There are so many ways to travel and learn French, however, the most common, is becoming an au pair in France (or another Francophone country). Today I’d like to provide you with an in-depth and extremely honest guide.
Please note this post is going to focus on being an au pair in France, as that is what I have firsthand experience with. Also it’s the most common Francophone country for foreign au pairs.
Working as an au pair can be extremely rewarding, for both personal development and French language skills. However, in order to have a wonderful experience you’re going to need to do a bit of planning.
Lucky for you I have personal experience as an au pair in France and have taken the time to write this in-depth guide!
Finding a Host Family As an Au Pair in France
First things first, you’re going to need to find a family in need of childcare! This can be as simple or as easy as you make it. Personally, I used Workaway to find my host family in Bordeaux, however there are plenty of ways to find a host family! Please note that most placement agencies or websites charge a fee.
In exchange for three days a week of child minding I received my own private bedroom, all meals and was basically taken on all family excursions as a big sister.
This included a trip to the beach, the largest sand dune in Europe, a few local towns, visits to Bordeaux city, museum visits, and probably a lot more I can’t remember. Oh I was also given the use of a bicycle and one of the family ponies. Not a bad deal if you ask me.
Since this is the method I personally used I figured I’d start here. This website lists a variety of hosts in both France and the rest of the world. You can narrow the search option by choosing “family” as the type of host and looking for those in need of an au pair.
This is for independent travelers as you’re responsible for creating a profile and contacting the family as well as organizing the agreement. Make sure both parties are clear on the expected work hours, time off and compensation (if any, please note most hosts don’t offer this on Workaway).
Occasionally a family will contact you if they like your profile.
Requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Pay the annual Workaway membership fee
While I personally think Workaway is a great option, it’s not for everyone and it’s not exclusive to au pair matches. If your main goal is to be an au pair or you’d prefer for someone else to vet and match you with a family I’d recommend the following agencies:
This is the best option for U.S. citizens, as it’s a large company that matches American au pairs with families in France (and other countries too). In exchange for a few set hours of childcare a week you’ll receive full room and board, a stipend, French language classes, insurance and transportation.
Requirements:
- Be a U.S. citizen
- Be between the ages of 18 and 30
- Have graduated high school
- Have some experience minding children
This is an option for U.S. citizens, EU citizens and pretty many more nationalities! They match you with a family in France in need of an au pair and cap working time to 30 hours a week. This leaves plenty of time to explore and practice French!
In exchange you’ll receive full room and board, vacation time, spending money, and the option of French language classes. Just note if you’re an EU citizen language classes are mandatory.
Requirements:
- EU citizens must be between ages 17 and 30
- Non-EU citizens must be between ages 18 and 30
- Commit to a minimum of 3 months in France
- Have graduated high school
- Have a basic command of the French language
Preparation To Be an Au Pair in France
Okay great, you’ve found an amazing host family and agreed to be their au pair for a summer/six months/year. Now what?
Get your visa!
Once you’ve been matched with a family you’ll need to apply for your visa ASAP. There are a few different types of visa options, it all depends on if you’re staying in France as an “official” au pair or more of a volunteer.
“Official” Au Pair Process
Now what do I mean by “official”, this means you likely went through an agency, have committed to staying in France for a long term period (typically 6 months or more) and signed a contract with a family.
EU Citizens
If you’re an EU citizen then you’re in luck! No visa required! All you need to do is sign the au pair contract and make sure your passport is valid. Then, once you are in-country make sure you register with the Unions de Recouvrement des cotisations de Sécurité Sociale et d’Allocations Familiales (URSSAF) and sign up for public health insurance.
Non-EU Citizens
For the rest of us non-EU passport holders we’ll need to go through a slightly longer process. It’ll start of similarly to EU citizens, with the signing of an au pair contract and checking to make sure your passport is valid.
Then things get slightly more complicated. You’ll need to apply for the “visa séjour long term VLS-TS” aka the long-stay visa equivalent to a residence permit.
The exact process varies by country of origin, so check with your local French Embassy or Consulate to be sure. More information can be found on the French government website. You’ll likely fill out an online application and then need to interview in-person at your nearest French Embassy or Consulate.
Once you obtain your visa and arrive in France you’ll need to declare your arrival with the Office Français de l’Immigration et de l’Intégration (OFII). This must be done within 3 months of your arrival, more information can be found on the Ministère de Intérieur website.
You’ll also need to register with the Unions de Recouvrement des cotisations de Sécurité Sociale et d’Allocations Familiales (URSSAF) and sign up for public health insurance.
Volunteer / Less “Official” Process
Technically you don’t need an au pair visa if you’re only going to be a volunteer au pair for a short period of time. This is what I did for my stint in Bordeaux.
This is only an option if you’re not signing an official contract (so if you went through an agency, see above) and are volunteering through a set up like Workaway. You also shouldn’t be receiving any monetary compensation, only room and board and maybe fun excursions!
EU Citizens
Basically just enter France as you would normally, no visa and no need to register with the URSSAF or obtain health insurance. Stay for a few weeks or months with a family and practice French!
Non-EU Citizens
Again, enter as you would a tourist, for fellow Americans this just means bring your passport. If you are asked at customs, do NOT mention you are going to be an au pair or “working”, you will get a lot more questions and be interrogated as to why you don’t have your long-stay visa and contract.
Start learning/practicing French!
Of course, the main point of your entire trip to France! Hopefully by the time you’ve decided to become an au pair in France you’ve been studying the language at least a bit.
If that’s the case, keep it up! Download French language books on your Kindle (or buy paper copies if you can find them in your home country). Watch French movies and series on Netflix. Start a French journal! Just keep practicing, you’ll thank me later when you land in France!
If you haven’t been studying French already, don’t worry! There are tons of resources, and many are not that expensive. I’d recommend getting the basics down before you jet off, that way you’ll be more likely to use and improve the language while abroad.
Here are some resources I recommend to get started (I’ve used all of them and none are affiliate links or sponsored, I just love the products):
- Fluent Forever’s French pronunciation guide – perfect for getting the basics of pronunciation down before you even dive into grammar!
- Duolingo – perfect place to dip your toes into grammar or if you’re short on time. I’d recommend this more of a supplemental resource rather than your main learning method.
- Flashcards – whether you use an online software or handmade paper ones, this is one of the most effective ways to learn vocab fast!
- italki.com – this is great for practicing speaking and listening, you can sign up for sessions with native speakers from across the world. I’ve had some even plan lessons to help with grammar or pronunciation points.
Any studying you do now is less stuff you’ll have to figure out in France! Which means more time practicing and having fun!
Buy your plane ticket!
This seems pretty obvious, but you’ll want to start early to get the best prices! Websites like Skyscanner and Momondo can help you find the best deals. Make sure you check with your family about their preferred airport to pick you up (or maybe you’ll have to take a train or bus and meet them at a station).
Pack!
Another seemingly obvious point, but again plan early! How long are you going for? Will you be in France for multiple seasons? What is the climate like where your host family lives? How much traveling will you be doing?
A general packing list;
- Shoes – I’d say max 3 pairs; 1 “everyday pair” that’s comfortable, 1 “active” pair (for long walking days) and 1 pair of sandals.
- Underwear – I’d say enough for 10 – 14 days, so you’re not constantly doing laundry (you can re-wear most things, but I don’t recommend doing that with undergarments).
- Socks – I’d say the same amount as underwear, for similar reasons.
- Shirts – This really depends on how long you’re traveling for, the climate and seasons. As a general rule; 2 tank tops, 4 t-shirts, 2 long sleeves, 2 sweaters.
- Coat – 1 and make sure it’s warm and waterproof!
- Pants – 3 – 4 long pairs (jeans and leggings are best), maybe a pair or 2 of shorts if you’ll be in the South.
- Day bag or backpack.
- Adapter for electronic chargers.
- Laptop/tablet/e-reader
Whew! Is that enough? Of course everyone’s list will be a bit different. Maybe you don’t want to lug a laptop with you and prefer to bring just a journal and e-reader. Or maybe you’ll be in the Alps during winter and will need more cold weather gear. Or maybe you’re hanging out in the South of France and only need a few light sweaters.
Make sure you check with your host family about specific expectations! For example, in Bordeaux the family who hosted me owned a vineyard, thus a pair of rubber boots (or wellies) was a must.
I had been traveling quite a bit before arriving, and thus didn’t have any but the family was kind enough to lend me some. They also leant me riding gear (and boots) when I would take the pony out. This was very kind of them, but had I been staying long term and flying straight from home I would’ve packed most of this!
Expectations
While it can be so easy to get overly excited before your departure I plead with you to temper expectations. Why? Well I don’t want to be a downer, but high expectations set you up for long falls.
Yes, it will be amazing. Yes, you’ll make friends and improve French. Yes, you’ll have some of the best food in the world (in my case, wine courtesy of the family vineyard). Yes, you’ll see so many new things.
But.
Yes, but. This is the “honest” piece of this guide.
Remember why you’re there. Remember it will be difficult.
You’re there to be an au pair, not a tourist, not a crazy study abroad student. So most of your time will be spent watching the children, not gallivanting around Europe or drinking wine below the Eiffel Tower. This is not a bad thing, you’ll form lasting bonds with the family and their friends, probably improve your French more than study abroad students and see the country and culture from a local perspective.
You’ll also get homesick sometimes. You’ll occasionally grow fatigued from speaking French constantly. You’ll crave food from home. You’ll miss your own family. This could be a whole post, just remember the good will always (usually) outweigh the bad.
While You’re There!
Remember the kids!
Again, you are there to be an au pair. First and foremost the kids should be your priority. The family is trusting you with their children, and taking you into their home at the same time. Don’t betray their trust! Enough said.
Practice French! No, seriously.
The second reason I’m assuming you are there is to learn/practice French. Don’t forget this, use every opportunity. Let the kids teach you new words. Speak with the family, take corrections with a good attitude.
When you go out shopping or traveling in your spare time don’t immediately switch to English. Even in touristic areas give French a go! You’ll thank yourself later when you come home fluent.
Journal. Blog. Document your experience.
This isn’t something everyone thinks of but I think everyone should give it a try. Again, your future self will thank you when she/he can read back on this wonderful period and laugh about everything. Well, hopefully laugh. Maybe cry. Maybe cringe. Probably all of the above.
Have fun!
Don’t take yourself so seriously. Don’t stress too much. In three months or six months or a year you’ll only wish you enjoyed it even more.
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