Discover Germany as an Au Pair

There may not be a more simple and cost-effective way to explore a foreign country as with an au pair stay. Participants provide childcare assistance and perform household chores. In return, they receive free room and board with the host family as well as an allowance. Along the way, participants experience family life in a foreign country, discover a new culture and have the opportunity to learn a new language.

When comparing the various au pair programs offered by the traditional host countries, one quickly realizes that there are enormous differences in the working hours, allowance amounts, insurance provisions and requirements for participation.

At first glance, Germany seems to be one of the less appealing au pair destinations, since many applicants place a considerable focus on the size of the allowance provided. In Germany, this amount is stipulated by law and has been set at a minimum of 65 euros per week. Au pairs are also legally limited to work up to a maximum of 30 hours per week. The remaining time can be invested in a language course but au pairs have to supply the funds for this course. Many host families, however, are prepared to help with the costs of a language course to both help au pairs financially and motivate them to do their best. It is also good to know that the cost of living in Germany is lower than in English-speaking countries. While its true that au pairs wont be making any major purchases while earning 65 euros a week, the money is more than enough to comfortably live on. A further advantage are the four weeks of paid vacation that au pairs receive when staying for 12 months, which can be spent exploring the countrys many sights and attractions. If an au pair chooses to stay in Germany for less than 12 months, they receive two days of paid vacation per month. Host families are also required to take out a private insurance policy to cover the au pair in the case of illness.

When talking about the positives of their experiences, au pairs in Germany mention much more than the pleasant working conditions it is the small, but refined cultural differences that make living in Germany so attractive. Security, cleanliness, clear rules, tasty breads, innovative architecture, an excellent educational system and the punctual public transportation system with buses and trains are also often cited as benefits.

Depending on which country an au pair comes from, certain things will seem strange in the beginning. This especially includes such novelties as the explicit separation of certain types of waste and recyclables, the deposits on beverage bottles, the overly patient waiting at crosswalk signals and the preference for comfortable shoes instead of fashionable ones. These are just a few of the curiosities that foreigners notice during their stays in Germany. Those who would like to learn more about the German au pair experience can apply throughout the year at flyOUT. Applicants should be between the ages of 18 and 24, have experience in caring for children and a basic knowledge of the German language. Participants from the EU, Australia, Israel, Japan, Canada, New Zealand and the USA do not need to prove their German skills as part of the application process. Good language skills and a willingness to learn the language are especially helpful, though, for a successful transition to life in German society as well as in the host family. Knowing how to deal with children is also extremely helpful as childcare is one of the most important tasks that au pairs will be asked to perform. Those that do not enjoy children are well advised to look for other travel opportunities outside of an au pair program.

Below is an overview of the most important facts for an au pair stay in Germany:

Age: 1824

Language skills: Basic German (level A1); for applicants from the EU, Australia, Israel, Japan, Canada, New Zealand and the USA a good command of English is sufficient, but basic German skills would be an advantage.

Working hours/week: Not more than 30 h plus 2 evenings of babysitting per week

Allowance/week: At least 65

Duration: 612 months; short stays for au pairs from the EU can be arranged especially during summer, but space is limited

Drivers license: Preferable, but not required

Health insurance: Host families must take out private health insurance for the au pair

Costs: Travel costs, possible visa fees

Entry requirements: No visa requirements for EU citizens and for citizens from Australia, Israel, Japan, Canada, New Zealand and the USA. Further information can be obtained from the German Embassy.

Further information is available at www.flyout-agency.de/au-pair-in-Germany.html.

Based in Heilbronn, Germany, flyOUT is an educational travel service and specialist publishing house on stays abroad. A trip abroad is ideal for people who are open to new experiences and ideas, find the unfamiliar exciting and are naturally curious. flyOUT offers trips abroad in the form of Work&Travel and au pair stays, foreign internships, language trips, high school exchanges and voluntary activities.

Carmen Kurz
flyOUT
Lohtorstr.24
Heilbronn Baden Wuerttemberg, 74072
0049 7131 1296464

More information you can also find on website: Arizona Health Insurance

Source:
Discover Germany as an Au Pair

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