Are you young and fit? Do you like working with children? If you would like to become an Au pair, then why not come to Switzerland... a truly beautiful country that also offers the opportunity to learn three different languages (German, French and Italian). Our agency will advise and look after you during the length of your stay. If you want to improve your English, we are also able to offer you placements in England, USA, Ireland. We also place aupairs in Germany, in the Netherlands, China, Belgium, France.

What you should know as an Au pair applicant

What costs will you have to pay?

• How long can you work as an Au pair?
• Who is eligible to be an Au pair?
• Your duties
• Your rights
• Expectations of the host family
• What to do if problems with the host family arise?
• Your host family’s right to privacy
• What to do in case of illness?

Placement procedure

Please fill out the online application form. Once we receive your application, we will contact you personally in order to better get to know you and your expectations from Au pair employment, as well as to evaluate your language skills. We will also take you through the terms and conditions of Au pair employment. We will then find the right host family for you. Once the host family has agreed to engage you, we will prepare the employment contract.

The costs you are responsible for are as follows:

• A registration fee of CHF 40.
• The costs for obtaining your Visa and for your travel to and from your host country of choice.
• You will not be charged any placement fees.

Important: Au pair applicants from non-EU countries (for instance, USA, Canada and Australia) need an Au pair Visa, which is obtainable from the Swiss Embassy in your home country. The application process for such a Visa normally takes between three and six months.

How long can you work as an Au pair?

For a minimum of 6 months and a maximum of 12 months.

• Who can become an Au pair?

Anyone who likes working with children, is healthy and aged between 17 and 30 years old (EU applicants) can become an Au pair.

Non-EU applicants must be aged between 18 and 25 years old. You need to have some experience looking after children and a basic knowledge of the language spoken in the host country.

Non-EU applicants need a Visa and work permit in order to work in Switzerland.

Your duties

Your main duties include:

• Taking the children to school and likewise picking them up
• Playing with the children
• Preparing meals for the children
• Grocery shopping
• Setting the table
• Washing the dishes
• Helping the children dress
• Doing the laundry
• Taking the children to bed and reading them bedtime stories

Your rights

You have the right to:

• your own bedroom
• free meals
• a monthly salary
• health and accident insurance
• attend a language course (both the language course and travel expenses to said course are paid for by the host family)
• freely practice your religion
• personal space and time off each week

The host family’s expectations of you

You should:

• be reliable
• be flexible
• be ready to make compromises
• be independent
• have a sense of responsibility
• respect the private life of the host family

• What to do if problems arise with the host family?

If problems arise, contact us first.

In the case of serious problems, the contract can be terminated immediately. In the event of conflict or minor differences, we recommend that you try to find a solution that is acceptable to you both for the duration of the otherwise obligatory one month notice period. A notice of resignation must be made in writing and, in accordance with Art. 336 OR (Swiss Federal Legislation) is not to be misused. We will endeavour to place you with a new host family if such a situation arises. Use of the telephone and respecting your host family’s right to privacy. It is recommended that you discuss with your host family how often you can use the telephone, but it should be acceptable for you to occasionally speak to your family. You need to respect your host family’s right to privacy, together with their belongings.

• What to do in case of illness?

Your host family is obliged to organise health and accident insurance for you. If you fall ill, you are covered for doctor’s visits and the prescription of medication.

If you have more questions, do not hesitate to contact us by phone or e-mail.