Now that you have finally decided that you want to become an Au Pair and go on an experience abroad, I’m sure you have many more questions in your head: How do I find a Host Family I can trust? Do I have to go through an Au Pair agency? How many Au Pair agencies are there? Can I choose between different families or will I have to accept the first one that comes along? 

If you are a Host Family, I am sure you are asking yourself the same questions and want to know which Au Pair agency is the best one to contact.

Although the questions are the same, different Au Pairs and families have different needs. That’s why we’ve decided to collect various options here that meet different needs.

Looking on your own

If you prefer to be in control and actively participate in the search process, you can use one of the countless online search sites for Au Pairs and Host Families. 

Using online platforms such as AuPair.com you can create your profile for free, enter your personal details and the requirements that your candidate must meet. You can search through filters and visit the profiles of candidates who meet your requirements. Also free of charge, you can put your favourite matches on a list and let them know that you have visited their profile and are interested in starting a communication.

To be able to exchange private messages, however, at least one of the two parties has to purchase a Premium subscription. This means that if you have a free basic account, you will only be able to exchange personalised messages if your match is Premium. 

Usually it’s families who purchase Premium subscriptions, but Au Pairs can upgrade to Premium as well if they wish. There are various packages of 1, 3 or 6 months and the costs start from 39.90 euros, up to about 80 euros for the 6-month subscription.

It is important that there is a secure first contact through the platform and only afterwards you exchange your personal contacts such as phone number or personal email. Once it is clear that there is an interest and that the match could work, it is good to agree to make private video calls through platforms such as Skype or Zoom. Video calling is a way to get to know the other better and sign a detailed contract after discussing it together.

Pros:

• Direct participation in the selection process and complete freedom to choose between candidates
• Considerably reduced costs (or completely free solution) compared to Au Pair agencies
• Premium subscription expires automatically at the end of the selected period
• Useful information regarding visa, insurance and more details about the stay are available for free

Cons:

• Searching completely independently can take anywhere from weeks to months
• It is possible to come across unreliable profiles
• No 24-hour toll-free number to contact in case of problems during the stay

Full-service agency

If you don’t have the time or inclination to get behind the search, but would like to delegate the task of looking for a candidate who meets your requirements, then you should contact a full-service agency. In some countries like the United States, contacting a full-service agency is even mandatory.

Many Au Pair agencies also offer support with the documents needed to apply for a visa, language courses, medical insurance, and living arrangements.
In addition, full-service agencies provide Au Pairs and Host Families with a 24-hour emergency number, every day of the week. In case of problems during the stay, both the families and the Au Pairs can get in touch with the agency, which will find a new match or offer support to the Au Pair in case he/she wants to return to his/her home country.
Each agency offers specific services and costs can vary greatly from agency to agency. On AuPair.com you can find a list of agencies by country. They are all verified and some are certified by the website itself. Among them, one of the recommended ones is MultiKultur eK: One of the leading full-service agencies in Germany that, for more than 20 years, has been supporting both German families who want to host international Au Pairs and Au Pairs from all over the world who want to embark on this adventure in Germany.

Pros:

• Less time spent conducting the search for the ideal candidate
• Direct assistance from the agency regarding bureaucratic issues
• Agency toll-free number available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Cons:

• Has service charges
• You don’t have 100% freedom in choosing a candidate

Special Case: The United States

The United States is an exceptional case: the regulation of the Au Pair program in the country requires a recognized full-service agency to act as an intermediary. It is not possible to enter the USA as an Au Pair without contacting an agency.

There are currently more than 10 officially recognized Au Pair agencies located throughout the United States. Among them, one of the most recommended is Agent Au Pair, based in New Haven. One of Agent Au Pair’s specialties is to adapt to the specific requirements of each candidate, whether they are a family or an Au Pair. Each Au Pair stay is different and must be planned according to the needs and particularities of the participants.

Certified agencies in the U.S. offer comprehensive support for applying for and obtaining a J1 visa, as well as providing support for every aspect of organising the program and answering any questions applicants may have.
Like other international agencies, those in the United States are in the business of finding the ideal match. However, if you want to take control of the search and choose your candidate yourself, you can do so in the US! In fact, you can start your search on your own through platforms like AuPair.com and contact the full-service agency only later. Once you have found the ideal candidate and you have made contact, you will have to refer his/her details to Agent Au Pair. It will be up to the agency to verify that the candidate meets the requirements and can indeed participate in the Au Pair program in the United States.

Pros:

• Is recognized at the state level
• Offers 24/7 support
• Adapts to the needs of Au Pairs and Host Families

Cons:

• It is mandatory in the case of the US
• Has service fees