Extra hands Happy children Balanced home
Highlights of au pairing
» Exploring new cultures, while living in Belgium with a host family.
» Developing independence, confidence and valuable life skills.
» Making a positive impact on children’s lives as a role model.
» Improving language skills through daily practice and immersion.
» Discovering Belgium and Europe with ongoing support.
» Having a second home & family in a foreign country.
What does it mean to be an au pair?
Au Pair
An au pair is a young person aged between 18 and 26, or up to 30 in Wallonia, who stays with a host family abroad and looks after the children. The main purpose of the programme is cultural exchange and experiencing the language and culture of the host country.
Tasks
Depending on the host family’s needs, the au pair can take on various tasks: looking after the children, entertaining them, helping with homework, carrying out light housework, and looking after pets. Belgian regulations limit these tasks to a maximum of 4 hours per day and 20 hours per week.
Guidance
Although formal childcare qualifications are not required, au pairs should genuinely enjoy spending time with children and be motivated to support family life. Au Pair Office guides host families and au pairs through the self-match or full-service process and provides ongoing support.
Why choose Au Pair Office?
» We have a strong network of partners.
» We offer a social safety net away from home.
» We are in contact with host families and know where the au pair will stay.
» We take care of the administration professionally and transparently.
» We listen to the au pairs and give professional advice.
» We have an in-house psychologist assisting you where and when needed, before and during the placement.
» We offer support when things get difficult.
» We organize monthly coffee calls for au pairs and provide 1-on-1 calls.
» We organize quarterly cultural and social events.
» We have social media groups where au pairs connect.
» We are available 24/7 in case of emergencies.
How does it work?
1.
Before starting your au pair journey, take the time to understand what cultural exchange truly means. Whether you apply through a sending agency or choose the self match route, it is important to become familiar with the programme, its expectations, and the responsibilities involved.
2.
Au pairs working with a sending agency are introduced to host families through our secure portal. Self match au pairs first need to find a suitable host family independently. Open communication and clear expectations are essential to building a successful match.
3.
Once a match is confirmed, we guide you through the administrative process. Self match au pairs are invited for an intake with Au Pair Office before continuing the process. Together with your sending agency, where applicable, we help ensure that all required steps are completed smoothly and transparently.
4.
Your journey does not end when you arrive in Belgium, it is only just beginning. Throughout your stay, we remain available for guidance, follow up, coffee calls, cultural events, and support. We are here to help you feel at home and make the most of your au pair experience.
A successful au pair experience is not about being perfect. It is about maturity, attitude, responsibility, communication, and genuine engagement with children, family life, and cultural exchange. Au pairs who understand this, create safe, balanced, and successful experiences for everyone involved. Being open to adventure, new perspectives, and life in another culture is often what transforms an au pair experience into a truly unforgettable journey.
Let's keep in touch!
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