Working Abroad as an Au Pair

2 parent questions ▼

Parent Q&A

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  • Working as an Au Pair in Spain

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    Aug 30, 2022

    Hello-

    Looking  for someone who might have been an au pair in Spain in the recent past or knows someone we could chat with. We are struggling to understand the  requirements for a Visa which we understand is a Study Visa for Spain but have some questions and the Consulate in SF has not been responsive...yet 

    thanks!

    Aug 30, 2022

    I can’t comment on the au pair issue, but my daughter just went through the process for a student visa through the SF consulate. It was super stressful, there’s lots of conflicting info out there, and it is indeed almost impossible to get in touch with anyone there. Some people on Reddit and Facebook groups said they did have success by faxing or by emailing every single day. It is currently all done by mail, no in person appointments needed. My daughter had submitted a stamped express mail envelope with her paperwork but when she didn’t hear anything after more than 4 weeks she went there in person and it was miraculously ready (I think they do visa pickup from 12:30 to either 1 or 2 — there were several other people waiting, and there was a security guard helping out, I’m not sure if they would let you talk with a regular staff member.)  They did say in one of their canned email responses that they follow the document requirements of the LA consulate and also that right now they are only processing “emergency student visas.”  So maybe after the fall rush things will calm down and you will be able to contact them.  Feel free to contact me but  I assume that if your daughter is going through am agency they would have additional advice and more accurate info. 

    Sep 5, 2022

  • Recent college grad wants to be an au pair in Berlin

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    Dec 18, 2019

    Hi, our daughter just finished her degree at UC Berkeley, and rather than getting a job here in the US wants to move to Berlin. At least for some time?  She has decided that one way to do this is to be an Au Pair there, and I’m just trying to find more information.  (She May have an unrealistic view of how easy or difficult this will be, plus we are all unsure about the finances). Has anyone’s child done this?  Did they use a service to find a job, and how was it / which service did they use?  From what I’ve seen, Germany has regulations guiding it, but we’ve not been able to tell what the options or regulations are for Au Pairs not living with the family.  It looks like if you live with a family your pay is something like 250 Euros a month, or, essentially no pay...How did your child arrange everything, and how did they like it?  Any advice, tips, warnings, recommendations, etc.?  She doesn’t speak German but I understand the families are supposed to pay for at least part of their German lessons.  Any help appreciated!

    Dec 18, 2019

    I can’t add much here but please make sure she ends up going with a legitimate agency. Many human traffickers set up legitimate looking websites to attract young women from all over only to sell them into sex slavery.

    Dec 23, 2019