Au pair stays
This type of program allows young people to spend 6 to 12 months with a family, looking after the children and insuring some homework (more or less important according to the country).
Some times constraining, these programs request motivation, autonomy and courage but are a great experience from the human and cultural point of view.
Age is important for this kind of program and limits can vary from one country to another one.
However, minimum age is 18 years old, maximum going from 25 to 35 years old (Australia). Work time goes from 20 hours (half au pair) to 45 hours a week (USA). In some countries a specific academic level is required.
As a good English level is required in USA, an individual interview in English will be held at the time of selection.
It must be pointed out that USA is a particular case : run by the government (USIA : United States Information Agency) au pair stays are subjected to a work contract whith several obligations:
- to attend university classes
- to follow a training course, including first aid training and introduction to psychology and childcare.
All programs must be authorized by USIA, therefore all the associations offer similar services. The differences you can meet in this sector are connected to the regulations of the country and usually concern the granted pocket money.
The organizations can also introduce some alternatives regarding where it takes place. Some organisations offer a full service, i.e. providing travel from the provincial town in France to final destination (return).
For some destinations, language courses are strongly recommended but are the candidate responsibility.
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