While most of the au pairs have already gained some previous experience working with children, is always a plus to know as much as possible about working with babies, safety measures, lunch preparation, What families expect from the au pair, how to handle emergencies, etc. For this reason we have developed an online au pair course that is free to all our candidates coming as Au pairs to Australia

Health and Insurance

Some families pay for or contribute towards the cost of the au pair’s medical insurance and it is essential to find out well in advance whether your employers are prepared to do this. In some countries they are compelled by law to provide insurance to the au pair. Even if you are allowed to participate in the national scheme of the country you are going to, you may find that there are important exclusion clauses such as for dental treatment, non-emergency treatment, prescription drugs and so on. No matter what country you are heading for, but especially if it is an EU country, you should obtain the Department of Health leaflet T6 Health advice for travellers available from post offices. Most insurance companies offer a standard rate that covers medical emergencies and premium rate that covers personal baggage, cancellation, etc, as well as health.

Learning a language

Having even a limited knowledge of the foreign language before you set off to work as au pair is invaluable, so it is always worth trying to improve your standard before leaving home. Evening language classes offered by local authorities usually follow the academic year. Intensive courses offered privately are much more expensive. If you are really dedicated, consider using a self-study programme with books and DVDs, online course or broadcast language course. Even if you don’t make much headway with the course at home, take it with you since you will have more incentive to learn once you are immersed in a language.

Travel

Except in the case of highly prized professional nannies like the case of working as Nanny Overseas, you must pay for your own travel costs. Very occasionally a family will pay for your fare home if you have completed a one-year contract. There are exceptions, for example the programmes which place au pairs in the USA in which your flight is organised for you and paid for by the family. Since the family may offer to the au pair at the airport, last minute bargains are not ideal. It is always better to have an open return ticket, so that you will feel more in control of the situation. Also, certain countries require a return or onward ticket as a condition of entry.

What to take
Money

If at all possible try to save a certain amount of money so that you won’t be financially dependent on the family if things don’t work out. Bear In mind that you might not be paid for the first fortnight or month, so you will need some money to tide you over.

Packing
As the day of departure draws closer, you will need to sort out your wardrobe and select clothes that will be compatible with the climate you are going to. Leah Wiloth, an American au pair in France in 2008, passes on her packing suggestions and other tips
– bring clothes that you can mix and match with a lot of things. Pack less than you usually would. You are going to want to buy gifts and souvenirs that you will have to bring back with you in your suitcase.
-bring books and music , sometimes you will have cravings to see and hear your own language.
–  bring one nice dress and shoes that are comfortable to wear and look good with a lot of outfits.
– bring pictures of family and friends
– pick up a language survival guide for the country you’re going to be working in
– pick a well documented journal of feelings, excursions and names of places visited everyday.