Cultural Exchange

What is Au Pair?

A young adult who lives with a host family abroad — sharing in childcare and daily life while experiencing a new culture and language.

Typically aged 18–30
Lives as part of the family
Language & cultural exchange
An au pair sharing a moment with the host family's children
More than a helper a new member of the family
The Definition

More Than Just Childcare

An au pair is a young person, usually 18 to 30, who moves in with a host family in another country for a while. They help out with the kids and a few light tasks around the house, and in return they get a room, meals, and pocket money plus the chance to really live in a new country instead of just visiting it.

What they are

Part of the family for the time they're there — sharing meals, helping with the kids, and getting to know how life works in a new place.

What they're not

A hired nanny or a cleaner. It's a cultural exchange first — the help with childcare is part of family life, not a job.

Is the Au Pair Program Right for Your Family?
Watch & Learn

Is the au pair program right for your family?

A quick introduction to help you decide if hosting an au pair fits your lifestyle, your home, and your children.

What Does an Au Pair Do?
Au pair helping children with activities
The Au Pair Role

What Does an Au Pair Do?

An au pair provides light childcare and becomes part of your family, while experiencing Dutch culture and life in the Netherlands.

  • 30 hours per week (max 8 hours/day) of light childcare and household tasks
  • Help with school runs, homework, meals, and playtime
  • Carry out some light household chores including but not limited to simple cooking, vacuuming floor, loading/unloading dishwasher etc.
  • 2 days off per week and at least one full weekend per month
  • No working in multiple homes

Good to know: An au pair is not a full-time nanny or housekeeper. The program is a cultural exchange with childcare and light household chores as one part of the arrangement.

Ready to Welcome an Au Pair?

Ready to Welcome an Au Pair?

Register as a host family and we'll guide you through every step — from finding the right match to handling the IND paperwork.

Register as Host Family
Takes about 5 minutes No obligation We handle the IND process

Have questions first? Get in touch — we're happy to help.