Au Pair in France French Lessons Programs English Speakers Wanted!! Resources Useful Links

Au Pair in France

Click here for testimonials!

Cliquez ici pour les programmes Au Pair dans les pays anglophones

Cliquez ici pour devenir famille d'accueil en France

Click here for the application
(pdf document - requires Adobe Reader)

Click here to request information

Introduction

The Au Pair in France program serves the needs of French families in the Languedoc region in the south of France who need childcare assistance. Au Pair candidates are matched to Host Families based on mutual objectives. Host families initiate the exchange by selecting a particular candidate. Specific arrangements are decided upon by both parties. The program's overall objective is to increase the Au Pair's appreciation for French language and culture while facilitating international understanding.

How the Au Pair in France Progam Works

The French Host Families are seeking quality live-in childcare and contact with English-speaking young people for their children. The Au Pair, typically a conscientious young woman, aged 18-25, with French language proficiency and childcare experience, wants to become completely immersed in France and its culture. The French-American Center attempts to bring together these two parties for a mutually rewarding experience. Our branch office in Montpellier screen Host Families and their applications. Based on matching criteria, Au Pair candidates are proposed to Host Families. The Host Family will contact the Au Pair candidate to discuss specific arrangements. When the Host Family makes a final selection, a standardized Au Pair contract (Accord) and a formal letter of invitation are signed, certified by the French Department of Labor and sent to the Au Pair candidate. Transportation arrangements and exact date of arrival, as well as other details, are determined by mutual agreement between the Host Family and the Au Pair candidate. The French-American Center acts as an intermediary to aid in the selection process, assists with travel arrangements through our Official Airline, then gives support and counseling during the Au Pair's stay in France at the branch office nearest the Host Family.

How to become an Au Pair in France

1. Fill out the Application Form neatly and accurately, attaching to it all the elements required. You should submit a page album of personal photos showing you (with children), your family and friends. Please note that these photos can not be returned to you. The better your Application, the easier and quicker the Center can place you with a Host Family. Incomplete or poor applications will not be accepted.

2. Attach an International Money Order or Cashiers' Check for $180 to cover your $120 membership fees in the French-American Center (non-reimbursable) and $60 Au Pair in France application fee (reimbursable, if we can not place you in a Host Family).

3. We will submit your application to interested Host Families.

The Host Families will contact you directly and offer you an Au Pair arrangement which hopefully suits both your needs and the family's.You should be receptive and positive to all proposals. We encourage you to accept the first formal invitation to become an Au Pair in France, even if it is not ideal. The Host Family may also have to modify their plans to accommodate your needs and schedule. The French American Center remains in contact with you at all times to help you to adapt to your new situation and to help you to make new friends. We also intervene if any problems arise in your host family and if no agreement can be reached following discussions and communication from both sides we find a new host family for you. (Providing no fault has been committed by the au pair.)

Here is what you need to obtain your visa to be an au pair in France. First choose your local embassy from this list and then either contact them or download the papers from thier site.

Visas for "Au-Pair" in France
(Applicants must be between 18 and 30 years of age)

Requirements:

• Passport signed and valid for a period of 6 months after the last day of stay + 1 copy
• 2 long stay visa application forms completely and legibly filled out and signed
• 2 Passport-size photographs, one glued on each form
• Au pair contract from the host family in France approved by the local Labor department in France ( DDTEFP or Direction Départementale du Travail et de l'Emploi et de la Formation Professionnelle) + 1 copy
• Letter of enrollment in a French language school + 1 copy
• Visa fee payable in cash or by credit card (same rate as student visas)

My tips for future Au Pairs

By Leah Wilmoth - American au pair in Montpellier in 2005

• Bring clothes that you can mix and match with a lot of things. Pack less than you usually would! You're going to want to buy gifts and souvenirs that you will have to bring back with you in your suitcase! So make room for them before hand.
• Bring books and music in English, sometimes you will have cravings to see and hear your own language.
• Bring ONE nice dress and shoes that are comfortable to wear and look good with a lot of outfits
• Pictures of family and friends
• Ask a lot of questions even if that means making a few mistakes while speaking! try to speak to yourself in French as much as you can before, during and after you come to France.
• Pick up the book entitled: Harper Collins Language Survival Guide: France. I always kept this handy book in my purse. It was a life saver!
• Keep a well documented journal of feelings, excursions and names of places visited everyday. and take a lot of pictures! You'll be grateful for this after you return home!

Bonne Chance!