Au Pair in Spain

CULTURE & FRIENDS is an experienced and qualified au pair organisation based in Madrid for Spanish host families and international au pair candidates.

Our Au Pairs

  • What is an au pair?
  • Au pair responsibilities
  • Who are our au pairs?
  • Screening process
  • Orientation and local support

    • What is an au pair?

    Au Pair in Spain“Au Pair” means “on par” in French or “on equal terms” which represents the main objective of our program; to provide “equal” cultural exchange for young adults (au pair) and Spanish host families.

    Au pairs are young foreign students aged between 18 and 27 years old who leave their own country in order to improve their knowledge of the spanish language and culture while they live as a member of a spanish host family. In return for full board, lodgings and weekly pocket money an Au Pair is expected to help with the children: babysitting, helping the children get dressed, making breakfast, light meal preparation, keeping their rooms tidy, taking them to school and collecting them at the end of the day, teaching them your language. Additionally an Au Pair can be expected to help in the home with light household duties such as dusting, hoovering, ironing children clothes, bed-making and some simple cooking.

    “Au pair” placement form, which has existed for a long time, is particularly popular for it enables young people to get to know a country and other foreign languages throughly without too much cost and with a realistic impression of its way of life and culture. There is no better way to experience the culture of a country than by living as one of its citizens and sharing their day to day routine.

    Au pair responsibilities

    Child care is our au pair’s priority, and we make sure they are aware of this. Au pairs may be also required to teach their language to the children.

    The au pair’s responsibilities may include:

  • awaking the children and making breakfast
  • dressing the children
  • bathing and playing with the children
  • preparing meals for the children
  • making the children’s beds and straightening their rooms
  • doing the children’s laundry and ironing their clothes
  • driving children to and from school
  • helping the children with school homework
  • helping with the language
  • babysitting 2 or 3 nights per week
  • if required au pair may be home while children are absent from school due to illness or holidays
  • light household duties in common areas

    • The au pair’s responsibilities include mainly housework related to the children. They should not be required to do heavy household duties such as cleaning the entire home or doing all the laundry . They should not be expected to run an entire household when parents are absent for business or personal travel. Responsibility for the welfare of the children always remains with the parents.

    AU PAIR In Spain recommends that Au Pairs should not be left in sole charge of children under 2 years old, unless they have a childcare qualification or a lot of full-time experience looking after babies.

    Who are our au pairs?

    Nuestra aupairsAu pairs are young foreign students aged between 18 and 27 years old who travel to Spain in order to improve their knowledge of the Spanish language and culture. Most of them study the Spanish language in their country and decide to come to Spain during the summer time to practice and improve the language. Other decide to take a GAP year before starting their university studies or a year out from them.

    Most of our au pairs come from the European Union and have a basic knowledge of the Spanish language. They have earned a secondary school diploma or are university students and they have a high level of English.

    All applicants must submit a medical report to certify that they are in good health and fitness to work with children, and a criminal record as well.

    Only the most qualified au pairs are accepted after a rigorous screening process. We select those that have a real interest for the Spanish language and culture, a desire to care for children and some child care experience. This is a key factor for the success of the intercultural exchange program.

    See requirements to be an Au Pair In Spain

    Screening process

    Screening is key to make this cultural exchange experience as more effective and comfortable as possible for both participants. “Au Pair In Spain” matches carefully screened Host Families and Au Pairs through a customer-driven and streamlined matching process according to the Code of Conduct and Guidelines internationally established by the IAPA (International Au Pair Association), in order to protect the rights of the au pairs and host families. If au pair is selected by any of our partner organisations or agents, we make sure they also apply these recommendations and guidelines.

    We are not an Internet contact agency. We do not accept any au pair or family without checking the required documentation.

  • 1. All applicants must meet all the Requirements to be an au pair in Spain.
  • 2. They need to complete a very detailed application form detailing educational achievements, occupational history, experience with children and housework, hobbies, interests and other personal information.
  • 3. Applicants must submit all documents and certificates required: photocopy of the ID card or passport, photographs showing themselves with the children in their care, family and friends; a “Dear Host family” letter written in Spanish, reference letters, medical certificate, police record, school diplomas…
  • 4. Documents submitted are reviewed and verified.
  • 5. They are interviewed in person or through videoconference to gain additional information or clarification.
  • 6. We provide the families with detailed information about applicants selected. Families contact directly applicants and make the final decision.

    • Orientation and local support

  • We advice our au pairs on entry requirements and visa regulations.
  • We provide orientation and ongoing and local support to families and au pairs from start to finish in order to give the best guidance for a culturally enriching experience.
  • Emergency telephone number available.
  • Welcome reception and orientation session in Madrid for au pairs when they arrive to help them to adjust to Spanish culture and lifestyles. A welcome information pack will be given to them.