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• Questions

Questions

Who picks me up from the airport?

This will vary depending on which country your travel to but you will either be picked up by your host family or a representative from your agency.

I am nervous about driving in Europe, can you recommend anything to make me feel better?

It is important that you respect that it is different driving in Europe from your home country. It is therefore important that you learn about the rules in your country and possibly even by a book about driving in the country.

How do I know what family is most suitable for me?

We will present you to families that we feel suit your requirements and skill-set. We recommend you to be open-minded about your host family, their location and the ages of their children. If you feel that a family is not suitable for you please contact Au Pair Link (or your local representative) and advise us/them of why the family is not suitable for you.

Why do I have to complete so much paper work?

We require all of our Au Pairs to complete their paper work to ensure that they are dedicated to our program and that they want to become an Au Pair. It is important that we understand your background and requirements as it will help ensure that you are placed in a suitable host family.

I don’t think you have a partner in the country I want to go to?

If you want to become an Au Pair and you don’t think that we have a partner in that country please send us an email with your enquiry. We can speak to IAPA members in specific country (if there are some) and try to arrange a placement for you.

Can I do a CPR course with you in Auckland?

Absolutely, contact us directly for prices and locations!

Can my friends and family come and visit me during my year?

Absolutely! We do recommend however that your family only comes and visits you ones you have been in your destination country for more than 6 months. The reason for this is because it is quite common that Au Pairs become homesick when their family leaves and therefore we try to minimize this.

I don’t have enough experience caring for children, how can I become an Au Pair?

You do need to have a minimum 100 hours of documented childcare experience from when you have been caring for children. The reason for this is because it is a hard job and it is important for us to know that you will be fit for the challenge. If you don’t have enough experience working with children we recommend that you volunteer at a local day care to gain extra experience.

I want to become an Au Pair in about 1 year, can I still apply now?

Yes! Start preparing your paper work now. If you want to gain some more experience before you start your year as an Au Pair – now is an excellent opportunity! A lot of our families will know about 6 months prior to arrival if they want an Au Pair so you can expect to match as early as 6 months prior to placement.

If I have a problem or concern will there be someone that I can speak with in the country?

Yes absolutely! You can contact your local agency and they will be able to provide this for you.

Why do I have to provide you with my police record, medical certificate, birth certificate etc?

It is important for us to have your complete background before making a placement for you in a host family. If there are any problems with your background, for example if you have a criminal record we will review your record and see if we are still able to place you in a host family. If we can’t place you in a host family or decide that you are not suitable for placement it can’t be appealed.

What information will you disclose about me to perspective host families?

We disclose relevant information to our families regarding your person. For example, your personal letter and pictures. However if your police record reflects that you for example have stolen a book - the family will be informed about this and make a informed decision of whether they would like you as their Au Pair.

I have completed my year as an Au Pair in New Zealand (and loved it) can I become an Au Pair OE?

Yes! But unfortunately you can’t continue your year as an Au Pair in New Zealand. We are happy to make arrangements to place you in one of our partner countries, for example Australia, the US, Italy, Spain or France.

How long does it take to match with a host family?

Matching with a host family can sometimes be really fast or sometimes really slow! Depending on when your arrival date is you will find that it varies. If you have registered far in advance it may take a few months to match with a family however if you have recently registered and want to travel out soon then you could be matched with a family within a few weeks.

What are my responsibilities?

Your primary responsibility is to keep the children safe and happy. Much of your day will be spent playing with the children, taking them to activities, organising events for them, reading and spending enjoyable time together. We ask you to help the parents as much as possible. Take initiative and help them to organise packed lunches for the children and cook dinner when you can. It is necessary that you help with the children’s laundry during the days that you work.

Can I contact my family at home?

Leaving home does not mean that you can’t stay in touch with your family. Most families have internet access and you can usually email your parents or even speak to them on Skype. If you do use the home phone to call overseas, make sure that you consult your host parents and that you purchase a phone card. Contact your counsellor for more information regarding calling costs etc.

I’m scared that I won’t have any friends!

Being an Au Pair is not always easy and can be hard to make friends – at first. When you arrive you will speak with your local Counsellor and get to meet other Au Pairs in your area. However, you have to understand that the success of your Au Pair experience depends in a large majority on you. That is why we thoroughly encourage you to make friends outside of your Au Pair network and really interact with the locals! This is a great opportunity for you to start a new sport, a new activity or take some extra classes and study. But if you are kind of brave, outgoing and open-minded, there is no reason for you that you won’t have any friends.

What happens if I feel uncomfortable with my family?

One of the great benefits of becoming an Au Pair through Au Pair Link is the great support network which is provided. We aim to eliminate the possibility of replacing Au Pairs by actually placing you with the right family straight away! Therefore, it is very important for us that you answer all of our forms truthfully so that we can collect information about you and match it with a host family that suits your needs! If you are having a problem with your host family, do not hesitate to talk to them about it. If you feel that you can’t speak with them and would like to involve your Counsellor - we are happy to give you help and advice on issues concerning your family.