Au pairs are used by families around the world who are looking for someone to provide care to their children while they are at work.
This is also an opportunity for someone with child care knowledge and experience to live with a family, learn a new culture and experience a new city, town or country.
To be an au pair you need more than just the ability to cook or clean, you need to have the relevant child care skills needed to provide peace of mind to host families and help you secure a suitable position in the area you are interested in.
Some families will have one child, others may have three, even four.
You will be responsible for caring for the children during the day with some possible evening work.
If you live-in, you can also expect to be asked to babysit now and again, enabling the parents to attend functions and events.
The first thing you need to do is find a reputable au pair agency.
This will enable you to join and be part of the selection process each time a host family is looking for someone to join their household and provide care for their children.
The agency is an important part of the process and can provide you and the family with security, rather than going direct to a family and making your own arrangements.
Au pair agencies provide you with support, help you transition into a new town or country and have a team on hand to help you with the relocation process.
It is imperative that you understand the duties related to this type of role.
Every household may have different requirements, but one of the most common requests is someone with child care experience that has a driving license.
Remember you will be responsible for the children, this means you will have to take them to school, pick them up when school finishes, take them to sporting events and also accompany them to doctor and dentist appointments.
If you don't drive, this can be a serious problem, especially in the more rural areas on the outskirts of the city.
You will have to have some cooking experience.
You will be expected to make meals for the children when they get home from school and on occasion, you may have to make their evening meal.
A good understanding of healthy eating can be pivotal to ensure the children get a good and well-balanced meal.
After the children have eaten, you may be required to assist them with their homework.
You will have to help them with their reading, arithmetic, writing and more while the parents are at work.
You will have to report back to the parents when they get home that homework has been completed correctly and the children are ready for the next day.
You will be required to work while the children are at school.
This is not relax time, but it can vary from household to household.
Your au pair agency will provide you with a complete list of your expected duties.
In most cases, you will be expected to clean the children's bedrooms, do their laundry and even possible give the home a little spruce, washing up dishes and some general dusting.
As an au pair you want what is best for the children and this includes planning some activities for once homework is completed.
If you are caring for a baby, you may want to join a baby group in the area to provide the baby with stimulation.
If you are caring for older children, planning fun afternoon activities can ensure that the children have a great all-round experience.