Hello all. Recently I have had a complete change in direction in my life and I have decided to do something I have always wanted to do...Live and work in Europe. I am a 24 year old female and have only visited Europe (Amsterdam and Paris) once. After a few web searches, I have come up with a few options to work abroad as an AU-PAIR. I have a little experience in childcare and a short term (6 months or less) situation is ideal for me. AU-PAIR seems like the way to go. My problem is, I have found a few independent websites that offer opportunities like this but require the traveler to obtain their own visas, insurance, flights, etc. I have also looked into Interxchange, which requires an expensive ($500+ USD) program fee but takes care of the visas, and insurance. Interxchange seems to take the stress out of planning this experience, and seems to tie up all ends required, however it seems to leave little control of the situations offered for the traveler. Whereas the other independent companies seem to allow the traveler more say in choosing their situation, but require so much more legwork. Being a newbie at this, I dont know which is better suited for me. I am hoping that maybe someone else has tried these types of programs and can maybe steer me in the best direction. I really have no idea what I'm doing..... only that I want to have this experience before I am forced to go back to the "real world" :) Thank you very much for any advice!
Posted by
Scotland
505 posts
Greetings
Working in Europe is not easy for non-EU citizens - both because EU citizens get priority for jobs and because most non-skilled jobs in Western Europe are taken by citizens of new EU countries coming westward where salaries are higher.
I don't think there's going to be a cheap option to come to Europe - visas cost upwards of £250 in the UK and I'm sure prices are similar in the rest of the EU. I think you would be best going with a company that does the paperwork for you - trust me, it can be a long and frustrating process because regulations change frequently and immigrations officials often don't keep up with the changes.
I would do a thorough check of any company you use to make sure they are legit and aren't going to put you in a bad situation. With so many Eastern Europeans (especially Poles) heading to Western Europe, I suspect Au Pair positions for non-EU citizens are limited. For instance, the news points system coming into effect in the UK... (continued next)
Posted by
Scotland
505 posts
more or less bars long term entrance to non-skilled workers from outside the EU with few exceptions.
I would be suspicious of independent companies that require you to do the legwork because there are so few 'non-skilled' jobs available for non-EU citizens these days. For a non-EU citizen, you basically need to be married to a citizen, go to an EU country university or have in demand skills (s PhD, IT expert etc.) to get a residence permit. Also, 6 months seems short for an au-pair position...
Also, do careful research about the fees not included - you will have to get your own health insurance, and likely have to show the immigrations official that you have money or will be getting food/housing, as the au-pair position may be room & board in exchange for work, rather than paid in order to be legal. Also, you have to have the permits/visas before leaving the US, so make sure to leave plenty of time.
Good luck!
Kate
Posted by
Frankfurt am Main, Germany
2779 posts
If Germany is an option for you (working in Germany is rather uncomplicated for US citizens due to former occupational power status) contact your local Goethe-Institut (Goethe institution). You may want to google that word...
Posted by
OP
Baltimore, Maryland, USA
2 posts
Thanks Kate! I have a feeling that going with the company that takes care of all the legwork may be the way to go. Maybe not the most cost-effective, but for my first time out in this type of situation, it may be the safest, and less-stressful bet. Thanks again for the input!
Posted by
Olympia, WA, USA
251 posts
Kate is right it is very difficult for non-EU citizens to find work abroad, but there are ways. If you are new to the process I would definately go with a company that will help you as much as possible. Be prepared that au-pair often means you live with the family, and are required to do things with them, and attend language school. There is often a lot of work and very little time off, and they pay is not that great - pin money at best.
However, though I know that there are exceptions to the rule, almost everyone I have met in France doing this was having a positive experience. At best it gives you a taste of the country and who knows maybe you will end up going to grad school there or finding a husband;)
Another legal,but harder, option is crewing on yachts. Web research the term "yacht crew". If interested PM, Also check around Baltimore for an agency.
Posted by
Gettysburg, PA
1589 posts
There is another section of this board (entitled "Living/working in Europe" )devoted to this issue, but the days of no money/spur of the moment/no plan/ babysit/6 month vacation/travel/ teach English, etc are over in Europe. With the proper planning and education it still can be done. Good luck
Posted by
seattle, wa
91 posts
Hello Erikka!
I just wanted to offer some words of encouragement as I, too, am moving to Europe within the next few months...most likely as an Au Pair.
As long as you can scrape up the information that most places require (health exam, letters of recommendation, dear family letter, background check etc.) it is relatively easy to find work as a nanny abroad. Most agencies do not require much experience as long as you are capable and friendly. They only catch is that to stay for longer than 3 months you will also need to enroll in language classes so that you can get a “student” visa.
Try going to www.goabroad.com and search by city. You will find some results that way and families looking for an Au Pair post their openings there as well.
Good luck!
Posted by
Paris, France
506 posts
Erikka -
I have several friends you have come to France as au pairs and the experience has been mixed. The key to such success has been a great deal of understand about the fact that in France an au pair is hired help and the attitude in regards to the social hierarchy is common. Thus it can be difficult for Americans to assimilate to what can be interpreted as "rude" behavior.
Another potential option is to come and teach English. The US State Department has a program that may be helpful .
http://exchanges.state.gov/education/engteaching/
For Au Pair work try www.expactica.com - there is a sight for France and the Netherlands.
For Paris - try http://www.fusac.fr/en/
This is a local publication that can give you an idea about work.
Bon chance.
Posted by
Niceville, FL, USA
154 posts
I know you are looking for a au pair job but when I was in Paris this past summer I saw a couple of American student working for Big Fat Tire bike tours. I took the tour (so I know they are American) maybe expand your horizons and look at other options. Also you can check out gradutate student studies abroad as well... and delay your enter into the real world =)