The Concept of an Au Pair

The au pair program in Canada is a cultural exchange initiative allowing a person, typically a young adult from a foreign country, to live with a host family in a different country. In exchange for lodging, meals, and a stipend, the au pair offers childcare services and light household chores. This arrangement usually lasts for a pre-defined period, typically one year, although it can be extended or shortened based on mutual agreement.

The primary goal of the au pair program is cultural exchange. It offers an opportunity for the au pair to learn about a new culture, language, and lifestyle while sharing their own culture with the host family. For the host family, particularly the children, this arrangement presents an invaluable opportunity to learn about a different culture, often inspiring a lifelong interest in global affairs.

International Experience Canada (IEC)

For many, the International Experience Canada program is the closest to the au pair experience. The IEC allows young people (usually aged 18-35, but age limits can vary by country) from over 30 participating countries to work in Canada for up to two years. The work permit issued under this program is not job-specific, which means participants can work for any employer in Canada. As such, many foreign nationals use this as an opportunity to work as a nanny or childcare provider while experiencing Canadian culture, hence aligning it closely with the au pair experience.

While Canada doesn't have an official au pair program, the alternatives such as the International Experience Canada program offer comparable opportunities for young people to work and live in a foreign country. It allows them to gain invaluable international experience, improve language skills, and enjoy a cultural exchange that broadens their perspectives. However, individuals interested in such opportunities must ensure they understand the rights, responsibilities, and legal implications involved in these programs before making a decision.

As an au pair equivalent (such as an IEC participant working in child care), the individual's primary responsibilities usually include taking care of children and performing light household chores. Tasks might include preparing meals for children, dropping off and picking up children from school or activities, assisting with homework, playing and organizing games, and helping with bedtime routines. Light household duties might consist of cleaning up after meals, doing the children's laundry, or tidying up children's rooms and play areas.

It's important to note that an au pair is not a nanny or a housekeeper. The role is about mutual cultural exchange, and the au pair is to be treated as a member of the family rather than an employee. This means that they should be included in family meals, outings, celebrations, and other activities.

Being an au pair, or an equivalent, in Canada has numerous benefits. It offers young individuals the opportunity to live abroad and immerse themselves in Canadian culture. They get to experience Canada's diverse and multicultural society, picturesque landscapes, and rich history firsthand. They can also improve their English or French language skills, depending on where in Canada they are living.

• You get to experience the real Canada!
  If you really want to get to know a country, you need to be where the tourists aren't, and there’s no better way to do this than becoming part of a Canadian family. You’ll experience everyday life as a Canadian joining in with their daily activities, weekend day trips and if you’re lucky sometimes even holidays!You’ll soon become accustomed to their laid back lifestyle, with consistently good weather and barbeques galore – you’ll be running about in your ‘thongs’ like a local in no time (don’t panic that’s just what they call flip flops!)

• You are guaranteed work for 6 months!
  Whilst the Working Holiday Visa allows you to work in Canada for up to 1 year, you can work with a single employer for a total of 6 months and for a second employer for another 6 months. If you loved being an Au Pair there may be an opportunity for you to work with a new family after your inital placement finishes.
• You get help and support throughout your entire stay!
  As soon as you book onto the Au Pair in Canada program you will receive our first class help and support. Before you even depart for Canada we are on hand to; guide you through your application, assist you with your Canadian Working Holiday Visa, provide you with competitive flight quotes to Canada and most importantly find you your perfect Au Pair placement.Once you’re in Canada we’ll be there to; fully prepare you for your placement with a two day orientation, help you set up a bank account, ensure your travel to your host family is taken care of, provide you with a dedicated Au Pair Counsellor, put you in contact with other Au Pairs in your area and provide you with 24-hour emergency support and assistance throughout your entire placement!
• You will earn up to $270 CAD per week, with all food and accommodation included!
  That's about £700 or $1,000 USD per month! You will also receive an end of placement bonus of $500 CAD for completing your 6 month contract, so you can save up all your hard earned cash and then spend the rest of your time in Canada travelling and seeing the sites!
• You get to choose where you want to work!
  The Au Pair in Canada program will do everything they can to find you your perfect nanny placement. You are encouraged to detail your preferences, so you get to choose the type of family you want to work with and the location you want to live in. We work with families all across Canada including Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec.The majority of our families live in the suburbs of popular cities such as Toronto, Vancouver, Quebec, Montreal, but we also have families in the outback if you are looking to experience something totally different in a more remote location.
• You get to travel in your time off and after your placement!
  Canada is a back packers paradise! With some of the best lakes in the world, as well some of the coolest cities like Tornoto, Vancouver, Hamilton to name a few – there’s so much to see and do! After your Au Pair placement finishes you will still have 6-12 months left on your Working Holiday Visa so you can continue work, or just take the time to relax and travel around the country.

YOUR HOST AU PAIR FAMILY...

Most of our familes employ an Au Pair to help with their busy lifestyles and take care of their children while they work. However, sometimes a parent may be present throughout the day and simply need an extra set of hands to help look after their kids. Our families love hiring international Au Pairs as it gives their children an insight into a different culture as well as allowing you a chance to experience theirs.

All of the families that we work with have been checked and interviewed by our team in Canada – so we know that you are going to have the best possible experience. The family is required to provide you with your own room, all meals, a weekly salary and a bonus upon completion of your placement.

Our host families are looking for responsible, reliable and honest people who have childcare experience and enjoy spending time with children. They like Au Pairs who have hobbies and interests, so make sure you talk about these in your application. We will match you with a family whose needs match your experience and whose lifestyle you will feel comfortable with. Remember you get to choose the family that you are going to live with!

To start your search for the perfect au pair today please follow the following steps:

Step One:

Register Online

Fill in the application form HERE and we will reply within 24 hours and will assist in collecting all relevant information necessary to complete your profile.

Step Two:

Complete Your Profile

We will assist you to create your profile so that we can find an Au Pair that will be perfect for your family. Tell us about your family and your needs and we’ll do the rest!

Step Three:

Interview

Our agency will exchange information with family and au pair for interview. Interview guidelines will be provided. It is up to the family to determine at this stage if a candidate is suitable.

Step Four:

Placement

We will send an Agreement Form and invoice for payment.

Step Five:

Pre Arrival Information

Flight details are confirmed with family and au pair. Pre departure information is provided to the family and au pair to ensure everything runs smoothly for the au pairs arrivals.

Step Six:

Ongoing Support

Orientation for au pairs and family follow ups. Continued information and support for families should questions or concerns arise. We look after you every step of the way to maximize the experience for all parties.

Once you have decided that you want to apply, head over to the Apply Now page and follow instructions. To give you a quick summary - you need to follow the instructions, where you will "Book and Apply" onto the Au Pair in Canada package by submitting some basic details and paying £145 deposit (don't worry, this will be refunded in full if you are not accepted onto the program)!

The application:
Once you have paid your deposit, you will be emailed an application form which you need to complete and submit as instructed. This application form and other resources will also be presented to our host families, so make sure you complete it in full.

The application forms include questions about your childcare experience, work history, education, interests, hobbies and other personal information. Once your application has been received and approved, our office will get in touch to arrange a suitable time and date for your face-to-face interview.

We would advise you to apply about 4 to 6 months before you wish to depart, just so we have plenty of time to find you your perfect Au Pair placement. However, we are also able to find last minute placements and our turnaround time can be as quick as 4-6 weeks should you need it. Your exact departure date will depend on your host family’s requirements and will be determined once a placement has been accepted.

Please note: you are not required to make any additional payments to Au Pair in Canada until a placement has been confirmed. So you've got nothing to lose - what are you waiting? APPLY TODAY!

THERE'S A FEW IMPORTANT REQUIREMENTS YOU NEED TO MEET IN ORDER TO TAKE PART IN OUR PROGRAM...

To work as an Au Pair in Canada you need to complete an application, which will be sent to you once you have booked and paid a deposit. When completing your application you can select to apply for the following programmes, depending on your childcare experience and qualifications:

1) AU PAIR IN CANADA

If you have a minimum of 150 hours childcare experience with children aged 3 and over, you can apply for the Au Pair in CANADA program. You can expect a salary of up to $230 AUD per week for this role.

2) AU PAIR IN CANADA PLUS

If you have a minimum of 200 hours childcare experience including 100 hours experience with children aged 3 and under, you can apply for the Au Pair in Canada Plus programme. You can expect a salary of up to $230 AUD per week for this role.

3) AU PAIR PROFESSIONAL

You can apply for the Au Pair Professional programme if you have one of the following...
- 2 years full time childcare experience
- A childcare degree
- A childcare related certification
- Have completed 12 months as an Au Pair in America
You can expect a salary of up to $270 AUD per week for this role.

Your suitability for these roles will be discussed at your interview, which will be arranged by our head office once you have submitted your application