A host family is a family with at least one child under 16 years in the household which for a limited time puts up an au pair. The family will be supported by the au pair with the childcare and simple housework. However, an au pair is no housemaid. The family puts her/him up as their temporary family member. In return the family provides the au pair with food and pays her/him pocket money. Beside that it gives to the au pair´s disposal an own room in its household.

The aim of an au pair´s stay is the mutual cultural exchange. Beside that the au pair deepens her/his knowledge of the language of the host country. The family helps the au pair in such a way that they speak to her/him in the host country´s language. Above that they should give the au pair a chance to attend a language course. There are different regulations from country to country whether the language course is to be paid by an au pair or by the host family. The same concerns the insurance and travel costs as well as the mobility. Further information on the conditions in all countries you will find in our au pair programmes.