I'm 18 and I'm applying to be an Au Pair in Paris next year. Any Advice?

Question

I would like to know things like, what to pack, what to expect, the language classes, free time...fun details. At the moment i'm pretty much at a loss about this stuff.

Answer 1

Just a word to underline what Jerry said:

it is very imporatnt  that you know a little french. Even 20 words.... this is not the level which is important, this is the fact to make an effort to integrate yourself in a culture which is not yours. From this effort  will depend you to be warmly and friendly welcome, or the foreigner, kind, but haughty and  a little disdaining....

You can't imagine how much french people is sometimes suceptible! I am french myself !!

Answer 2

Try to learn French now. Don't wait til you get there.  Though some French ppl spk some English, most are not fluent.  Which is not surprising since they are living in a French speaking country. Many ppl will not have the patience to speak with you if you don't speak French well. Have a firm understanding with the family what your duties are and what your free time will consist of.  I have heard of many au pairs working from 7 am -11 pm and no real free time.  Details of pay should also be specified before you start.  What to pack? Clothes for all 4 seasons, but try to get clothes that will mix and match well.  The worst is a pair of shoes that will go with only one dress.  Pack light. In France many ppl will wear the same clothes 2 or even 3 days in a row.  Some secretaries seem to have only 2 dresses.  It is not unusual for a French university student to have only 1 pullover sweater which will be worn daily during the winter months.  So be kind to yourself and pack light.

Answer 3

Make sure you work out everything with the family before you agree to be their au pair. Get a written list with hours ,pay, free time etc.

Find out what an au pair is entitled to in France.

I would think that you should get AT LEAST 70 euro/week (a little more if you are in Paris) for a 30-hour week, language lessons, board and lodging and possibly a transport card. Some families pay for your plane ticket too.

You have to understand that au pairing is a job. You are expected to provide childcare and a little cleaning (again, only light household chores is expected so if the family asks you to do lots,you should probably find another) in exchange for board,lodging and all the rest. I meet so many girls who think "Wow! a year in Europe!" but in actual fact, you probably only get a few weeks off and you'll have so little money that you can't travel much anyway!

Au Pairing is a great way to hang out in a country (in your case, Paris!) but not to really travel unless you bring money from home.

Answer 4

Make sure you are placed with a good family.  Quite a few French families consider au pairs to be slightly more than slaves, and the conditions of employment can be fairly dire.  Research the family before you go, to try to avoid the bad ones.