However, families normally expect to have some private time to themselves, particularly in the evenings. During this time, an au pair might retire to his or her room to watch television, study, or go out with friends. Provision is often made for the au pair to have time for studying, especially of the language of the host country.
In many developing countries an abundant supply of local domestic labour is still available, so there is little or no demand for au pairs.
au pair job in France
An au pair job in France is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity for a young man or woman. There are numerous personal and financial benefits to have an au pair job. As we previously said, you will become part of a French family and experience the rewards of caring for children. But you will also learn to speak French like a native and experience a day-to-day life in France. Moreover, you will teach French children about your own culture and make a real difference in their lives as an au pair nanny. Plus, you will make lifelong friends in France as well as with the other people who have an au pair job.
Susan Griffith (“Work Abroad as an Au Pair or Nanny”) said that, "au pairing” (literally “living on equal terms”) provides single women and sometimes men over 18 and normally less than 27 the chance to study a language and culture while living as part of a family abroad. The demand for live-in childcare is huge, especially for young women."
In France, au pairing has long been a favored way for young women to learn the language and, increasingly, for young men too. If some au pairs are now male, females remain the overwhelming majority.
The pocket money for au pairs in France is currently Euro 60 per week plus in most cases a 20-euro-a-week contribution to language classes; in Paris families may also provide to their au pair a carte Navigo (urban travel pass) which is worth 52 euros.
North Americans can fix up au pair placements directly with a French agency, but they should bear in mind that high placement fees may have to be paid in advance and that in some cases little advance information about the au pair family will be made available. Enrollment in a French language course is compulsory for non-European au pairs. A number of established agencies belongs to UFAAP, the Union Française des Associations Au Pair, an umbrella group set up in 1999, based at Europair Services in Paris. In Paris, the notice board at the American Church (65 Quai d’Orsay) is crammed with announcements of live-in positions.
