” What is the difference between an au pair and a nanny? “

This is a question we get all the time, both from host families and au pairs! You may think that they are the same, but the truth is that they are quite different. Although both an au pair and a nanny are responsible for the care of children, you should know that there are fundamental differences between the two. In particular, being an au pair in Canada means being part of a comprehensive program that allows you to travel, meet new people, and grow both personally and professionally .

Let us analyze the differences between an au pair and a nanny …

1. By definition , au pairs are young women and men between the ages of 18 and 26 from abroad, who travel to Canada on a cultural exchange visa to live with a Canadian host family and care for their children. . Nannies, on the other hand, can be foreign or Canadian people hired to care for a child at home.

2. Nannies can work part-time, full-time, or even overtime if the family’s schedule requires it. For au pairs, working hours and conditions are regulated by International Au pair program. These guidelines are part of the federally regulated au pair program, so there are rules to follow. For example, an au pair can work up to (but not more than) 40-45 hours per week, 10 hours each day. These regulations protect the rights of au pairs across the country and guarantee them a happy and successful year while living with their Canadian host families. This also translates into ample time for au pairs to immerse themselves in Canadian culture by living like locals and enjoying their communities in his free time, as well as traveling and getting to know new corners of the country.

ways an au pair differs from a babysitter

3. A babysitter’s pay varies greatly, depending on whether she works full or part time and where in Canada she cares for children. However, au pairs have a lump sum of income each week, no matter what. That is one of the advantages of becoming an au pair: knowing exactly how much you are going to earn! Au pairs receive a minimum weekly stipend according to the minimum wage. It is important to note that host families and au pairs can agree to a stipend amount above the legally stipulated minimum, as long as it is not in exchange for the au pair exceeding the statutory limits on working hours (mentioned above) or perform tasks beyond those related to childcare.

4. Some babysitters have taken professional training or certification courses to make the field of child care their official career. Others become babysitters simply as a way to earn short-term money while they decide to go to college or pursue another career. In comparison, although some au pairs have professional training, not all au pairs need to have it to join the program! Many au pairs in Canada have hundreds (even thousands!) Of hours of experience as babysitters , tutors, kindergarten assistants, camp counselors, sports instructors, and more in their home countries. More About au pair experience requirements.

Members of the extended family

5. Perhaps the biggest difference is that babysitters are seen as employed by the family they work for; au pairs are considered members of the extended family. They are not treated as contract employees, but with mutual respect and trust that help them feel at home in Canada and with their Canadian host family . After all, the term au pair means “at par” in French and is intended to reflect the mutually beneficial and fair relationship that an au pair has with their host family.

Between an au pair and a nanny, it is clear that au pairs are a unique type of caregiver . Not only do they live in Canada under federal protection as part of their cultural exchange visa, but they are loved and welcomed in their Canadian host families because they bring a fresh new dynamic to the home and a fun perspective on new languages, traditions, and cultures. for your host children. In return, au pairs have the unique opportunity to travel, learn, and grow in Canada while gaining international work experience that can help them enhance their career potential and fuel the next chapters of their lives.