What's an Au Pair?
The term “Au Pair” comes from French and means “on par” or “equal to.” When you sign up to become an Au Pair, you join a family in a foreign country and become a part of their everyday life – helping with childcare, doing light housework, sharing meals and routines. Through this, you'll get a first-row seat to a new culture and language, while having the opportunity to share yours with your host family. Everyone wins! And you get paid.
Au Pairs need to have experience with children, but you don't need formal childcare qualifications.
USA, the Netherlands or France. No stress – our host families have undergone thorough pre-screening measures, which means you'll be safe and well cared for. In fact, the majority of our host families have previously hosted Au Pairs and are returning hosts. Everything's in place for you to move in and start your paid Au Pair job overseas.
Au Pair Countries
Need help paying for your experience?
Student Hero has got your back.
We've partnered with Student Hero, connecting you with loan providers to turn your dream trip into reality!
Apply now to qualify and compare offers from top banks and
alternative finance providers – all from one platform.
CLICK HERE TO APPLY FOR FUNDING
Please head over to our FAQs page for a comprehensive list of questions and answers.
Get the look.
After a few DMs saying you guys would love Hopscotch merch,
we set out to create our own range proudly manufactured in South Africa.
Made for travellers, students, and anyone who's part of the Hopscotch Club.
Become an Au Pair in 8 simple steps –
and rely on us to help you along the way.
Do I qualify?
See if you qualify for our experiences.
Apply
After review, you'll be invited to complete an online application.
Interview
We'll set up an online interview to discuss the experience further.
Sign-Up Fee
Once successful, the sign-up fee secures your spot.
Experience Matching
After payment, expect 6-8 weeks for experience matching.
Experience Fee
Once matched, the final fee secures your experience.
Visa & Flight Booking
Time for visa and flight arrangements with our travel partner.
Departure
Ready for your adventure!
Testimonials
Hear from people who are
(or have been) in your shoes.
“I spent 5 weeks as an Au Pair in Italy during June/July. My host family treated me like one of their own and guided me through their world. The agency always had my back and made sure that I was okay. Their service was very fast and effective. I never had to wait for days for them to do something. I would recommend working with them.”
Lindi
Au Pair Italy
“I’m glad I followed my gut and decided to apply for summer camp. I discovered my multi-skills through activities like radio, barnyard, and land sports. I poured my heart into every activity, leaving my mark to show that Lungelo from South Africa was here. I’m the happiest I’ve ever been.”
Lungelo
USA Summer Camp
“I’ve always wanted to travel without financially burdening my parents. As an Au Pair in Italy, I’ve had a dream come true thanks to Hopscotch. My supportive host family has encouraged my exploration and helped me learn Italian. I’ve traveled to Sardegna and Florence, experiencing incredible sights. This culturally rich experience has boosted my confidence for future travels. Thank you, Hopscotch, for making this possible.”
Olivia
USA Summer Camp
“I had the privilege of working at Morgans Camp in San Antonio, Texas - a summer camp for individuals with special needs. Traveling alone at 18 was daunting, but the warm, welcoming community made it unforgettable. As an activity facilitator, I earned certifications in zip-lining, rock climbing, and Red Cross First Aid. This life-changing experience inspired me to pursue a degree in Occupational Therapy, and I formed lifelong friendships I’ll cherish forever. I’m so grateful for the impact this journey had on my life!”
Chanel
USA Summer Camp
“I had an incredible experience with Hopscotch! The team provided exceptional support from start to finish, matching me with a wonderful host family – regularly checking in and offering assistance, making the cultural exchange enriching and stress-free. I highly recommend Hopscotch for their professionalism and dedication. My journey was unforgettable!”
Courtney
Au Pair Italy
“I saw an email from career services UCT captioned “Don’t be a couch potato this December.” That raised my curiosity and I emailed them and got a quick response. Took it from there, phone calls, quick response throughout the process until the time to leave for the US came. Going to the US during the ski season meant that I could make some money while travelling during holidays. It was such an amazing opportunity that I would do over and over again, as I did again. One thing about Hopscotch for me is, I could call the recruiters anytime for an update, queries, clarification or anything related to the work and travel and their consistent check-ups when in the US.”
Lelimo
Ski Season
