GERMANY FAQs
COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE GERMAN PROGRAM

AuPairCare Germany
Au Pairs need to have a minimum of 200 hours childcare experience.

Length	Fee	Monthy Stipend
6 months:	NZ$1,960.00 + flight	€260
12 months:	NZ$1,960.00	€260

How safe is the Au Pair Program in Germany?
How long can I go for?
When can I go?
Do I need to be able to speak German?
Can I be placed anywhere in Germany?
Where will I live?
What is my Host Family like?
Will the family be safe?
Why do these families need me?
What are My Responsibilities as an Au Pair?
Do I earn any money?
What support will I have in Germany?
What if I have a problem?
What happens if I get sick or have an accident?
Can I return to New Zealand before my program finish date?
Can I travel while I am in Germany?
What qualifications do I need to apply?
Can I apply if I am under 18?
What do the program costs include?
What do the program costs not include?
What is the schedule for payments?
What is the ARK cancellation or refund policy?
How do I apply?

 

How safe is the Au Pair Program in Germany?
The Au Pair Program in Germany (AuPairCare Germany) is run by one of the leading exchange programs in Germany - AYUSA International. This is an international cultural and educational exchange organization with more than 20 years of experience. They screen and interview all host families and provide help and support throughout your time in Germany.

They set strict criteria such as the hours and conditions of work, the pay, and the selection criteria for both the host families and the young women

You are also assigned a supervisor who lives within an hour of your placement who deals with any problems and arranges monthly social activities.

How long can I go for?
6 or 12 months.

When can I go?
Every month throughout the year.

Do I need to be able to speak German?
A basic knowledge of German is preferable but not required.

Can I be placed anywhere in Germany?
AuPairCare Germany does not place you with a family. They only circulate your file to suitable families. You choose the family you are going to live and work with in either Berlin, Munich or Hamburg.

Our main objective is to help you find a compatible family. It is more important to find a compatible family than match with a family because of where they live.

Where will I live?
You will live with the family whose children you will care for. They provide full board and you will have your own room.

What is my Host Family like?
Host Families are professional working families. They are mostly from the upper socio-economic strata of Germany. Most AuPairCare Germany families are typical German families - they are hard working, busy, and want the best for their children.

Will the family be safe?
ARK International have sent over 500 Au Pairs since 1996. We have never had a safety issue with a Host Family.

All host families have their references checked and their homes visited to ensure that the home is safe, comfortable and welcoming for an Au Pair. They are interviewed personally and the host family must accept and sign a program agreement to follow all the criteria for working hours and payments.

Why do these families need me?
The families want an English speaking au pair so that their children learn English from an early age. They participate in the au pair program because they want dependable care for their children, and look forward to sharing their home and family life with an international au pair.

What are My Responsibilities as an Au Pair?

• You will need to supervise the children.
• Your main job is to mind the children proactively. If the children are older then you will have to get them ready for school and maybe take them to and from school and help with their homework. While you are "on duty" you will be expected to pick up after the children, do their laundry and prepare a light meal for them.
• As an Au Pair you are not expected to do any heavy housework.

Do I earn any money?
Yes, you receive an allowance of from €260 per month.
In addition you get free room and board just like an exchange student.

What support will I have in Germany?
You will be assigned a local representative who will be your contact and support person while you are in Germany.

What if I have a problem?
If you have a problem you can contact your local representative and they will help you resolve it. You can also contact ARK International.

If you have a problem with your Host Family, your local representative will help you resolve it.

What happens if I get sick or have an accident?
You are covered by a comprehensive insurance policy.

Can I return to New Zealand before my program finish date?
AuPairCare Germany’s families rely on you to remain with them for the entire au pair program.

If you are on a six month program the early return fee is €200.

If you are on a twelve month program
a. and return within the first 6 months then the early return fee is €200 plus your return airfare.
b. and return after 6 months but before 12 months then you pay for your own return airfare.

Can I travel while I am in Germany?
Yes, you have plenty of travel opportunities.
You can travel:

• In the weekends
• For up to two weeks during your year or one week during your six month program. During this time you will still receive your weekly allowance.

What qualifications do I need to apply?
You will need to:

• be between 18 and 26 years old ( You can apply when you are 17)
• have a full drivers licence 3 months before departure,
• have a minimum of 200 hours childcare/baby sitting experience
• Be able to provide child care references from 2 non relatives
• have passed NCEA Level 1 or equivalent
• be in good physical and mental/emotional health
• be of good character with no criminal record
• be a non smoker

Can I apply if I am under 18?
Although you cannot enter Germany until you are 18 you can start preparing to go away when you are 17 and leave the moment you turn 18.

What do the program costs include?

• Return international airfares (12 month program only) upon successful completion of your program
• Documentation for a Visa
• Comprehensive medical, accident and travel insurance
• Local transportation pass

What do the program costs not include?

• German Visa Fees. This amount is determined by the German Consul in NZ and could change. (As at July 2008 it was $60)
• Domestic travel and accommodation in Auckland for obtaining your Visa or prior to departure
• Spending money
• Return international airfares (6 month program only)

What is the schedule for payments?

Payment 1 NZ$60.00 to be paid at the interview Payment 2 NZ$450.00 to be paid within two weeks of acceptance Payment 3 NZ$750.00 sent with the final application Payment 4 NZ$750.00 when matched with a family

What is the ARK cancellation or refund policy?
All monies paid are non-refundable.

How do I apply?
Fill out your details here and we will send you an application form.