matching families and au pairs… I even considered signing up to be a nanny after graduation.
July 1st, 2008 at 4:01 am
Great suggestion. I’ve actually looked off and on at Great Aupair’s website, because they have au pairs from all over the world looking for work, as well as families looking for au pairs. Now that I have two children of my own and another on the way, I am often on the look-out for an au pair of my own!
September 8th, 2008 at 4:35 am
i thought Legitimate au pair agencies charge the family any agency fees and you will not pay anything..GreatAupair requires you to pay $35-$120 to get the information of your prospect Family?
September 24th, 2008 at 4:34 am
Good point. GreatAupair is actually not an agency, per se, but a database that connects potential au pairs with host families, and vice versa. You aren’t paying an agency, you’re paying to be able to look through hundreds of families yourself, to see if there is someone you might like to work for. GreatAupair also recommends specific agencies who can help with the legalities involved with working as an au pair, but is not an agency itself.