How to Become an Au Pair and What to Expect // Madrid, Spain 

Of course!! Hope it was helpful.

Hi Eliza! Congratulations! That's amazing. I met people through Facebook groups specifically for Au Pairs and exchange students living in Madrid. I would meet friends through those people too. Just have to put yourself out there and attend some group gatherings. I hope you're enjoying it!

How long are you staying for! I’m going in Jan

How’s your journey going? :)

Me!! I still haven't decided if I prefer portugal or spain tho

I'm interested

@@maryannacobo5064hey! I’m actually arrived in March now! When are you there?

​@@Auzuras0actually I don't have my host family yet. I'm still looking

Hi Laurel! Please email me at laura@vogelle.com and we can go from there.

It really depends on the family!

I'm so excited for you! Yes, we did speak about that on the call. I can't remember if I asked or they brought it up, but I think it's a very fair question ask so that you can make your decisions and weigh options.

I traveled during the weekends. My family was flexible if I needed to fly out on a Friday or fly back on a Monday. But Saturday & Sunday was perfect for quick European travel! Some of my trips were closer to 4-5 days because I got the time approved with my host family.

Hi Grace! I did not go through an agency and I did not need a Visa. My stay was just under 90 days (for the summer) and I did not have to go through the Visa process, so I can't speak on that. Wish I could be more helpful!

Hi Mallory! Yes, I had weekends off, and there were days here and there where the parents were home from work and I would have time to explore. I felt like I had so much time to explore Madrid on my own and was also able to explore with the kids during the summer.

@@Vogel_laura Thank you soo much!!

I was an au pair twice and decided to go without an agency both times. I feel like it both has its up and its downsides but I loved being more flexible, not having to pay any agency fees and going through an easier and quicker process. I would definitely recommend signing a contract with your host family. It’s not a must but helps to be clear and to prevent misunderstandings. Usually the family provides the contract and I would make sure that aspects like working hours, free time, tasks, pocket money etc. are clearly stated in the contract. In the end of the day it still can’t guarantee that you’re treated well. Neither can an agency though. I feel like the most important thing is listening to your gut feeling when you’re looking for a family and taking your time to decide. Have a few phone calls before choosing a family and speak to a few different ones to get a feeling for it. Ask lots of questions and talk to the previous/current au pair if you have the opportunity. Also make sure to communicate when things come up while living with your host family and know that there’s always the option to leave. They can only treat you badly if you let them. Easier said than done sometimes but an important reminder. Hope this helps, let me know if you have any other questions. Hope you’ll have a wonderful au pair experience!

I did not need one, but we lived in the city so everything was walkable. The family should specify if that's needed.

Thank you for this comment and for watching! :) Becoming an au pair is definitely a great way to become more independent and it was a wonderful experience for me. With your level of English, I think you could begin the process of looking for host families and communicate to them that you are not a native speaker. Not all families prioritize learning English as much as others, they might just be looking for someone who will play more of a nanny role. You will just need to find the right fit for your situation! I do think that most host families, from what I've heard and experienced, are helpful with the transition and want you to feel at home with their family. I hope that's helpful and good luck!

@@Vogel_laura Thank you so much for your answer🥰

Hej Alicja, również myślę o zostaniu au pair. Czy znasz jakąś sprawdzoną agencję?

Hi Mechelle! I was only an au pair for the summer, so it was not long enough to need a visa in Spain.

I did not!

Hi Alicia! I was not fluent at all. My family in Spain wanted me to teach them and their children English, so I ended up speaking English a ton while at home with them. I did learn Spanish while I was out exploring the city but definitely did not need to be fluent.

Hi Laura link me to the host family