Where Did Au Pair Come From?
The first recorded use of the word Au pair, which in its literal meaning is ‘on equal terms’ was in France in 1987 in a Girls Diary. The Diary refers to English Girls teaching their language in France in exchange for French lessons. This soon evolved into a situation where caring for the children become the sole duty of the Au pair instead of the teaching of Language. The main purpose for hiring an Au pair should be to help the Au pair learn a different culture and language while helping you with child care and the should be treated as a family member.
The United Kingdom started Au pair exchanges with Switzerland in the early 1920’s followed by Austria in the 1930’s. After the second World War the number of countries participating and Au pairs took a sudden rise until this day where their are now 100’s of thousands of Au pairs across Europe. the estimated number of Au pairs in London is 20000 alone, although Au pairing has its origins from Europe it has become an American and Australian way of Life thus showing how old ways can adapt in the modern world.
Who Is Qualified To Be An Au pair?
One of the best things about becoming an Au pair is looking after children and it can be the easiest way to get work abroad, as the demand gets greater the easier it is becoming to get work as an Au pair in another country. It is estimated that half of all women with children in the modern world have part or full time jobs, and the qualifications for being hired by these families are minimal since the demand is so great and its quite common for young girls of 18 to be successfully placed with families in a foreign household and this works out fine as the younger the au pair can be a great advantage as they tend to adapt quicker to different situations. Although most families prefer mature Au pairs with experience, a lot are prepared to have younger Au pairs if especially if they take a genuine liking for the children and a positive attitude towards domestic work.