With over 20 years of experience behind us we hope to be able to answer some if not most of your questions in this section however we are always available to answer any other questions you may have, drop us a quick email or call us!
Some tips!
Establishing a good relationship with your Au Pair
Please keep in mind that your au pair may feel a little homesick at first and will need time to get used to your family and to being in a strange country. During this period, you will need to be as understanding and patient as possible and make her/him feel at home.
Accommodating someone from outside the family in your home is always a bit difficult at first, particularly if that someone is technically your employee, and some tension may occur. If things don’t go smoothly at the beginning, we advise our families to give au pairs some time to adjust. After all, they are trying to adapt to a totally new culture and to using a foreign language. The agency is here to support both the families and au pairs so please feel free to contact us with any questions or with anything we may be able to help with. Your au pair's understanding of English might be poor at first, but it will soon improve. She/he is in Ireland to learn the language and your attempts at making conversation with your au pair will be appreciated.
House Rules:
You will need to explain your house rules and her/his duties to the au pair in a clear manner. Remember to pay her/his pocket money on time and try to make your arrangements in plenty of time if you need your au pair to baby-sit for you. If there are house rules in place (smoking, overnight/daytime visitors etc.) please make sure to discuss and agree them with your au pair
Au Pair’s function with the family in the home:
- The Au Pair is to share the life of the host family, while at the same time enjoying a certain degree of independence.
- Keep in mind there is always an adjustment time when engaging an au pair. Try to be patient and supportive, remember the au pair is in unfamiliar surroundings and with new people.
- Be very specific about the au pair’s duties & schedules. (Make a list to avoid problems, discuss exactly what you would be asking of the au pair before she arrives and make sure the au pair has a detailed timetable every week).
- Au pairs are expected to baby-sit twice weekly (depending on their hours and package), should never be asked to baby-sit on their free days.
- It is important to remember that the majority of au pairs do not have any formal childcare training, and are not in the same category as nannies or nursery nurses.
- It is important that the au pair should be treated as part of your family, share the meals with the family, and be invited to share in their activity pursuits whenever possible.
Host Family Misconduct
The host family needs to be aware that they will be expelled from the programme for gross misconduct in use of an au pair. If an exchange programme needs to be terminated, the host family will continue to supply room and board and pocket money during the notice period (two weeks).
The host family must become familiar with the programme guidelines regarding the number of hours and Au Pair Duties. Please email the agency for a list of the guidelines. Or click here to see our agreement form.
Placement fees and deposits are non-refundable, however a replacement au pair will be provided at no extra cost for the duration of your registration with the Au Pair Study Agency.
Send me information and an application form please.
All au pairs based near the school must attend classes at least twice a week.
What are typical Au Pair duties:
The au pair’s priority is always the care of children but she can help with some light household duties for example:
- Dropping the children off at school
- Picking them up from school or after-school activities
- Helping with homework
- Assisting in keeping the children’s rooms clean
- Cooking light meals for the children
What should we provide for our Au Pair?
- A private room (a friendly comfortable room is important) Closet/wardrobe storage space for clothing and personal items.
- Full board and accommodation for 7 days per week
- Weekly pocket money
- Two full days free per week – one of these can be made up of two half days
- If the Au Pair is required to drive, all expenses i.e. insurance, maintenance, petrol etc. pertaining to the car must be covered by the host family.
What if it does not work out?
We have at any given time over 150 au pairs arriving in Ireland. This means that the au pair has a network already in place before she arrives. She also has the option of taking English classes and participating in our social programme. Very few of our au pairs get homesick and spend most of their free time with their friends. If a personality clash does happen or a family needs our support we are available 24/7 to help with any situation that may occur.
How much do we pay our au pair and how many hours will she work?
| Au pair |
Hours per week |
€ per wek |
| Demi- Au pair |
15-25 plus 1-2 nights |
50-60 |
| Au pair companion |
30 plus 2 nights |
90 |
| Au pair Minder |
35 hours 2 nights |
100 |
| Au pair Plus |
40 hours 1 night |
115 |
What must we pay for?
Au Pairs are responsible for paying their own tuition fees, bus/train tickets, flights, mobile phone cards, medical insurance/expenses and airfare. A contribution to these costs is sometimes made by the family, however please note this is at the family’s discretion only.
How does the Au Pair Study Agency select Au Pairs?
We take special care in selecting our Au Pairs as we realise that the most important thing to consider is your family and especially your children. We work with sister agencies all over the world, most of whom we have been working with for over 20 years. With all our Au Pair files you will receive:
- Police Clearance Certificate from the Au Pair’s home country.
- Medical Certificate stating the Au Pair is in good health.
- Several references (previous employer, teacher, or school/college)
- Diplomas/qualifications
- Copy of driving license
- Application form
- Photos etc.
All of our au pairs have been vetted and interviewed by our sister agencies.
What is an Au Pair for Senior?
Traditionally, au pairs are foreign students who work for families in exchange for room, board, pocket money and practicing their English. Now however we offer not only for children but au pairs for seniors. This is an au pair who would have much the same duties as an au pair for children however, in this case they would provide companionship for an elderly person. It is a non-medical, in-home care option for seniors, who need assistance with daily living.
We provide assistance, companionship and informal care and help. Our objective is to provide an affordable alternative to very expensive live-in care. We do not provide resident nursing care. Our helpers are on the whole not medically qualified and are mainly live in.
Where did the idea come from?
Julie Kelly, owner, started this programme over a year ago, listening to the growing number of families over the years who are struggling with the strain of running their households as well as caring for an elderly relative or parent. Whist interviewing many of these families and listening to the options available it became clear that cost was a major factor in keeping their relatives at home. Some live-in home-care options are costing from €850 a week which is too much for most families to contribute to.
This option will allow seniors to stay at home from €60 per week. It will give relatives piece of mind with 24/7 live in care.
How does it work?
The senior requiring an au pair must have a relative or friend involved in the process. We will send by email, the informaiotn and application form to be filled out. Once the application form has been returned to us we will begin by searching for a suitable match.
The relative and senior will then make a decision about who they would like to interview for the position.
If the candidate is chosen he/she will book flights according to the required date of arrival.
Why the au pair study agency?
The au pair study agency is the first agency in Ireland to create the au pair for senior programme. We have over 20 years experience working with au pairs, placing over 6000 au pairs during this time. We are available 24/7 should any problems arise.
What are the benefits of having an au pair for seniors:
- Au pairs are not like other carers, they have no daily responsibility to any other family except yours.
- Au pairs are not like other carers, they have no daily responsibility to any other family except yours.
- Au pairs live – in so everyone has the peace of mind of knowing they will not only come to work everyday but also mean that the au pair will learn daily habits likes and dislikes, ensuring personal comfort is upheld.
- Au pairs come to Ireland to learn English and so are not looking to benefit financially from this arrangement. It is more like an exchange programme.
- Au pairs provide a service where an elderly person can stay at home and maintain the lifestyle they are used to with as much or as little intervention as you require. It is a service for people who rely on a relative or friend for most of their care but would like to give that person a break from time to time.
Who can use an ‘Au pair for Seniors’?:
• Older people who need “a bit of help” with getting up and going to bed or around the house.
• Those who need assistance with keeping on top of household chores.
• People with physical disabilities who need assistance with the things their disability prevent them from doing.
We can provide care for many different situations but the focus of an au pair for senior is companionship.
Why APSC?
Classes:
We are one of the few programmes in Ireland that provide English classes as part of our Aupair programme. The classes are affordable and of a high standard.
Support:
The agency is here to ensure that every aupair gains the most from their experience. Our staff are available to offer any support or advice on all of the different aspects to being an aupair.
Social programme
APSC has a social co-ordinator who organises many cultural activities. These range from evenings watching Irish dancing to full day excursions outside Dublin.
Providing networks.
Sometimes it’s difficult to leave your home and come to a new country and APSC understands that! Part of your experience is to meet new and interesting people. When you arrive you will have a list of all the Au Pairs that are near you. You will also have the chance to meet new people on the social programme and during classes. It will be difficult to get homesick when you are making so many new friends and seeing so many new things!
What are typical au pair duties?
- dropping the children off at school
- picking them up from school or after-school activities
- helping with homework
- assisting in keeping the children’s rooms clean
- cooking light meals for the children
I want to be an au pair FAQs
For a full list of our FAQ’s and information pack please email info@au pairstudy.com
What documents do I require to become an au pair?
- An application form filled out in English
- A “Dear family letter” in English
- 2 child care references
- A medical certificate (not older than 2 months)
- A police certificate
- A copy of passport or identity card
- A copy of international driving license
- 4 passport size photos
- Several pictures of the you with children
- Copy of school certificates
How will I decide if the Host Family fits?
APSA carefully screens host families before accepting them into the program. We make sure the families are willing to accept an au pair into their home as an extended family member, and are able to provide the au pair a private bedroom. When a family feels that an au pair might be right for their home, the family calls the au pair for a telephone interview. During the telephone call, au pairs and host families can talk freely and ask questions. This is a very important conversation. You must ask all the questions before you arrive. It is vital that you know exactly what you can expect from the family and what the family can expect from you.
How old should I be?
At least 18.
Who pays for my travel and other expenses?
You are responsible for your travel to and from the family and any other expenses you may have during your stay (for example phone, classes etc)
How long will it take to find a family?
This depends on what kind of family you are looking for. The better your application the faster and better chance you have in finding a family. It is worth while spending time on your application!
Can I choose which family I go to?
Yes. Family availability varies throughout the year so sometimes there will be a more limited pool to choose from. If you have a strong application you will have more choice either way.
What will the family provide?
At the minimum a private bedroom and full board (all meals, use of facilities in the house), time off to attend classes and of course to be treated as a member of the family.
What duties will I be expected to do?
Childcare of all kinds, dressing, bathing, entertaining, simple meals, babysitting and helping with homework. You will also be expected to undertake light housework, which may include washing, cleaning, ironing, dusting, hovering, simple cooking or other duties. For exact descriptions click here to see our agreement form.
Is there anything I need to inform the family of?
Any medical conditions, however minor, and any allergies. It is a good idea to write these down clearly along with any medication you take or are allergic to, and phone numbers where your parents or relatives can be contacted.
What are typical au pair duties?
- dropping the children off at school
- picking them up from school or after-school activities
- helping with homework
- assisting in keeping the children’s rooms clean
- cooking light meals for the children
I want to be an au pair FAQs
For a full list of our FAQ’s and information pack please email info@aupairstudy.com
What documents do I require to become an au pair?
- An application form filled out in English
- A “Dear family letter” in English
- 2 child care references
- A medical certificate (not older than 2 months)
- A police certificate
- A copy of passport or identity card
- A copy of international driving license
- 4 passport size photos
- Several pictures of the you with children
- Copy of school certificates
How will I decide if the Host Family fits?
APSA carefully screens host families before accepting them into the program. We make sure the families are willing to accept an au pair into their home as an extended family member, and are able to provide the au pair a private bedroom. When a family feels that an au pair might be right for their home, the family calls the au pair for a telephone interview. During the telephone call, au pairs and host families can talk freely and ask questions. This is a very important conversation. You must ask all the questions before you arrive. It is vital that you know exactly what you can expect from the family and what the family can expect from you.
How old should I be?
At least 18.
Who pays for my travel and other expenses?
You are responsible for your travel to and from the family and any other expenses you may have during your stay (for example phone, classes etc)
How long will it take to find a family?
This depends on what kind of family you are looking for. The better your application the faster and better chance you have in finding a family. It is worth while spending time on your application!
Can I choose which family I go to?
Yes. Family availability varies throughout the year so sometimes there will be a more limited pool to choose from. If you have a strong application you will have more choice either way.
What will the family provide?
At the minimum a private bedroom and full board (all meals, use of facilities in the house), time off to attend classes and of course to be treated as a member of the family.
What duties will I be expected to do?
Childcare of all kinds, dressing, bathing, entertaining, simple meals, babysitting and helping with homework. You will also be expected to undertake light housework, which may include washing, cleaning, ironing, dusting, hovering, simple cooking or other duties. For exact descriptions click here to see our agreement form.
Is there anything I need to inform the family of?
Any medical conditions, however minor, and any allergies. It is a good idea to write these down clearly along with any medication you take or are allergic to, and phone numbers where your parents or relatives can be contacted.
Support
The agency is here to ensure that every au pair gains the most from their experience. Our staff are available to offer any support or advice on all of the different aspects to being an au pair.
What will I have to do?
- Conversation practice
- Help in the language laboratory
- Help in the audiovisual rooms
- Help with oral exams
- Explaining the culture of their own country
- Stimulation of the oral speaking of the student
- Play English games, readings
- Help with linguistic doubts
- Help prepare displays, complementary material
Included in your programe:
- Bed and board.
- €100 per month.
- Teaching experience.
- On a voluntary basis you can participate in extra curriculum activities such as sport, cultural visits, theatre plays.
- Transport costs to and from the school.
Not included in your programe:
Teachers are responsible for all expenses incurred during their programme (travel expenses, classes, air fares, entertainment etc)
The Program
You will be assigned to infant/primary and secondary schools in the region of Catalunya and will be assisting in classes of children between the ages of 3 to 16 years old (mostly infant and primary).
The Timetable:
You will arrive in September. You will assist from 9.00 to 16.00 Monday to Thursday and from 9.00 to 12.00 on Fridays.
You will finish on the 23rd of June.
You will have the same holidays as the school, Easter/Spanish national holidays
You say that you have ‘screened’ families what does that mean?
It means that we have visited all our families and in the past and aupairs were happy and had a good experience, it gives you re-assurance that the family is not just anybody.
How much do you charge to look for a family for me?
There is a registration fee of €200 which is payable once you have confirmed you are happy with your family and you have booked your flights.
How can I apply?
Click here for an application and information pack
Don’t forget to read all the steps that are needed first!
What will happen once I fill in the aupair application form?
We will begin looking for a suitable family as soon as we have received a copy of your profile. We will match your details and requirements with a family that we feel will work. Their details are then sent to you and they or you will call. Then if both you and the families are happy you confirm with the agency and we confirm with the family. It’s that easy!
How do I send my photos, reference and other information?
You must send the originals by post but you must first attach them to an email.
Will I be interviewed by the agency?
When necessary we will email you and call you for details however most of the interviews are done by the families.
Do I need to have childcare experience?
You should have at least some basic childcare experience i.e. babysitting or looking after younger relatives, but you do not need any formal training or qualifications.
How old should I be?
At least 18.
Are there any basic conditions that I must meet?
Please read the Terms and Conditions to make sure you are aware of exactly what is expected from an Au Pair.
Do I need a driving licence?
No, although if you do have one and are prepared to drive you will have a wider choice of families.
How much money will I get?
This will depend on how many hours you work:
Aupair Companion: This means that the Aupair is in the company of an adult most of the time, normally the mother of the children. She works a 30 hour week and is asked to baby-sit two evenings per week (never more than one evening at the weekend) she has two afternoons and evenings free, plus a day off at the weekend. She receives pocket money of €90 per week.
Aupair Minder: In this case the mother is working part-time, so the Aupair is totally responsible for the children for up to 35 hours per week. Free time is the same for the Aupair Companion. Pocket money is €100 per week.
Aupair Plus: This is where the mother is working full-time so the Aupair is responsible for the children while the mother is away at work. She has, however, only one evening of baby-sitting per week and normally has the whole weekend free. She receives €115 per week
How much free time will I have?
Two afternoons and evenings, plus one day at the weekend or two days at the weekend but you may be expected to babysit at the weekend.
How much will language classes cost?
€100 per month
Who pays for my travel and other expenses?
You are responsible for your travel to and from the family and any other expenses you may have during your stay (for example phone, classes etc)
Will I get any holiday?
For every 6 months that you work you are entitled to one week paid holiday.
How long will it take to find a family?
This depends on what kind of family you are looking for. The better your application the faster and better chance you have in finding a family. It is worth while spending time on your application!
Can I choose which family I go to?
Yes. Family availability varies throughout the year so sometimes there will be a more limited pool to choose from. If you have a strong application you will have more choice either way.
What will the family provide?
At the minimum a private bedroom and full board (all meals, use of facilities in the house), time off to attend classes and of course to be treated as a member of the family.
What if I have problems when I am with the family?
You can contact us at any time before or during your placement. We can advise you if you have any problems, speak to the family on your behalf and if necessary look for a new family for you.
Do I need a visa?
If you think you require a visa please
email us for more information.
Do you have any families looking now?
We always have families looking for Au Pairs! Please email us for more information.
Do I need insurance, and if so who pays for it?
Whether or not you decide to get insurance, is up to you. However, it will be at your expense.
What duties will I be expected to do?
Childcare of all kinds, dressing, bathing, entertaining, simple meals, babysitting and helping with homework. You will also be expected to undertake light housework, which may include washing, cleaning, ironing, dusting, hovering, simple cooking or other duties. For exact descriptions click here to see our Agreement Form.
I don’t want to do housework, is this a problem?
Families will expect you to do some housework, the amount of time you spend on this will vary from family to family but you must be prepared to do this. If you do not know how to do something ask the family, they will always help you to learn.
What do I need to take with me when I travel?
Your passport, driving licence any certificates or papers for travel and health insurance. Make sure you have the relevant phone numbers for your insurance companies. It is a good idea to carry all these documents on you or in your hand luggage along with the name, address and phone number of your host family (and our contact details of course).
Is there anything I need to inform the family of?
Any medical conditions, however minor, and any allergies. It is a good idea to write these down clearly along with any medication you take or are allergic to, and phone numbers where your parents or relatives can be contacted.
Can an aupair use the host family’s telephone?
Well, usually the host family will allow you to use the telephone once when you first arrive, to inform your family that you arrived safely.
Any other time, you need to ask the family if you can use the phone
