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 Host Family - Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Au Pair?
“Au Pair” means “On par” or equal. An Au Pair is a young woman or man with documented childcare experience that is invited to join a family for a twelve month period to help with their children. An Au Pair becomes a family member and shares a cultural exchange and experience with the family.
Why should I choose to have an Au Pair?
Cecilia’s former host father is best qualified to answer this question – see his response below:
“Au Pairs are great for people with more than one child. Day-care centres charge per child, having an Au Pair is the same cost for 1-4 children. (That was not the reason for us to have an Au Pair, we wanted to have someone with the kids in our house - we are also very "international" and wanted our kids to be exposed to that - and of course the language/culture of Sweden).
Many families want the cultural aspect - enriching the lives of both the family and the Au Pair - as an example; we have great friends across the globe having been part of the program for many years. We have also met their families and all Au Pairs have come back to visit!” – Johan, USA
Host father of Cecilia Hall (Managing Director)
Why do I need Au Pair Link to match me with an Au Pair?
The reason why many families use us is because we can provide security and a guarantee that your children (as well as your Au Pair) will be well taken care of. We carefully screen and reference check all our Au Pairs.
From the word “go” we will assist you (as well as your Au Pair) with every step of the process providing help and guidance. For our families, we make sure that we understand your needs and that we match you with the right Au Pair.
When the Au Pair arrives in New Zealand – the real process begins. Throughout the year with your Au Pair we can help you with any questions that you may have and if necessary mediate between you and your Au Pair. We also introduce your Au Pair to other Au Pairs working with us in New Zealand – assisting their integration into the Kiwi way of life. We understand the fact that a happy Au Pair creates happy children (and in turn happy parents).
Cecilia also asked her former host father Johan why he and his wife chose to use an agency like Au Pair Link rather than basic online methods:
“The most important aspect of an agency is that it is reputable and experienced so that the following things exist:
- A large pool of pre-screened candidates (with trusted screeners at the source – that is where the Au Pair comes from)
- Au Pairs in the same area so that the Au Pair has friends to contact
- True references from families that have used the agency, please see our testimonial page
- “Local Manager” to speak with over the phone or to meet (just in case!).
We never considered posting an advertisement on the internet to find an Au Pair. We relied on a well respected agency to find us an Au Pair that would take the greatest care when looking after the most important treasure in our lives: our beautiful twin girls who have ultimately become the inspiration for Au Pair Link!”
What does an Au Pair do?
Your Au Pair is another set of hands in your family. She/he is there to help you with the children and provide childcare and support. An Au Pair may have responsibilities such as:
- Waking your children in the morning and dressing/helping them to get dressed
- Bathing/showering them in accordance with your family guidelines
- Preparing meals for your children (such as breakfast, packed lunches and dinner)
- Helping your children to take care of their belongings and their rooms. As well as cleaning up in the kitchen after a meal or organising the playroom
- Taking your child to school and other activities such as sport
- Playing, reading, encouraging/helping them to do their homework as well as enforcing family rules (such as limited TV watching, bedtimes etc)
- Washing and organising your child’s clothes throughout the working week.
The Au Pair is not responsible for housework that does not relate to the children. This means that you are not employing a cleaner – instead you are employing someone to help you with your children. Any cleaning or duties that distract your Au Pair from doing his/her primary duties (i.e. childcare) are not within the rules of the program. Your Au Pair is not a professionally trained childcare worker and she/he is not capable of running the entire household. Ultimately the responsibility of the children’s health and wellbeing are always the responsibility of the parents!
How far ahead should we register with Au Pair Link before we want our Au Pair to come?
We firmly believe that both for the benefit of the Au Pair and for the family it is imperative to register with the agency at least three months before you want your Au Pair to come out. Three months gives us adequate time to find you great candidates as well as give the Au Pair adequate notice before flying to New Zealand. However, we have had families registering with us six months before they want their Au Pair as well as registering as early as 4 weeks before the Au Pair arrived.
What types of requirements are there to become a host family with Au Pair Link?
Just as we have criteria for selecting our Au Pairs we have basic requirements that need to be met by our host families. We will not place an Au Pair with a family that we do not deem appropriate. Any criminal charges that have been recorded are taken into account (please note that we do not look at any minor traffic offenses) as well as the living arrangements for the Au Pair. It is imperative to us that our Au Pairs are in safe and housed in a healthy environment. Consequently, we conduct reference checks for both our Au Pairs and our families.
What happens if I am unhappy with my Au Pair?
The best way to ensure a successful year with your Au Pair is to foster open communication. During your first week with your Au Pair you will be given tools to help you and the Au Pair adjust to the new family situation. It is important that you use these guidelines. If you feel that you need to discuss any problems with Au Pair Link then please contact your locally based Counsellor.
Register to receive more information today!
 Au Pair - Frequently Asked Questions
What are my responsibilities?
Your primary responsibility is to keep the children safe and happy. Much of your day will be spent playing with the children, taking them to activities, organising events for them, reading and spending enjoyable time together. We ask you to help the parents as much as possible. Take initiative and help them to organise packed lunches for the children and cook dinner when you can. It is necessary that you help with the children’s laundry during the days that you work.
Why should I become an Au Pair in New Zealand?
New Zealand is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful countries in the world. The people are kind, loving and easy going. New Zealand is the “adventure capital” of the world (home of the bungy jump) and has some of the most breathtaking and diverse scenery including pristine beaches! There is so much to do and see in New Zealand that you need at least a year here (and probably more).
Once you have registered your interest with us you will receive all our information regarding living in New Zealand.
But if you would like a sneak peak please go to:
http://www.newzealand.com/travel
Can I contact my family at home?
Leaving home does not mean that you can’t stay in touch with your family. Most families have internet access and you can usually email your parents or even speak to them on Skype. If you do use the home phone to call overseas, make sure that you consult your host parents and that you purchase a phone card. Contact your counsellor for more information regarding calling costs etc.
I’m scared that I won’t have any friends!
Being an Au Pair is not always easy and can be hard to make friends – at first. When you arrive you will speak with your Counsellor and get to meet other Au Pairs in your area. However, we thoroughly encourage you to make friends outside of your Au Pair network and really interact with Kiwis! This is a great opportunity for you to start a new sport (maybe join the Swedish handball team) or take some extra classes and study. It takes a special person to become an Au Pair in New Zealand; you need to be brave and outgoing. Fortunately, Kiwi’s have a reputation for being some of the friendliest and welcoming people on earth!
What happens if I feel uncomfortable with my family?
One of the great benefits of becoming an Au Pair through Au Pair Link is the great support network which is provided. We aim to eliminate the possibility of replacing Au Pairs by actually placing you with the right family straight away! Therefore, it is very important for us that you answer all of our forms truthfully so that we can collect information about you and match it with a host family that suits your needs!
If you are having a problem with your host family, do not hesitate to talk to them about it. If you feel that you can’t speak with them and would like to involve your Counsellor - we are happy to give you help and advice on issues concerning your family.
There is no such thing as a perfect match, good relationships and friendships require continual work and positive input. This is what we ask of our host parents and Au Pairs – if you keep working together positively then you will be able to find a harmony in your relationship.
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