As an au pair you will take part in the everyday life of a Dutch family. This is a wonderful opportunity to experience a different culture and to see a part of the world. The Netherlands is known for its elaborate canal system and the country's elevation is below sea level. It is a very tolerant and liberal culture and most importantly, a great place to live.

With the family or on your own free time, you can visit the many beautiful parks, Dutch towns, historical sites, festivals and famous museums. You will have the perfect chance to improve your cycling skills as most people get around by bicycle. As an au pair, you will not be just a tourist or a spectator; instead you will experience The Netherlands like you never thought possible. It is a small country, but full of life and worth spending a year in!

As an au pair you will live as a member of the family. Your responsibilities will be to look after the children and help with simple household duties. In return you will receive pocket money, as well as free room and board. Au pairs work no more than 30 hours per week and have two days off. Your duties and working hours will vary depending on the ages of the children and the needs of the family.

 Here are some common duties of an au pair:

Childcare

• Help the children get dressed and fed in the morning

• Be responsible for them during the day, while the parents are at work

• Play with them and/or go for walks with them

• Transport to and from school

• Help with homework

• Cook basic meals for the children

• Bathe and put children to bed

• Teach them English or other language(s)

Household Chores

• Clean up after the children

• Load/unload the dishwasher

• Vacuum, sweep or dust

• Make the beds of the children

• Do the laundry and iron clothes

Note: You will not be responsible for heavy-duty housework such as cleaning the windows, scrubbing the toilet, mowing the lawn or taking care of the family’s pets (unless you have agreed to do so).

• Room/Board: In the family’s home you are entitled to a private bedroom with room and board free of charge.

• Pocket money: The pocket money will amount to a minimum of €300 to maximum of €340 per month.

• Language course: You have the opportunity to take Dutch classes, or other courses that you find suitable in your spare time. The host family will pay an amount of up to €320 (unless agreed upon differently in contract).

• Insurance: Basic health insurance is required for all residents of the Netherlands. Your host family will arrange this upon your arrival. Some host families may choose to arrange an au pair insurance policy in combination with the basic plan, which covers you during travel and in case of emergencies.

• Travel Expenses: Depending on the agreement between you and the host family, the travel costs will be either be split between parties, or paid in full by the host family or yourself. This usually depends on the length of your stay and will be decided by the host family.

• Visa/Residence Permit¹: Some au pairs will need an entry visa (MVV), which will be paid for before your arrival. All au pairs will need a residence permit to stay in the Netherlands. This will be arranged and paid for by the family upon your arrival in the Netherlands.