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What language skills are required to become an Au Pair?
Language requirements for Au Pairs vary by destination country and your country of origin. While EU citizens often don't need a visa or specific language proof within the EU, non-EU applicants usually need to show at least basic language proficiency—often with an official certificate. Many countries expect a basic to intermediate knowledge of the local language or English, and some embassies may test your skills during a visa interview.
Check the detailed language requirements and certificates by country in the article below.
Alternatively, if you want to find out more about learning or improving your language skills, then click here: language courses for Au Pairs »
Language skill requirements differ from country to country. While you will have an interview in English for the US visa, China as a rule doesn’t require to pass the interview in Chinese. Some embassies might ask as well for an official certificate of your language knowledge. Once you shortlist the number of countries you would like to go for an Au Pair program, contact their embassies in your country to find out the language requirements.
If you are planning to go to one of the European countries, there is a predefined model for evaluating language skills. It is called Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. It has three levels from A to C defining the learner’s competence. Let’s briefly look into each level’s criteria.
Once you shortlist the number of countries you would like to go to, contact also their embassies in your home country to find out the specific language requirements. Some embassies might ask for an official certificate of your language knowledge.
Attending a language course abroad gives you the opportunity to improve your knowledge and make new friends. It will help you to become more confident while speaking the language as well as understand the country's culture and people.
If you are planning to go to one of the European countries, there is a predefined model for evaluating language skills. It is called Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. It has three levels from A to C defining the learner’s competence. Let’s briefly look into each level’s criteria.
- A - The A level is for beginners and basic users. It goes from the very basic understanding of the language (pronunciation, vocabulary, short phrases) to the formulation of very simple sentences
- B - You understand how the language works and are able to produce simple texts and express your ideas. In most countries, a B level is required/recommended to be able to work or participate in any exchange program
- C - The C level defines a very high knowledge of the language and the ability to communicate in a very spontaneous way. Depending on the specific level, a student with a C level may be able to read and write very complex and specific texts about many topics.
Let’s briefly look into the criteria of each level.
| General level | Specific level and description |
|---|---|
|
A
Basic
|
A1
You can introduce yourself in a foreign language and catch the meaning of simple expressions
A2
You can understand more complex sentences and some expressions used in daily life. A2 is usually considered sufficient during visa applications
|
|
B
Intermediate
|
B1
You can catch the general meaning of sentences related to various basic topics and can write simple texts about personal interests
B2
You are able to freely elaborate on specific topics or understand complex texts
|
|
C
Advanced
|
C1
You can understand and use more elaborate language about specific topics and can produce clear texts on complex subjects
C2
In most cases, there is no limitation for you in the language, as it has become also your second "mother tongue”
|
List of official language certificates
Here you can find some famous official certificates which prove the knowledge of a foreign language. Find out which one will be the best for you and search for an institution issuing the certificate you need.- German: Goethe Institut, TestDaF
- English: Cambridge ESOL, Trinity, Pitman, London Test of English, LCCI IQ, TOEFL, IELTS
- Spanish: ELE, DELE
- French: DELF, DALF, Alliance Francaise
In order to take part in the Au Pair program and, in some cases, to get the visa to travel there, many countries have some language requirements that need to be met by the Au Pair. These language skill requirements differ from country to country.
Below you can find two tables that show the different language requirements for each country, according to your country of origin.
Language requirements for Au Pairs from the European Union
If you’re a EU citizen and would like to become an Au Pair in a EU country, then you won’t have to meet any language requirements, since you will not need a visa to access the country.
| Target Country | Language requirements |
|---|---|
| Australia | Good knowledge of English |
| Canada | Basic knowledge of English or French |
| China | Good knowledge of English |
| Iceland | Good knowledge of English |
| New Zealand | Good knowledge of English |
| Norway | Good knowledge of Norwegian or English |
| Switzerland | Good knowledge of language of the canton where you apply |
| Turkey | Good knowledge of English or basic knowledge of Turkish |
| USA | Good knowledge of English |
Language requirements for Au Pairs from non-EU countries
| Target Country | Language requirements |
|---|---|
| Australia | Good knowledge of English |
| Austria | Basic knowledge of German - certificate |
| Belgium | Basic knowledge of at least one of the three national languages (French, German or Dutch) |
| Canada | Basic knowledge of English or French |
| China | Good knowledge of English |
| Denmark | Good knowledge of English, German, Swedish, Norwegian or Danish |
| England/UK | Good knowledge of English |
| Finland | Basic knowledge of Finnish or Swedish |
| France | Basic knowledge of French - in some cases, certificate |
| Germany | Basic German - A1 certificate |
| Iceland | No requirements - good knowledge of English is a recommendation |
| Ireland | Good knowledge of English |
| Italy | No requirements |
| Luxembourg | Good knowledge of English or one of the three official languages of Luxembourg (Luxembourgish, German or French) |
| Netherlands | No requirements |
| New Zealand | Good knowledge of English |
| Norway | Good knowledge of Norwegian or English |
| Spain | Basic knowledge of Spanish or knowledge of English, French or German |
| Sweden | No requirements - need to show interest in Swedish culture |
| Switzerland | Basic knowledge of the language spoken in the canton where you apply - if you are a native in any of the three official languages, you cannot apply in the region that speaks your mother tongue |
| Turkey | Good knowledge of English or basic knowledge of Turkish |
| USA | Good knowledge of English |
Once you shortlist the number of countries you would like to go to, contact also their embassies in your home country to find out the specific language requirements. Some embassies might ask for an official certificate of your language knowledge.
Other embassies will test your language proficiency directly, for example you will have an interview in English for the US visa. On the other hand, China as a rule doesn’t require to pass the interview in Chinese.
Free Registration as Candidate
Free Registration as Candidate
Attending a language course abroad
Attending a language course abroad gives you the opportunity to improve your knowledge and make new friends. It will help you to become more confident while speaking the language as well as understand the country's culture and people.
To find a suitable course, ask your Host Family to help you find a language school nearby. You will have to discuss with your Host Family your working hours to be able to organize your activities during your free time.
Courses are generally held 2-3 times a week. The Au Pair is supposed to bear the costs of the language course in the host country.
In some countries, the Host Families have to contribute to the expenses for the language course. For example, in Germany, Host Families will pay a monthly amount of 50 euro for the Au Pair German course. If you are hosting an Au Pair in Germany, don't miss our tips related to Kindergeld.
If you want to learn more about language courses, then click here!
- How long does it take to find a Host Family?
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It depends on several factors. Create your profile and make it attractive for other users. Check that you meet the Au Pair requirements set by the Au Pair program. Be active and contact 20-30 Host Families per day. While contacting the Host Families, make also sure that you fulfil the family’s expectations. Be active, open minded and try to convince families that the time spent with you will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for their kids! Generally speaking, it takes from one week up to a few months to find a Host Family.
- Can I become an Au Pair?
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The Au Pair program accepts participants who meet mainly education, family and age requirements. Please take a look at the full list of Au Pair requirements. If you meet them, register as an Au Pair today and find a Host Family that matches your criteria.
- What is the process of becoming an Au Pair?
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The Au Pair program is primarily a cultural exchange, thus Host Family and Au Pair need to belong to different nationalities. Below you can see a step-by-step guide that will help you become a part of the Au Pair experience.1. Register on AuPair.com and create your profile. As an Au Pair you can use the AuPair.com platform for free: send messages, browse profiles and get many other benefits after the registration. To stand out among the participants, you need to create an interesting profile.2. Search for a prospective Host Family. Once you are signed in as an Au Pair, you can start searching for Host Families in different countries. The platform gives you the opportunity to browse families that match your preferences and destinations. In addition to AuPair.com's suggestions, you can add other families to your Favorites. This way you will have a selected list of users you are interested in. Each added family will receive a notification.3. Meet up during the video-interview. After shortlisting the most suitable families, it is really important to talk to them to get to know each other better. During the interview both parties will share their expectations and talk about the important details of the cooperation. You will be able to see which family suits you best. In addition to this, a live video-call will protect you from possible scam attempts. Since scammers are afraid to reveal their identity, they usually refuse to join video-calls.4. Sign the Au Pair contract and close other formalities. The Au Pair contract is a formal document stating all important details discussed between you and your future Host Family. It can help you avoid many possible misunderstandings and problems during the stay. Download the template of the Au Pair contract and edit it together with your Host Family according to your needs and the host country’s laws. Sign the contract and keep it with you. It is one of the visa requirements, though you might also need it for other formalities.5. Prepare for your trip. There are many important things you need to consider before going abroad: clarifying formalities with the host country’s embassy if you need a visa, gathering all the documents you need for registration in the host country, making sure your insurance coverage is sufficient, packing the suitcase, booking the tickets. If the Host Family is willing to help you with the travel costs, we recommend writing it down in the Au Pair contract and define the installments that will be added to your monthly pocket money during the year. Nevertheless, it is not a responsibility of the Host Family to cover travel expenses.6. Adapt to the new country. Once you have arrived it's time to get to know your Host Family and the place where you will be living. Normally, it will take some time for the children to adapt to a new person, so don't worry if they seem distant at the beginning.7. Enjoy your Au Pair experience. Don’t forget that the Au Pair program gives you a unique opportunity to stay abroad for some time and gain new experiences. Explore the country and local culture, meet new people and make sure you enjoy this experience to the max
- Do I need a language certificate to become an Au Pair?
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Language skill requirements differ from country to country. While you will have an interview in English for the US visa, China as a rule doesn’t require you to pass the interview in Chinese. Some embassies might ask as well for an official certificate of your language knowledge. Once you shortlist the number of countries you would like to go for an Au Pair program, contact their embassies in your country to find out the language requirements. You can also check this page before contacting the embassy.
- What is an Au Pair? The definition
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An Au Pair is a young person that wants to experience another culture and learn a new language by living in a foreign country with a Host Family. In exchange for a private room and some pocket money, the Au Pair takes care of tasks related to childcare and easy household chores. They are considered temporary "big brothers or sisters" for the Host Children and will hopefully become a new additional member to the Host Family.