So you want to become an Au Pair!

I know that I'm going to get asked this question a lot. So to save myself some sanity I will put my process up here for all to see. There 2 different ways to go through this process. I chose to 'pre-match' which means I found my host family before we found an agency. I'll take you through my step by step process and you can see what I had to do to get to where I am now.

1. If you want to become an Au Pair, I would suggest that you familarize yourself with the word. Be prepared to have to explain it to everyone around you. The word Au Pair is french and it means at par or equal too. The dictionary definition states: a young foreign person, typically a woman, who helps with housework or child care in exchange for room and board. Once you have an understanding of that word, then you can move forward. I researched blogs, vlogs on youtube, or any type of video about Au pairs that I could. Actually I have something for you.  View this video it's about a day in the life of an Au pair. He tells you  a lot of what you need to know. 

 It varies by country but an Au Pair is usually between the ages of 18-30 years of age. One thing you have to know is that you cannot do this if you do not have a general love of children. I repeat if you do not like children, do NOT become an Au Pair.

2. Once you are pretty much in the Au Pair world, here's where it gets interesting. Start signing up for as many websites for Au Pairs as you can. Be wary though, there are scams out there(like web portal Au Pair, it's full of scams) GreatAuPair(lies and says its free, it's not) AuPair.com(it's not known, so you wont get many messages if any) But the one that I had the best experience on there is AuPair-World.net. I cannot praise this site enough. I signed up at the end f August 2013, and by the end of September 2013, I found my family. 

The trick is to log in at least once a day, it keeps your profile on the first page as their are a ton of applicants trying to be an Au Pair. It's free to search and message for Au Pairs as Host Families usually has the subscriptions. Be prepared to put yourself out there and basically try to get across to the person that you are different then all of the other applicants. They want you to talk about yourself but at the same time try to put your experience out there. Show them that you have a plan in your life. Why do you want to do this program? 

Once you found your Host family, this is where it starts coming along. Ask a ton of questions, the site AuPairMom.com is an awesome site and very helpful. There is loads of information on there. Not to mention google is a great source as well. I cannot stress enough, communicate with your family. We send emails back an forth a few times a week, we skyped(I hated it lol) and we've talked on the phone, and sent letters(snail mail) Not to mention we friended on Facebook and we stayed in contact. Just because you found your family doesnt mean you can stop talking that'll put a strain on the relationship before you even get there and you do not want that.

3. Now the hard part is over, you need to find an agency that you and your Host Family can agree on. My Host family found one that wasnt so expensive to them as I as an Au Pair paid no fees, which is very good as my job as a party hostess isn't a high paying job. After you guys have agreed on the agency, then everything starts flowing. My Host family and I used Triple C Agency, and they've been great, very helpful during the process.

 After you have gotten into contact with your agency, they will give both you and your host family an application. Now this is the most annoying and most strenuous and sometimes stressful part of the whole Au Pair process; the paperwork. The extent of is massive, and no I'm not exaggerating. You're going to need an FBI background check, reference about your childcare experience, references about your personality, a medical reference form(that has to filled out by your doctor) a list and description of every job you've ever had, your passport information scanned and copied equally, as well as the application form for the agency. The questions they ask will be personal, so be prepared to lay it out on the table, but not so much that it will jeporadize your job. 

Use your common sense in disclosing information. As it is, if you have anything medical that you feel will disqualify you from this job make sure to tell  your Host Family BEFORE they see the form so they're will be no surprises. Mine well I didnt, and they were surprised and worried for me. They're both Doctor's so I can see how that would worry them as my flight is so long. But I digress make sure to scan a copy and send it to yourself, your parents and then your agency. That way everyone has a copy.

4.The agency has to get all of the paperwork for you and your host family ready before they ship it off to immigration for processing. I'm on this step as I type, it's the last and final and most important step too. I leave in a month and I need this to be completed for my visa application. 

5. Get a suitcase and pack your clothes. You're allowed one Check in Bag, under 50lbs, a word of the wise, do not overpack. You're allowed 2 carry on bags, which will be my small suitcase carry on, and my backpack.