So, you have taken that first brave step and enquired about Au Pairing abroad. Yay!
We are super excited for you! We know that you probably feel overwhelmed and don’t know where to start.
Please know and feel rest assured that we are always here to answer any questions you may have. We understand that this is a major step that you are taking in your life – a step that will change the course of your destiny! Even though it might feel a bit scary, please know that this will be the best decision you will ever make, and your exchange year will be the greatest adventure of your life.
Here are some frequently asked questions that will hopefully help you get a better understanding of your options.
What is an Au Pair and what does an Au Pair do?
An Au Pair is a ‘big sister’ who lives in a foreign country as an extended member of a well-screened host family. These young women provide child care services in exchange for room, board, a weekly/monthly stipend, and contributions towards education. Most Au Pairs participate in the Au Pair Program for the valuable cultural experience of living with a foreign family and are treated more as a member of the family than as an employee.
How do I apply?
The best start is to visit our online academy to get a feeling of what we are about and to learn more about the specific programs & destinations we offer. All our information courses on the academy is free and you can watch the informative videos by our instructors and Au Pairs in your own time. You can then email us at Head Office, and we will assist you with any other questions you still have: info@carlasaupairs.co.za.
How far ahead must I apply?
We always recommend starting the application process about 3-6 months before you would like to depart. This will give you enough time to gather your application forms & supporting documents, and to match with your perfect host family.
How does the program acceptance process work?
Every country has different requirements that are usually connected to visa restrictions. Average requirements include: You need to be 18-29 years of age, have a grade 12 high school qualification, be willing to commit for at least 12 months, be unmarried and have no kids of your own. You need also need to have childcare experience. This experience can include: Working as a local nanny, Au Pair or babysitter. Volunteer work at pre-schools, schools, after-care facilities or children’s homes. Working as a teacher or teacher’s assistant etc. Some countries also require a driver’s license. You will also have to be able to ride a bicycle for the European destinations, be able to swim and have some cooking skills under your belt. You also have to have a South African, Namibian, European or UK passport. An open mind, adaptability, responsibility, maturity and good communication skills are a must for any prospective Au Pair!
How much does it cost to Au Pair abroad?
There are certain program costs involved, but the Au Pair program is probably one of the most affordable “work abroad” & cultural exchange programs out there. Extra costs will include applying for your passport, police clearance and international drivers permit. Visa costs and program fees also need to be considered. This will be different for each program. Some programs like America, include the flight costs which is amazing. Overall, it’s a very affordable and safe way to live and work overseas for a year or two. Please ask us for a more extensive brochure about your chosen destination so you can plan your budgeting ahead of time.
How do we as an agency choose host families?
We work with amazing partner agencies abroad who are in charge of signing up & screening host families. We only work with reputable agencies who we have long-standing relationships with. We can honestly say we work with the best in the business and that is one of the main reasons our Au Pairs are so happy and adjust so well. You will get tremendous support not only from us, but from our international partners while you are abroad. Host families get screened very well and need to go through an acceptance process and home visit. Our partners also arrange fun events for the Au Pairs every month or quarter. This gives them a chance to meet the international staff and make new friends with Au Pairs from all over the world. It is one of our main philosophies as a company to only work with partners who will be there for our Au Pairs. We make sure you have an excellent support network in order to get the full experience you deserve.
Why should someone Au Pair?
When you are an au Pair, you are not just a normal tourist. You see and experience the lives, cultures, and traditions of a real international family on a daily basis. You also get to know yourself on a whole different level and experience so much personal growth during your time abroad. This is an affordable and safe way of seeing the world and experiencing different cultures and countries. Not only do you gain work experience and life experience, but you also have the chance to spread your wings and see the world. You live in the safe environment of a host family and you have the assurance that your agency will be there for you if you should need help. Your living expenses will be low (housing, insurance, meals with the family etc. are all included) so you have opportunity to save a bit of money and travel while you are there – something we encourage fully.
Why choose us to assist you on your journey? What makes us different?
When we started this company, we came across a lot of sceptic and scared people. People who have heard bad stories about being an Au Pair and people who were scared the program wasn’t safe. We wanted to change this mindset. We wanted not only to be better than the rest, we wanted to DO better than the rest. To care, nurture and be involved with our Au Pairs. We want them all to experience then beauty of what a year like this can bring to their lives. Our whole company’s philosophy revolves around these ideals – almost all our staff members have been Au Pairs abroad before. It’s a calling to us. We are a “sisterhood” & the Au Pairs love feeling part of this sisterhood! They even named it the CAP Sisterhood. Let us make your dreams come true!
Here are 10 reasons why you should choose us as your agency:
1. Support
With us you are guaranteed full support during your journey. We will assist you from the moment you start asking questions, fill out application forms, speak to potential host families, arrange the visa and flights & more! We will assist you with everything you need and make sure you are followed up with and taken care of right through your application process and beyond. Add us on WhatsApp & social media and let’s get the conversation going!
2. Personal involvement
You are not just a number. You are important to us and we value the relationship we build with you. We want you to trust us and feel comfortable to come to us about anything. No question or concern is too silly to mention to us! Open communication between us and our Au Pairs is very important to us.
3. We are a well-established, global company & we have our own online info academy.
We have offices across South Africa & Namibia. We are well established with numerous staff catering to your needs. We also have an online platform on which you can learn about all our Au Pair programs: For free! When registering to our online academy, you will be able to learn all about our mind-blowing destinations, their requirements, their highlights, and even the downside of things; basically, the good, bad & the ugly. We prepare you for it all! There are many videos and insights from real Au Pairs too to get you inspired.
4. We only work with the BEST partner agencies abroad
When searching for an Au Pair agency, people often don’t think about the fact that they will be in the hands of the overseas agency too! What happens when you encounter issues abroad? That is why we are only partnered with the best agencies across the world who we have handpicked and have long standing relationships with. We know and trust our partners and we work with them because we know you will be supported while living abroad. Our USA partner for example offers the best insurance package there is for Au Pairs out there! And you don’t pay an extra cent for it! Your safety and wellbeing is our top priority. You will definitely have a double support system when choosing us as your agency!
5. We offer exclusive Au Pair Life Skills Training that will set you up for success
Our Au Pair Life skills & training course is more than just a boring orientation course. You will learn important skills about how to cope with issues when living abroad as an Au Pair. We make sure you are well prepared before you embark on this journey and that you have the right expectations of the program and beyond. You will make close connections on at these training events and you will feel safe & supported. Our training sessions are fun & informative and exclusive to our agency. Your safety and wellbeing is our top priority.
We offer in-person training days across South Africa and Namibia (1 full day) as well as a professional online course. You will have 2months to complete the online course at your own pace. We want to offer two options to you so you can choose the best option for your needs. Both options include free resources and a completion certificate.
6. We are a sisterhood
Here at CAP we are one big family. We make sure you bond and connect with other Au Pairs before you depart.. All our offices are run by ex-Au Pairs and people who have worked and lived abroad or have had a child living abroad. 90% of our staff Au Paired through our agency themselves. We know what it feels like to be an Au Pair abroad, because we have lived the experience ourselves. We know how to guide and support you and we believe in the program with all our hearts. We have experienced first-hand the enormous growth that an exchange year can bring to your life. Cultural exchange is our passion.
7. We meet you in person & we do pre-departure talks
We make a point of seeing you in person during your application journey and before you depart. You will have an in-person predeparture talk before you depart to make sure you are ready and that we have covered everything there is to cover! You are not alone in this! Your interview and pre-departure talk can also be arranged via video call to fit into your busy schedule. Sometime life is too short to commute to a meeting!
8. Goodie bags & VIPs
Our exclusive goodie bags are fun and useful. You will be well prepared and travel in comfort.
Our Au Pairs love their experiences much, that they come back an become VIPs! We have numerous ex Au Pairs across the country who are back from their exchange year, that come speak at our events and training sessions. These VI P’s will give you valuable insights of life as an Au Pair, the good, the challenges and tips for your year abroad!
9. We are active on social media and in the community
We are continuously looking for opportunities to exhibit in our communities and interact with our prospective Au Pairs. We love educating people about the Au Pair program and what this experience can mean to a young person. Our social media is very active, with a big following and lots of fun, meaningful posts. We also have a very informative and useful blog that we update with new articles weekly.
10. We are a member of the International Au Pair Association (IAPA)
IAPA is like the principal of a school – they oversee that everyone does what they need to do, and they ensure that everyone follows the rules. That is exactly what IAPA does. They are regulators of Au Pair programs, internationally. They ensure that both you and the host family as well as au pair agencies, live up to certain standards. This is great, because it protects YOU and ensures that you have the best year of your life. Trustworthy agencies are members of IAPA and go through a thorough screening and approval process in order to become members. We are a proud member of IAPA and strive to keep the industry regulated and safe.