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What Are the Requirements for an Au Pair Room?
The
Au Pair program requires the Host Family to provide the Au Pair with a private room throughout the whole Au Pair experience abroad.
The Au Pair room should:
-
be at least 8 sq. m.
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have a window with natural daylight
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have a proper heating system
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be sufficiently furnished
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be private - for the Au Pair's exclusive use
Most importantly, the Au Pair room must be part of the same house or apartment the family lives in.
Keep reading to find more information about the Au Pair room requirements.
As a Host Family you have many
requirements and
responsibilities during your participation in the program. Besides meals,
Au Pair wage and insurance you will have to host the Au Pair at your place and provide them with proper accommodation.
Basic Requirements for the Au Pair Room
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Private Room
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Minimum 8 square meters
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Natural daylight
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Heating / AC
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Lockable – existence of a door lock for privacy
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Sufficiently furnished (bed, wardrobe, table, chair, shelf, maybe radio/TV…)
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Access to a bathroom
As the
Au Pair program is mainly a cultural exchange, it is important that the Au Pair’s room is within the family home. In exceptional cases, it may be possible to accommodate the Au Pair outside the family home. During the course of the program, the Au Pair is responsible to keep their own room clean.
To avoid possible misunderstandings and
problems that might occur, write down important details in your
Au Pair contract. In this case, a description of the future accommodation will set right expectations for both sides.
What the Host Family Cannot Do
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deduct any money from the Au Pair wage for providing accommodation
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put the Au Pair in a shared room with e. g. the kids - the Au Pair needs a personal space to be able to retreat
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provide temporary sleeping arrangements (sofa, couch, guest mattress)
As a Host Family you need to provide your Au Pair with a private, cosy room, full board and a sum of pocket money. What else?
Learn more
Preparing the Room before Arrival
Before the
Au Pair's arrival, make sure their room is ready, and that any necessary repairs have been carried out. Check that the room is clean, has bed sheets, and all necessary furniture. The room should be ready to move in. If you would like to break the ice with your future Au Pair and prepare something special, consider some small gifts. Your kids could draw or craft something. You could put some flowers in a vase to make the space feel more lively and welcoming.
The Au Pair’s room is their personal space and that’s why it is important to make them feel comfortable in your home. This way you can make sure that the Au Pair has everything required to focus on their work and
responsibilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does an Au Pair need a private room?
Yes. Every Au Pair must have their own private room for the duration of their stay. This is a requirement of all Au Pair programmes worldwide. Having their own space helps Au Pairs rest and feel comfortable during their cultural exchange experience.
2. Can an Au Pair share a room with a child or another person?
No. It is never allowed that Au Pairs need to share a bedroom with children, family members or other Au Pairs. Sharing a room does not provide enough privacy or comfort.
3. Do Host Families have to pay for the Au Pair’s accommodation?
Yes. It is the Host Families responsibility to provide accommodation and meals free of charge. Host Families cannot deduct rent, utilities, or household expenses from their Au Pair’s pocket money.
4. Does the Au Pair need access to its own bathroom?
While a private bathroom is not required, the Au Pair must have regular and fair access to one. Families should agree on routines to avoid conflicts
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