The ‘international au pair’ is a common and widely accepted position throughout Europe, and offers an unforgettable cultural immersion experience for anyone who loves working with children, is ready to intimately discover and explore a foreign culture, and has a strong sense of independence, responsibility, and curiosity!  Enroll in Cultural Embrace’s International Childcare Program to be a part of this experience, and we will match you with a family according to your preferences, work with you to find the best visa opportunity to match your requested length of stay, and keep track of all the details to make sure your trip is successful and rewarding!   

In a foreign country, each family will do everything they can to make you feel as part of their family, and so will our partners! Language lessons are available for you to work on your language acquisition, and are required for those with elementary or intermediate language levels.  Families often pay a stipend toward your language schooling as well.  In addition to the language courses, you will have opportunities to network with other au pairs!  Our partners also offer monthly au pair meetings to give you a chance to meet and greet other au pairs in your area.   

As an Au Pair, you will be responsible for the daily care of your host family’s children, including assisting the children dressing, eating, cleaning up and transportation to and from school and extra-curricular activities.  Placements are available from 2 months to 1 year, depending on destination, nationality, and family availability.  Most placements require a 6 month minimum- short term placements (2-3) months are considered on a case by case basis.  Contact your Programs Coordinator to discuss visa options and availability!

Past participants have indicated that their experience with their host family and children were like "my own family in Europe." Most have stayed friends with their families and have returned to visit through the years. What a wonderful way to embrace the local culture, practice a foreign language, provide a service, and be a part of a loving community.
 

Discover the Similarities - Share the Differences!

NEW! Receive a Scholarship Towards Your Travel Program

Apply now for Cultural Embrace's Adviser Abroad Internship. Advisers Abroad intern for Cultural Embrace and receive a travel scholarship while building their professional experience as  travel writers, photographers, advisers, and representatives abroad. This year, our Advisers will be traveling abroad to Teach in Chile, Teach in China, Volunteer in Guatemala, Volunteer in Brazil, Work in New Zealand, Work in Spain, Au-Pair in Europe, Volunteer Nicuragua, Career-Training Intern in France, Intern in Argentina, and Intern in Ecuador. March 1st, is deadline to apply for many of the Adviser Abroad positions.

Childcare Work in Western Europe Offers:

• An opportunity to broaden your perspective and worldview
• An economical way to live and travel abroad
• An opportunity to participate in and learn local cultural activities and lifestyles (e.g.: sports, music,
• Memorable travel experiences with the chance to see exotic sites you have always dreamed about 
• The ability to make lifelong friends from around the globe
• A valuable work experience that strengthens your resume, exhibiting your diligence, independence, and intercultural experiences 
• A great way to develop and support your self-confidence and interpersonal skills
• A chance to learn or build on your French, Italian, or Spanish language skills

 Cultural Embrace Offers:

• Guaranteed Family Placement Prior to Departure
  Cultural Embrace guarantees a pre-arranged paid position in the with a pre-screened host family.
• Compensation
  Weekly stipend and room and board included.  Stipend varies from country to country. The average net income is 300-350 Euros/month (approximately US$450-500/month).  You will have two days of the week off and often times you will have much of the day to yourself while the children are in school.
• Room & Board
  Your placement includes a private room, and typically a shared bathroom with your sponsored family.  All meals are included with your local family.  
• Visa Assistance
  Cultural Embrace will assist you with attaining your visa.  Most placements have a minimum of 6 months. Your Program Coordinator will help you find an appropriate visa, however we cannot guarantee visa approval. The fee to receive your visa is NOT included in your program fee. 
• Arrival Assistance
  Cultural Embrace will see to it that you are met at the closest airport, train or bus station by your host family and taken to your new home.
• Insurance Assistance
  Cultural Embrace offers various discounted traveler's insurance plans and will assist you in setting up insurance for your time abroad.
• Cultural Embrace Kit
  Useful tips, advice, and information to prepare you for the amazing adventure of living and working abroad.
• Language Lessons and Networking Opportunities
  Cultural Embrace will set up language lessons (if needed) that match your skill level. Our local partners have frequent meeting for au pairs in each area to maximize your networking opportunities.
• Full-time Representation
  Cultural Embrace provides representation in the United States and your local host country prior to, during, and after your placement. 

• Age Requirements: varies according to destination, generally 18-30 years of age
• Childcare experience; references from previous childcare work required
  
• Open to foreign cultures and living abroad
• High school diploma and high level of responsibility
• Dedication to the full term of commitment 
• Knowledge of destination’s mother tongue, or willingness to learn
• Visa Requirements:
  For US passport-holding citizens:
  Visa options vary per country.  Many countries have au pair visas or residence permits for au pair participants.  Visa regulations require US citizens to enter on a tourist visa and complete their residence permit registration while in-country. Cultural Embrace will help you prepare your documents for the visa, but cannot guarantee visa approval.
  US citizens may opt to travel on a student visa for periods up to 6 months.  This visa option requires the participant to meet the student visa requirements of the destination country, which are generally 20 hours of language lessons per week.  You must enroll in language classes in your host country to qualify for the student visa. These classes cost roughly 170 Euro a month for 10 hour of study a week. Classes have to be taken for the entire duration of your stay to qualify for a student visa. 
  
  For non-U.S. passport holding citizens: (up to 6 months)
  If you are an EU citizen, a student visa is not necessary. All other nationalities: if you are able to secure a student visa or appropriate residence permit on your own, we will be able to find you a placement.
  
  NOTE: If you will be participating in the Italy or Spain summer program you will enter under a tourist visa and will not have to take language classes or apply for a student visa.
   

3-12 months: Western Europe

US$1250

*Can$, Aus$, Br£, Euros€ can be accepted with an additional service charge for currency conversion
**Please note-prices are subject to change according to world currency exchange rate

**** Please note that program fee does not include any applicable visa fees

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1. Obtain the Work Abroad Application Forms & Procedures documents in one of three ways: