Help a host family with childcare
Au Pair Australia
Au Pair Australia
Live with a host family, care for children, and experience Australia!
As an au pair in Australia, you’ll live with a vetted host family for 6 to 12 months, care for your host children for up to 35 hours per week, and experience Australia as a local. You’ll receive a stipend, private bedroom, and meals. This intercultural experience is a great way to help others and gain insight into Aussie culture with the safety and support of a program.
Key Info
Duration
6 or 12 months
Location
Suburbs of major cities such as Melbourne and Sydney
Program Dates
Year round
Application Deadline
Sign up at least 3 months before your desired travel date
Requirements
- 18-30 years old at program start date
- High school graduate
- At least 200 hours of childcare experience
- Driver’s license (preferred)
Program Highlights
Become Part of a Family Abroad
Help with your host children's development
Friends from Around the World
Connect with fellow au pairs from all over the globe
Exciting Locations
Placements in the suburbs of cities such as Melbourne and Sydney
Welcoming Hosts
Stipend, private bedroom, and all meals included
Process
Sign Up
Complete an application with your chosen provider
Connect
Meet your host family through video chat
Travel
Get your visa and flight and head to Australia!
Au Pair Life
The Homestay
The homestay is the heart of this program. Here’s what you can expect when it comes to host-family living on your Au Pair Australia program:
Safe Placements
- Host families are screened for safety.
- Families submit applications and references, have an interview, and pay a program fee (they are not paid to host you).
Typical Family
- Families vary in personality and size but most have two or three children and they’re all excited about cultural exchange.
- Most families reside in the suburbs of cities such as Sydney and Melbourne, are middle class, and have young children; some have elementary-aged children.
Matching Process
- You’ll have an opportunity to connect with potential host families.
- Matching can take a few days to a few weeks.
Living with a Family
Living with a host family is about connecting with the family members and integrating into their life. Families want au pairs who:
- are responsible and enjoy caring for children.
- engage with them over meals and share their home country culture.
- are eager to learn about Australia and Australian culture.
- behave like an ambassador from their country and a role model for the children.
The Au Pair Role
The term “au pair” means “on par” or “equal,” meaning you’re meant to be on equal terms with your host family. As an au pair you’ll live with a welcoming host family and care for the children. Childcare usually takes up about 35 hours/week of your time in Australia, enough to be a crucial part of the kids’ day-to-day lives but with time to get out and explore.
Childcare
Caring for your host children can include:
- taking them to and from school
- engaging them with activities
- light housework (tidying and cleaning)
- preparing their meals
- helping them with homework
You’ll receive a childcare guide and connect with your host family before you travel to find out what they’re looking for in an au pair.
Hours & Stipend
- Up to 35 hours per week
- Stipends of AUD 200-360/week are typical and can depend on your experience and number of hours
- When you connect with a potential family, you can discuss the childcare schedule so you know what to expect.
Free Time
- Your host family should offer days off each week as well as paid vacation time.
- Cities such as Sydney and Melbourne are filled with tons of activities and beautiful sights!
- Some participants link up with each other to explore.
