Job Responsibilities
This involves taking the kids to and from school, activities, and sport events.
This can include breakfast, lunch, supper and snacks in between. It’s also important to be aware of any dietary restrictions and allergies.
This can include arranging outings and planning fun activities for each day.
With older kids, you will need to assist with homework or make sure that the kids do their homework.
This can include helping with a morning routine, bath time and bedtime routine.
In some cases, doing the kids laundry, tidying up after the kids
What to Study
N6 Educare Course
N5 Educare Course
N4 Educare Course
What is an Au Pair?
Au Pairs travel to foreign countries to provide childcare to host families. You are required to take care of the kids, assist with everyday tasks and planning their schedules.
This could be during the day, at sporting events or while on holiday. Meaning you go on holiday with the family. Free holidays!
Education Requirements for Becoming an Au Pair
An Educare qualification is required to become an Au Pair. The minimum qualification requirement is a National Certificate: N4 Educare. But, some childminding experience is also needed.
To better your odds of getting an Au Pair job or even a higher paying Au Pair job, it would be best to get the highest qualification. A National Certificate: N6 Educare would be your best choice. Doing it through a reputable institution like Skills Academy will benefit you as you can work on your experience and study. Distance learning has changed the way we study.
Benefits of Being an Au Pair
Besides the biggest benefit being that you get to do what you love. Working with children and enriching their lives. There are some really good benefits that you need to know about.
Saving
Like, you can save money while you are working as an Au Pair. Seeing that you will get paid in a foreign currency that is stronger than ours. On top of that most host families give you an allowance on top of your salary. Reducing your need to spend your salary.
Exploring
Exploring and learning about another culture is always exciting and teaches you lessons you wouldn’t have learned otherwise. Lessons about people, the culture of the country you are in, even about yourself.
Work Abroad
Lastly, one of the other big benefits is working abroad. You get to work in foreign countries doing what you love.
Au Pair Salary
As mentioned already the salary for Au Pair is very attractive but, does differ from country to country. Even family to family and agency to agency. Now you are unsure of what country to choose to get the most financial benefit to you.
Let’s break down the top destinations and their salaries to help you make a better choice.
Some of the most popular countries to Au Pair in:
- Germany – Average salary +R4000 and the family has to pay R800 towards a language course
- Australia – minimum wage R180 per hour and board (R3500) gets deducted from your wages
- Sweden – Average salary R5000 with income taxes being deducted
- United States of America – R2800 per week
- Canada – Starts at R140 per hour
- Denmark – Minimum of R8700 per month must be paid
- New Zealand – Between R1400 and R2600 per week with the salary being paid during illness and vacation time
The Difference Between a Nanny and Au Pair
You might be wondering what the difference between a nanny and au pair is? Here’s some of the key differences:
- A nanny gets paid a fixed salary per month with working hours agreed upon by the family and nanny.
- An Au Pair receives pocket money and a salary with working hours normally set out by the country’s government.
- Duties of a nanny can include full cleaning services on top of the childcare.
- Au Pairs only do some light housework like cleaning up after the kids.
- Nannies are considered a worker
- Au Pairs become apart of a family dynamic.
How to Find Work as an Au Pair
There are many agencies that assist with placements for Au Pairs. Each comes with their own benefits and rules. The best option for you would be to look around and apply at various agencies. But, before applying at any of the agencies you need to do the following to improve your odds of getting a good placement.
- Start with your National Certificate: N6 Educare Qualification
- Getting a First Aid Certificate will benefit you and prepare you for an emergency
- Start immediately with getting work experience. The more experience you have the better your chances are.
The earlier you start the above the sooner you will be in the country of your choice doing the job you love.
Sign up for our Educare Courses Today!
Contact us today. Our course experts are ready to assist you through our quick and easy registration process.
- Call us for free on 0800 39 00 27
- Fill out the contact form
Author: Lucrisia Benjamin
Last Updated: August 18, 2020