Want to get paid to live abroad? Becoming an au pair is the perfect way to experience life in another country, gain work experience, and have the adventure of a lifetime!
As an au pair, you’ll be more than just a tourist in your host country. You’ll have the opportunity to truly immerse yourself in the local culture and language and create bonds and memories to last a lifetime.
In this guide, we’ve put together a list of the best places to au pair this year. From France to China to the Land Down Under, there are exciting au pair opportunities worldwide. So, if you’re ready to begin your adventure abroad, read on to learn more about the best countries to au pair!
Do au pairs need a work visa?
Work as an au pair and you’ll get to see the world while living like a local.
Before you start your au pair journey, one of the biggest questions you might have is, do au pairs need a work visa? Most countries require a work visa for au pairs, but requirements will vary based on your nationality and the country you want to work in.
When applying for an au pair visa, you’ll need to supply a valid passport, an invitation letter from your host family or organization, a signed au pair contract, and a criminal background check. Exact requirements will vary by country and nationality, so be sure to research requirements once you decide where you’d like to au pair.
There’s even a chance you may not need a work visa at all. For example, if you’re an EU citizen, you can become an au pair anywhere in the EU without a work visa!
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8 best places to au pair
Before you pack your bags, your first task is to decide where you want to au pair. With so many amazing opportunities worldwide, it can take time to decide. To make it easier, we’ve put together a list of some of the best places in the world to au pair!
Best countries to au pair in Europe
Europe is full of fantastic au pair opportunities. With cheap local flights and abundant rail options, the travel opportunities within Europe are endless, making it one of the best places in the world to au pair. As an au pair in Europe, you can spend your free time traveling, exploring, and making new memories!
1. France
France has so much to offer. From the bustling streets of Paris to the lavender fields of Provence and the beaches of the French Riviera, there are countless opportunities for exploration.
As an au pair in France, you’ll be immersed in the French language and culture and, of course, delicious French cuisine! How does enjoying a coffee and croissant at a Parisian café sound? Or a weekend wine tasting in Bordeaux?
Working as an au pair in France, you’ll be more than just a tourist. You’ll see France through the eyes of your host family and experience the country like a local.
- Recommended program: Au Pair France – Explore Europe as an Au Pair
2. England
Looking for a gorgeous backdrop to your au pair gig? Look no further.
Becoming an au pair in England is the perfect option for anyone wanting to improve their English language skills. You’ll live with an English host family and be immersed in the English language.
Even if language learning is not your goal, England is an excellent choice for an au pair experience. Your host family will provide meals and accommodation, so you can spend your money traveling and exploring Europe. Becoming an au pair in England is an invaluable way to improve your English language, learn about English culture, and travel through Europe!
- Recommended program: Au Pair in the UK – Become Part of the Family!
3. Italy
Unsurprisingly, Italy is one of the world’s most popular travel destinations. The country is world-famous for its art, architecture, fashion, and of course its food!
As an au pair, you’ll have the opportunity to experience Italy like a local. And of course, you’ll improve your Italian language skills too.
Being able to explore Italy in your free time is the best part. Spend a weekend exploring Tuscany’s vineyards, the south’s beautiful beaches, or the historic streets of Rome. Choose Italy for your au pair experience and live la dolce vita!
- Recommended program: Au Pair Italy – Complete Italian Cultural Experience
Best countries to au pair in Asia
Becoming an au pair in Asia is the perfect way to experience a new culture, learn new language skills, and create memories to last a lifetime! Living and working in Asia will build your intercultural communication skills and look great on any resume, making it one of the best places to au pair.
1. South Korea
South Korea is an amazing blend of tradition and modernity. Home to K-pop and towering modern skyscrapers, the country is also famous for its traditional cuisine, jimjilbang (traditional bath houses), and beautiful Buddhist temples.
As an au pair in South Korea, you’ll experience everyday life with a Korean family. Practice your Korean language skills, experience local cuisine, and spend your free time traveling throughout this beautiful country. Becoming an au pair in South Korea is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a unique and adventurous place to live abroad!
- Recommended program: Gap Year Programs Around the World
2. China
The cultural exchange makes China one of the best places to au pair.
English-speaking au pairs are highly sought after in China, so you’ll have no trouble finding the perfect placement. The country is home to everything from the skyscrapers of Shanghai to the ancient Terracotta Warriors of Xi’an and the stunning rice terraces of Yunnan Province, giving you countless places to explore in your free time.
As an au pair in China, you’ll be immersed in the Chinese language and culture, an experience that will look great on any resume. Practice your Chinese language, experience local cuisine, and spend your free time traveling and getting to know the Middle Kingdom!
- Recommended program: Wanderlust Culture Home-stay English Teaching Program
Best countries to au pair elsewhere
There are endless opportunities to work as an au pair all over the world. From North America to the Land Down Under, here are a few of the best countries to au pair outside Europe and Asia.
1. Australia
Australia is home to beautiful multicultural cities and incredibly diverse landscapes, from the arid Outback to the subtropical beaches of the Sunshine Coast. If you’re a native English speaker, working as an au pair in Australia will be a breeze!
Australia is a great choice if you’re looking to improve your English language skills, too. Working as an au pair in Australia will allow you to experience total English-language immersion, offering an invaluable language-learning environment. If you’re ready for the au pair experience of a lifetime, the home of koala bears, kangaroos, and Vegemite awaits you!
- Recommended program: Melbourne Gap Year: Paid Work Opportunities in Australia
2. Canada
Canada is a safe and friendly country, making it one of the best countries to au pair. Canada is a bilingual country, so depending on where in the country you work, you’ll have great opportunities to practice your English or French.
There’s also so much for outdoor enthusiasts to do. Ski resorts abound, and destinations like Banff National Park in Alberta draw visitors from all over the world.
If cities are more your thing, diverse international cities like Montreal, Toronto, or Vancouver are exciting places to live or visit. From the wilderness to the big cities, Canada has something for everyone!
- Recommended program: Working Holiday in Canada | The Ultimate Gap Year
3. New Zealand
If you love the outdoors, you can’t beat New Zealand as an au pair destination.
With its stunning landscapes, New Zealand is a wonderland for any outdoor enthusiast. Snow-capped mountains, lush forests, bubbling geothermal pools, and glassy fjords are just a few examples of what makes New Zealand one of the most beautiful countries to work as an au pair.
New Zealand is also the perfect place to build your English language skills as you immerse yourself in everyday life with native English speakers. In your free time, explore the great outdoors, learn about traditional Māori culture, or explore a vibrant city like Auckland. Its diverse landscapes and unique culture make the Land of the Long White Cloud, as it is known in the Māori language, one of the best places in the world to au pair.
- Recommended program: Working Holiday in New Zealand – Your New Home in the South
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Make money and explore the world in a meaningful way as an au pair!
You’re in for a meaningful adventure when you work as an au pair abroad.
Now, you’re ready to start your adventure abroad as an au pair. By becoming an au pair, you can experience another culture, master a new language, and make lasting connections while living abroad. All that’s left to do is decide where you want to go, apply for your au pair visa, and get ready for the experience of a lifetime!
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