Everything you need to know about being an au pair

MANY young Namibians between the ages of 18 and 30, who are passionate about children and have dreams of living abroad, are opting for the life-changing experience of being an au pair.

The French term refers to a young foreigner who cares for children and works while living as part of a host family in exchange for accommodation and weekly or monthly stipends.

Au pairing does not only allow young people to explore the world, it also grants them the opportunity to further their studies and gain working (and life) experience.

Janette Brand (20), an au pair who works in the Netherlands, says it is scary to get on a plane to the other side of the world without knowing anyone or what you’re getting yourself into.

However, one grows siginificantly taking a step out of one’s comfort zone, she says.

“This reaffirms how strong and confident you are,” Brand says.

Richardine Gouws, an au pair in Nebraska in the United States, describes her experience as “full of exploration, being responsible and having a loving family”. She says challenges include being homesick, but with social media platforms one can often connect and keep in touch with family and friends.

Au pair agencies in Namibia include Carla’s Au Pair and OVC, which assist in matching prospective au pairs with host families given requirements are met.

Prospective

au pairs need to:

• be between 18 and 26 years of age (in the Netherlands and France between 18 and 30),

• possess a Grade 12 certificate,

• be willing to commit for at least 12 months,

• be unmarried and have no kids of their own,

• have extensive childcare experience e.g., working as a local nanny or volunteering at a pre-school,

• possess a driving licence and/or know how to ride a bicycle in some cases, and

• have a clear police record and be in good health.

Carla’s Au Pairs was founded in 2012 by former au pair Carla Verster.

The agency currently has 10 offices in South Africa and one in Namibia. It places au pairs in America, the Netherlands, Belgium, Sweden, Italy or Germany.

Carla’s Au Pairs works with partner agencies abroad which arrange fun events for au pairs every month or quarter, giving the au pairs a chance to meet international staff and make new friends from all over the world.

To start an au pair journey with Carla’s Au Pairs, send an email to inamarie@carlasaupairs.co.za, or visit www.carlasaupairs.co.za for more information.

OVC offers five different au pair destinations to the following countries (with the amount in brackets being the approximate budget one would need to enrol with the programme):

Au pairs are responsible for their own flights)

OVC was established in the 1950s and has successfully placed more then over 3 500 au pairs with carefully screened host families.

They work with their international partners to ensure each au pair has a successful and unforgettable year abroad.

It is advised to start the application process three to six months before your planned date of departure to provide enough time to apply and be matched with a host family, complete your visa and safely take flight.

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