7 REASONS WHY AU PAIR PROGRAM IS A SUITABLE CULTURAL EXCHAGE PROGRAM FOR YOUNG PEOPLE OF ALL SOCIAL CLASSES

If you are a citizen of Thailand, you know how tough it is to be granted for permission to enter developed countries. There are a lot of document preparation, reliability and financial stability checking. It becomes even worse when you are young without a stable job or good incomes; so, what would you do if you were caught in this circumstance but passionate to explore the world?

There is a variety of cultural exchange programs or different kinds of permits offered by developed countries to citizens of Thailand to study and work short/long-term in the countries; however, these programs usually require proof of sufficient finance for visa approval; unlike, Au Pair program that doesn’t require this paper from Au Pair because his/her host family (Employer) is automatically obliged to be his/her sponsor.

Here written 7 reasons why Au Pair program is a suitable cultural exchange program for young people of all social classes and makes a big dream attainable.

1. No money, no problem – It’s nearly free to join Au Pair program in Europe if you search for a host family yourself on free websites. Many countries in Europe still allow Au pair and host families to join the program without register with local Au Pair agencies, hence; in order to get a visa or work permit, Au Pair and host family can just collect required documents for their application and submit it directly to the embassy or visa application center of a host country.

In addition, a majority of host families are still sponsor Au pair with visa application fee, health insurance, travel cost and language course. Sound too good to be true, huh? Yes, there is something else Au Pairs should take into consideration too; self-matching is still considered risky for scams, chance you would experience exploitation and lack of support when conflicts arise, especially, if you are inexperienced Au pair and don’t understand your host family’s culture very well. So, be careful with host family selection and the content of your employment contract.

2. Applying for Au pair visa is uncomplicated - The Au Pair visa application process is a lot less complex than other types of visas such as a tourist visa, which you must show the embassy documents of your 6-month bank statement, travel insurance, fixed and clear itinerary, accommodation booking, confirmation of your employment, a booked return ticket etc. For Au Pair visa you are not requested to submit these documents which means less work on the paperwork, plus low risk on visa rejection as I’ve mentioned above, your host family is your sponsor.

3. Test Result of IELTS or TOEIC is not required – To apply for some cultural exchange programs or work permits in some countries, a proof of your English proficiency is required, but not for Au pair program. You don’t need to provide any English test result in order to have your visa application proceeded; yet, it’s crucial you have working knowledge of English, especially speaking and listening. 

4. You are employed and receive monthly salary - Being an Au pair means you are employed and paid for working; so, don’t worry if you don’t have a lot of money in your Thai bank account before departure, you will make money and save up later for sure. Just keep in mind that cost of living in Europe is much higher than in Thailand, as a result, living a minimal or economic lifestyle is essential.

5. Free accommodation and meals – this is the reason why Au pairs are able to make savings if they want to. Basically, you don’t pay for your lodging or food as you are regarded as a part of the family means you live with them, eat with them, and take part in their lifestyle and family activities. Generally speaking, if you are not a party animal, shopaholic or extravagant person, you can survive the entire exchange year without spending any money you earn from Au Pairing and make a pretty big saving.

6. A free return flight ticket – Yes, a flight ticket to and from Europe can terribly suck up your budget and nearly impossible to find a good deal without advance booking; but fortunately, a majority of host families in some countries in Europe are still very generous and don’t mind helping Au Pair with their flight ticket. Please clearly discuss this matter with your host family before matching to prevent an unexpected surprise afterwards.

7. Au pairs in Europe are entitled for paid holidays – what does this mean? It means you are able to take day-offs from work to spend holiday anywhere you like and still receive your full Au pair salary. Awesome, right?

If you’re seeking for an opportunity to live and work overseas on small budget, Au pair program gives you just that. Not all great experiences are determined by money. Cheers!

Article by Au Pair Alternative