What does an Au Pair do?

An Au Pair is a foreign national who is keen to learn another language and spend some time in a host country. There are special arrangements regulating Au Pairs, but these apply only to certain countries as EC citizens now have the automatic right to work and live in the UK. In return for board and lodging with a family, the Au Pair is expected to do some housework and childcare.Most Au Pairs are not trained in childcare, although some may have looked after younger siblings or baby sat for neighbours. Many agencies suggest that they are best used for older children or where the parent is also in the home, rather than at work during the day.