3 Facts An Au Pair Should Know During the Application & Matching Process:

 

So, you have taken the bold step to become an Au Pair Abroad!

 

You are brave. We like you! 😊

 

 To become part of the Carla’s Au Pairs Sisterhood is a massive step in your life; once you go CAP, you never go back!!

 

We always try our utmost best to make your application & matching process as smooth as a sailing boat. 

 

But it takes two to tango…

 

So, familiarize yourself with the 3 important facts an Au Pair should know during the application & matching process.

 

Patience will be required 😊

 

 

After you have enquired with us (yay you), you have chosen the country that fits you best.

 

We have made sure you meet all the requirements to become an Au Pair abroad.

 

You have probably received the application documents to complete, and after what feels like TWO YEARS, you have sent them back to us. Haha! Just kidding!

 

Now, the ACTUAL process begins… we (swiftly) work through your documents and in between countless Zoom sessions and WhatsApps messages we have with you, your profile is live and potential families can contact you…

 

How exciting, and a little nerve-wracking – we know! 😉

 

Every single time your phone makes a ‘beep’ sound, you check to see if it’s a family wanting you as their Au Pair.

 

But no, your bestie just sent you a video that makes you LOL!

 

Two days pass and no family has shown interest yet. 

 

Two weeks passed and no family has shown interest yet.

 

Two weeks and a DAY has passed, and no family has shown interest yet. 

 

WHAT TO DO NOW!?

 

First, take a deep breath (in and out…)

 

It’s normal not to be contacted by families immediately after your profile has gone live on the Au Pair databases.

 

It doesn’t mean that you’re not a good candidate, or that the families are silly not to pick you. 

 

It depends on your childcare experience, the time of the year and the availability of prospective host families. (Only to name a few)

 

Some Au Pairs wait weeks, others wait a few months. We have even had au pairs being placed within days. 

 

Eventually, each Au Pair matches with the perfect family for her. It’s best to trust the program and the process and most importantly; be patient.

 

At CAP we care about each Au Pair. After you have been waiting for an extensive period to match with a family, we will contact you and try our utmost best to get you matched faster.

 

Always keep the lines of communication open with us. 

 

You must meet all the requirements – for your sanity!

 

 

 

If we had a penny for each Au Pair who laughed at us when we ask them if they can swim and ride a bike well, we would have been able to send you all abroad – FOR FREE!

 

It may not sound pretty obvious, but swimming and biking are VERY IMPORTANT skills to have as an Au Pair. 

 

Remember, as an Au Pair abroad, you need to be very active with the host children. Sometimes, you will be required to ride a bike with the kids, swim with them and you need to be able to save someone from drowning – touch wood this never happens!

 

Biking and swimming are essential skills to have if you want to become an Au Pair in the Netherlands and Belgium. Did you know that their main mode of transport is a bicycle?

 

Oh, wait we have a better ‘fun fact:’ 

 

Did you know that there are more bicycles than people in the Netherlands? 

 

That gives you something to think about…

 

You also need to be a loving and caring person, with a REAL love for children. You need to have very good childcare experience too!

 

Get ready to cook up a storm for your host family and treat them with real South African and Namibian treats – after all, cultural exchange is what Au Pairing is all about!

 

Then, obviously, you need all the boring requirements too, such as a valid driver’s license, high school qualification and stuff grownups have.

 

Don’t stress, though, we’ll guide you through the process.

 

We know what you’re thinking and thanks!! We know we’re AWESOME! 

 

Email us for an extensive brochure on a country you’re interested in exploring: info@carlasaupairs.co.za

 

You need to understand the payment structure for each country to save yourself from disappointment.

 

Yes, you will need to pay agency fees to become an Au Pair abroad. We must eat too!! 😊

 

We promise you, though – it’s worth every penny.

 

Your safety, well-being and happiness are very important to us.

 

We are your safety net if you are having a problem or concern once you are abroad. You do NOT have that when you do not use an agency. 

 

Luckily for you, we have many awesome (and affordable) programs available with many inclusions. 

 

For example, you can explore the USA for two years and spend less than R15 000 on agency fees (yes, flights and visas are included in this calculation) Before COVID-19 hit, our Au Pairs had a Five-day orientation in New York City before meeting their host families. And yes, you guessed it, EVERYTHING is included in the agency fees!

 

You can roam the streets of the Netherlands knowing that agencies are NOT allowed to ask you more than +- R500 to complete your application. You are, however, responsible to contribute about 500 Euro towards your flight costs. You also need to apply for documents such as a police clearance and an unabridged birth certificate. These documents will need to be legalized after you have matched, and this can only be done at DIRCO – keep in mind that there will be some courier costs involved.

 

The Netherlands will also require you do some medical tests before departure (such as a pregnancy test, TB & AIDS test etc.) Keep these costs in mind and find out of your medical aid might be able to cover some of these tests.

 

To taste the infamous Belgian chocolates, you need to apply for a visa, and yes, you have to cover the costs yourself. You also have to do a medical after placement and this can only be done at a Belgian approved doctor closest to you. Again, some tests will be required which your medical aid might cover.

 

You also need to apply for documents such as a police clearance and an unabridged birth certificate.

 

These documents will need to be legalized after you have matched, and this can only be done at DIRCO – keep in mind that there will be some courier costs involved

 

Luckily, your super-cool host family pays for your flights, so that is a MASSIVE bonus, yeah!

 

Don’t stress about all these nitty gritties now though! We will guide and help you through every step of the process (that’s what we are here for)

 

Our other super cool programs such as Sweden, Luxembourg and Germany are just as nice, but it’s a bit pricier seeing you have to pay for your flights and visa. 

 

You need to prepare yourself for these expenses. You need to pay your visa fee and flight contributions whenever necessary. If you fail to pay these costs, you may lose your match with your hand-picked host family. 

 

If you have a specific country in mind that you want to explore, email us at info@carlasaupairs.co.za for a detailed brochure & payment structure.

 

Do you feel like a grown-up waiting to board that airplane yet?

 

We bet you do. This is a life-altering decision you’re making and we’re proud of you for biting the bullet and making your dreams come true. 

 

Welcome to the CAP Sisterhood, girl!