Frequently asked questions concerning the Au Pair program

1. Which country should I choose?

Choosing the right country depends on your foreign language knowledge. Our offer covers, in every practical sense, the whole of Europe, United States of America, Canada and Australia. When you decide on a specific country, you should ask yourself what do you want to achieve and what possibilities are offered by each country. If you have a problem in choosing a country, we can certainly help you.

2. Is there the possibility to be an Au Pair for 2 or 3 months, rather than for 6 or 12 months?

Yes, there is. 3 month trips take place during summer holidays, from May to October around Europe. Applications for summer Au Pair programmes have to be submitted by the end of April.

3. I have experience in taking care of children. I would like to know if men can also take part in Au Pair programmes?

Yes, they can. However the necessary requirement is a lot of experience in taking care of children, as well as a driving licence. The period of time in waiting for a Host Family can be a little bit longer than for women, and that is why we ask for the submission of documents much earlier (even up to 3 to 5 months before the planned date of the departure).

4. How long do I have to wait for a Host Family?

It depends on the country for which an Au Pair is applying, and on the level of foreign language knowledge. In the case of countries like Great Britain, France, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium and Ireland, it is generally from 2 to 8 weeks. Norway, the USA, Australia and Canada - from 2 to 5 months. It very much depends on the application.

5. May I choose the region to where I would like to go?

Yes you may, however it can extend the time of waiting for a Host Family. It is Host Families that choose first. Therefore, it is necessary to note that every additional wish from your side can cause delay; for example, in a specific region there may not be a Host Family interested in your offer.

6. When should I come to Work Family at the latest, to make sure that I have the chance of becoming an Au Pair?

The Au Pair sets her/his date of departure by herself/himself. We recruit for Au Pair programmes throughout the year. Interested persons should submit their applications about 2 months before their planned departure. This allows us to complete an unhurried and accurate application process.

7. What is the total cost of the trip?

A trip to a European country costs PLN 800, which is payable in two instalments of PLN 400 each. The first payment is payable on the day of submitting all the necessary documents and after a favourable outcome of the interview, and the second at the moment of receiving the invitation letter from the Host Family.

The cost of going to the USA or Canada is different.

8. What does the application process look like?

After applying for an Au Pair programme, the Candidate receives all the relevant documents for filling in.

Europe: application, medical certificate, 2 child care references, character reference, copy of your certificate of secondary education (original to be shown at our office), additionally required are: a letter to the Host Family, photo album (6 pictures showing the Candidate with children), 2 passport photos, smiling!, copy of the page of your passport showing personal details, certificate of no previous convictions, and, additionally in countries such as France, it is required to submit a birth certificate translated by a sworn translator into French. All documents have to be completed in the language of the host country.

The application process to the USA looks similar:application has to be completed in English, with the following attachments: 2 reference letters concerning looking after children, 1 character reference, your certificate of secondary education (original to be shown at our office), copy of your international driving licence, copy of the page of your passport showing personal details, certificate of no previous convictions, medical certificate, 8 passport photos, 8 photos with descriptions showing you and the children that you were taking care of, a letter to the Host Family and completed on-line psychometric test.

After filling in all the documents, the Candidate submits the documents at our office, and is then interviewed in the appropriate foreign language. Next, we send the documents to the right country and wait for an application from a Host Family.

9. May friends or couples take part in an Au Pair programme together?

Yes, they may. It is possible, but it can lengthen the period of time of waiting for a Host Family. Great Britain and Ireland offer such a possibility.

10. May I be an Au Pair if I am 29 years old?

Yes you may. But only in Great Britain and Ireland.

11. How good do my foreign language skills have to be?

Knowledge of the foreign language has to be at a secondary school level, or at least at an elementary level.

12. What do I have to do first to become an Au Pair?

If you fulfill the basic requirements, it is best to contact our office. After a conversation with us the Candidate will receive the documents that she/he has to fill in and submit.

13. Is there a possibility to be an Au Pair twice in the same country?

Unfortunately not, but you can always take advantage of offers from other countries.

14. May men take part in Au Pair programme?

Yes, they may. But they have to fulfill additional requirements. It is necessary to posses a driving licence, very good child care references, additionally supported by certificates from completed relevant vocational courses and a good knowledge of the foreign language, in order to improve a man`s chance to be successful in the application process.

15. May I change my Host Family during my stay?

Yes you may. If a problem arises between an Au Pair and the Host Family, which they cannot resolve, it is possible to change the Host Family giving 2 weeks notice of termination. Candidates who become Au Pairs are, throughout the programme, under our care, as well as that of our foreign Partner.

16. Will I be well prepared to become an Au Pair?

In caring about the welfare of Candidates approved for the Au Pair programme, Work Family asks Candidates to contact us immediately before their departure. At this meeting we talk about all the important things connected with taking care of children. We pay attention to facts about which the Candidate has to remember going to a particular country. The last element of the meeting is giving essential information about telephone and address details of Work Family and the partner's office abroad.

17. Do I receive any reimbursement, if I withdraw from becoming an Au Pair before the programme starts?

Yes, you do, but not everything. In the case of either party withdrawing from an agreement, PLN 200 is deducted as administrative costs.

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