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Best countries to work in as an Au Pair

09 Feb 2022 - Category: Blog /
aupair countries

Thinking about becoming an au pair? If so, you may be wondering about where you should and can work from. Au pair work varies in countries around the world. Some countries are more welcoming and rewarding for Au Pairs than others, and it helps to know which countries will be the best option for you.

So, what are the best countries to work in as an au pair? And what are the average monthly salaries for au pairs across countries as different as Australia, China and Switzerland?

Below you’ll learn about:

  • The best countries to work as an au pair
  • The best au pair websites to find jobs
  • How to transfer money home when you’re an au pair

So, let’s get started…

Australia

Approximate Pay:$650-$900 a month

Hours: 30 hours per week

Many young people move to Australia to enjoy the weather, the beaches and the relaxed culture. Au pair work is quite competitive, especially if you want to base yourself in a main city like Melbourne or Sydney, because the benefits of working in Australia are very good.

Australia allows Work and Holiday visas and also has cultural exchange programs that make it easier for new workers to get used to the country.

Germany

Approximate Pay:$360 a month

Hours: 30 hours per week

The process of getting an au pair visa is relatively quick and the benefits when you arrive in Germany are great. You need a basic comprehension of German for the application exam but that’s basically it. The process is smooth and learning German will help you adapt to the culture and become a better au pair. There are a number of big cities like Berlin, Hamburg and Frankfurt that are ideal for au pairs who want to spend their free time partying, exploring historical sites and visiting great restaurants.

United States

Approximate Pay:$850 a month

Hours: 45 hours per week

There are plenty of au pair opportunities in the United States. Whether you want to experience life in famous cities like New York, Los Angeles, Chicago or you’re looking for a quieter life in places like Maryland, Oregon or Honolulu, the pay is good and the extracurricular activities are extensive.

There are 17 au pair agencies authorised by the U.S. government to provide J-1 visas and help you pair with a host family. With some agencies, like Au Pair in America, you can even get a free month at the end of the program to explore the country and truly maximize the potential of your trip.

Sweden

Approximate Pay:$450 a month

Hours: 25 hours per week

You don’t need a visa to au pair in Sweden. All you need is a work permit and you can get started as soon as you want. The average work week for an au pair in Sweden is only around 25 hours per week so you will have plenty of freetime. Good English language skills are usually important but you don’t have to know how to speak Swedish (although, it doesn’t hurt to learn a little Swedish before you depart!). Duolingo has free and great courses for learning Swedish quickly.

South Africa

Approximate Pay:$375-$525 a month

Hours: 40 hours per week

If you’re searching for a hotter climate and chance to see some wildlife, then South Africa may be the choice for you. Through programs like Go Au Pair, you’ll have a good chance of being placed with a family that suits you and you’ll be able to get some paid vacation. It may take some time to get your work permit, so make sure you apply as soon as possible!

Denmark

Approximate Pay:$650 a month

Hours: 18-30 hours per week

If you want to au pair in Denmark you will have to get a one-year residence permit. It normally takes around 3 months for your permit to be processed. The pay is good and the working hours are not too demanding. On top of that, on your days off you’ll be able to enjoy the wonderful food, amazing architecture and everything else that routinely makes Denmark one of the happiest countries in the world. Plus, many Danish people have excellent English language skills so you won’t have too much trouble communicating if you can only speak English.

Switzerland

Approximate Pay:$550 - $770 a month

Hours: 30 hours per week

Switzerland is situated in the heart of Europe, making it one of the best countries to work in as an au pair if you want to explore a variety of European countries in a short period of time. The country has four official languages (German, French, Italian and Romansh) and many people also speak English, so it should be easier for you to find a family that speaks your language.

Switzerland can be an expensive country to visit but the average au pair salary will allow you to explore what cities like Zürich, Basel and Lucerne have to offer.

China

Approximate Pay:$100-$300 a month

Hours: 30 hours per week

China has two kinds of visas appropriate for au pairs: F-visas and X-visas. F-visas allow you to stay and work for up to six months. X-visas allow you to stay for an extended period. While applying for a visa may be difficult once you are accepted you will be given all the resources you need to work as an au pair.

Do you speak Mandarin or Cantonese? Your language skills will be important if you want to be an au pair in China. Initiatives like Smaller Earth will help you learn more about Chinese culture, improve your language skills and guide you through the process of obtaining the right visa.

Canada

Approximate Pay:$900 - $1000 a month

Hours: 25- 30 hours per week

To be an au pair in Canada you have to be between 18 and 30. If you’re within this age range you‘ll be able to apply for a working holiday visa. In general, the visa process is not too difficult.

Canada is a great choice for any budding au pair. It is a vast country with a variety of cities. In some parts of the country, like Quebec, French is the primary language. So it is also a great place to visit if you speak both French and English, and you want to improve your dual-language skills. To learn more about Canada’s au pair process visit the official government page: International Experience Canada.

The Best Au Pair Websites

Now that you know about some of the best countries to work in as an au pair you may also want to learn about the resources you can turn to as an au pair.

Below are some websites that are particularly useful to any au pairs just starting out:

  • AuPairWorld.com
  • AuPair.com
  • GoOverseas.com
  • The British Au Pair Agencies Association - BAPAA.org
  • AuPairCare.com

Use Small World

If you are thinking about moving to another country you need to get your finances sorted as well. How are you going to send money back home? And how can you receive money from your family and friends if they’re abroad? This is where Small World can help.

Small World is an international money transfer service that helps millions around the world send money abroad. We have a variety of services including bank deposit, cash pickup, home delivery, mobile wallet and many more. All of the services provide you with a safe, convenient and speedy way to transfer money abroad.

Your first transfer online is always free of fees!


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