Over the last few weeks I have had a number of enquiries into becoming an au-pair in the UK. This is not a line of work that Answer English normally works in but we are more than happy to help those students out that are interested where possible. Working as an au-pair does have many advantages: you are living within a family environment where you be forced to speak English everyday, you will be earning money (approx. £55 per week which is below the tax threshold), and you have board and lodgings.

We have been in touch with Aupair UK and spoken to Eve the director of the business to find out more. Typically aupairs have two consecutive days off per week (not always at the weekends) which gives you the chance to study in your spare time and enjoy living in London. The work of an aupair is changing and does not always involve simply looking after young children, there are now many posts that include looking after the elderly, driving people around, even dog walking!

To apply through Aupair UK you need only go their website: www.aupair.uk.com and register for FREE your details. You will need 2 references (1 character reference & 1 for childcare), a ‘Dear Family’ letter, photos, a medical certificate and a criminal record.

The easiest way to get a job as an au-pair is when you are already in the UK. This way you can be in more direct contact with the family, have a face-to-face interview and have a trial week to see that both yourself and the family are happy with you working for them. For those students that have a basic level of English it is worthwhile booking a language course for 2-4 weeks and applying to become an au-pair just before coming to allow you time to go for interview whilst still studying. Male au-pairs are welcome too.

Best of luck!