Would you like to go to Europe, all expenses paid? Do you want to experience the culture through the eyes of a native family? And, above all, do you love kids? If you answered yes to all three questions, you should strongly consider a stint as an au pair.

What Is an Au Pair?

An au pair is an individual who lives abroad with a host family, taking care of the children and often assisting with light housekeeping. In turn, the au pair receives free room and board and usually a stipend to cover living expenses and pocket money.

“Au Pairs do not punch a time clock in a factory, and a little extra effort is often rewarded by a host family,” explains John Prince, director of Au Pair in Europe, a placement service that assists Canadian and Americans -- and sometimes individuals from other countries -- obtain au pair positions abroad. The nature of the job sometimes leads to extra travel or cultural experiences unavailable to tourists. The length of an au pair assignment varies; some are just for the summer, while others are up to a year in length.

What Experience Should Au Pair Applicants Have?

It is generally recommended that individuals who apply for au pair positions have some sort of child-care experience. This could take many forms: volunteer work, camp counselor experience, babysitting, lifeguarding or teaching.

According to Prince, the preferred age range for au pairs is 18 to 30 years old. A valid passport is required, and often au pairs will be asked to obtain an international driver’s license. Some countries require that you speak the language; others might demand you enroll in a part-time language program during your stay. You might also have to pay for medical insurance and your return flight home.

How to Research Au Pair Opportunities

There are many organizations and agencies involved in screening and placing au pairs. It is important to find a reputable one with a proven track record. Ask to speak to former or current au pairs for a reference. While there is a trend to simply post a request or search for a family through the Internet, it is a risky venture. Not only is no one screening your host family, but also there is no one to assist you with the complicated visa process in order to secure valid work authorization. In this case, paying an agency fee might be worthwhile.

Eaupair, an online matching service, is one place you can register to look for au pair work or receive information about jobs online. Note that this is not an agency, so you will not receive assistance with visas or screenings.

The International Au Pair Association is a global trade association for the au pair profession. They have 115 members in 38 countries. IAPA does not arrange placements; rather, their membership consists of agencies involved in locating and placing au pairs worldwide. The Web site is an excellent way to research au pair agencies either in your home country or in the country in which you’d like to work.

“Consider what you are expecting -- this is a commitment, not a vacation,” cautions Prince. “It can be a fabulous experience if you have an open mind and can go with the flow.”