Au Pair FAQs

Becoming an Au Pair is easy with the support of Hopscotch. To travel legally as an Au Pair to any of the four countries we offer, you must apply through a designated agency like us. 

Follow these 6 steps:

• To get started, complete our Do I Qualify form. 
• Once approved, you’ll receive an information pack, access to the application form, and the opportunity to book your interview. 
• After your interview, if you’re ready to move forward, you’ll officially sign up with us and begin creating your Au Pair profile. 
• Once your profile is complete and approved, you can start interviewing with host families.
• When you’ve found the right match, we’ll guide you through preparing for your embassy appointment to secure your visa. 
• Before departure, you’ll also attend our Au Pair Training and Onboarding to make sure you’re fully prepared for your overseas adventure.

The requirements to Au Pair abroad are similar in each country, but each differs slightly:

USA: 

• 18-26 years old
• 200-300 hours of childcare experience
• A valid driver's license is compulsory 
• Grade 12 or equivalent
• Understand and speak English well
• Commit for 12 months
• South African, Namibian, or EU passport holder
  Netherlands:
• 18-25 years old
• Extensive hours of childcare experience
• Can ride a bicycle well 
• Active lifestyle 
• Grade 12 or equivalent
• Understand and speak English well
• Commit for 12 months
• South African, Namibian, or EU passport holder
  Italy:
• 18-28 years old
• Extensive childcare experience
• A valid driver’s license is beneficial 
• Grade 12 or equivalent
• Understand and speak English well
• Commit for 3 months
• South African, Namibian, or EU passport holder
  France:
• 18-28 years old
• Extensive childcare experience
• Grade 12 or equivalent
• A driver’s license is beneficial 
• Understand and speak English well
• Commit for 9 to 12 months (depending on the family)
• South African, Namibian, or EU passport holder

USA:

Yes. All Hopscotch Au Pairs applying for the USA must have a valid driver’s license from their home country to be accepted into the programme. If you don’t have one yet, you’re welcome to register and complete the rest of your profile as you work toward your license. Once you’ve passed your driving test and your profile is complete, you can begin matching with host families.
Italy & France:

A valid driver’s license is not compulsory in Italy or France, but it can be an advantage, as some families prefer Au Pairs who can drive. If you don’t have a license, we can still match you with a host family. This process may just take a little longer.
Netherlands:

A driver’s license is not required. However, you must be confident and comfortable riding a bicycle, as this is an essential part of daily life in the Netherlands.

Good news – Hopscotch also places male Au Pairs! But at this stage, male applicants can apply for our USA and Italy programs only. It typically takes a bit longer for male Au Pairs to find the best host family (especially during high-demand periods). 

Once your profile is complete and approved, it will go live and be shared with host families depending on the programme you apply for.
For the USA and Netherlands programmes, families who are interested in your profile will reach out to you directly. You can then start chatting and arrange video calls to get to know each other better.

For the France and Italy programmes, our team will send you profiles of host families who have expressed interest in you. You can then reach out to them to start conversations and organise video calls.

Across all four programmes, Hopscotch stays closely involved. We collect feedback from both you and the host family throughout the process. If personalities, lifestyles, expectations, and schedules align − and both sides are happy − we’ll confirm the match and guide you through the next steps.

Yes. If you already know a host family you’d like to match with, great! Just check that the family registers with our official partner agency in the destination country. This ensures that the family is properly vetted and meets all programme requirements and safety standards.
Even when you already know the family, going through our partner agency is essential so that everything is done correctly, safely, and in line with visa and programme regulations. We promise, it’s worth it. 

The length of the programme depends on the country you choose: 

• USA: 12 months
• Netherlands: 12 months
• France: 9-12 months
• Italy: 3 months if you do not have an

Each programme has its own visa rules and requirements, and we’ll guide you through the details so you know exactly what to expect before you commit.

This depends on the country and visa regulations:

• USA: Yes. Au Pairs may extend their programme for an additional 6, 9, or 12 months, subject to eligibility and approval.
• Netherlands: No. Extensions are not permitted due to visa regulations.
• France: No. Extensions are not permitted due to visa regulations.
• Italy: No. Extensions are not permitted due to visa regulations. EU passport holders may stay for a longer period of time.

Please note: These rules are set by immigration authorities and are not flexible or determined by host families or agencies. 

It depends! If you can complete your profile quickly and be proactive in speaking to host families, you’ll speed up the process. Au Pairs who create a strong, detailed profile and actively engage in conversations and video calls often have a better chance of matching sooner.


That said, every Au Pair and host family is different, and matching timelines vary based on how well personalities, expectations, and schedules align. On average, we estimate the matching process to take around 4-6 weeks, but this can be shorter or longer depending on individual circumstances. Our focus is always on finding the right match, not just the quickest one. 


Au Pair wages vary by country and are based on minimum amounts set and regulated by each country’s Au Pair programme:

• USA: From ±R13 000 per month
• Netherlands: From ±R6 400 per month
• France: From ±R6 800 per month
• Italy: From ±R7 800 per month

The amounts above are the minimum guaranteed amounts. That means that wages might be higher, depending on your experience, childcare background, or relevant qualifications. Any adjustments above the minimum are discussed directly with the host family on a case-by-case basis.


An Au Pair is a young person who lives with a host family and provides childcare support and light household duties related to the children. Typical responsibilities include helping with school routines, preparing simple meals for the children, assisting with homework, and keeping children’s areas tidy. Au Pairs are considered part of the family, not employees. In exchange for your childcare support, you’ll receive food, accommodation, and a monthly stipend. The experience will be even better if you truly integrate into the family, take part in daily routines, and immerse yourself in the the local culture.

At its core, the Au Pair programme is a cultural exchange. Au Pairs have time to explore the country, improve language skills, and build meaningful connections, while families benefit from flexible, live-in childcare and cultural enrichment. It’s a win-win!

While your Au Pair agreement outlines all the details relating to your role, it’s important to have a flexible, adaptable, and team-player attitude when it comes to working hours. 

Below are the typical hours you can expect in each country:  

• USA: Up to 45 hours per week, 
• Netherlands: Up to 35 hours per week
• Italy: 25-35 hours per week
• France: 25-35 hours per week

There might be occasional extra hours only if discussed and agreed upon with the host family. All schedules and expectations are discussed in advance to ensure clarity and a positive experience for both Au Pairs and host families.


No stress! There are plenty of opportunities to meet new people while abroad. 

• Once you’re placed, you’ll be added to an Au Pair group for your country or local area, where you can start connecting with other Au Pairs even before you get on the plane.
• In-person training and onboarding sessions are also a great way to meet fellow Au Pairs who are travelling around the same time as you. Many Au Pairs use these connections to organise social meet-ups, coffee dates, lunches, and weekend trips together. 
• Hopscotch also organises regular get-togethers for Au Pairs who live close to one another, giving you a chance to socialise and build friendships in a relaxed, supportive environment. Most areas have several Au Pairs living nearby, so getting to know your neighbours, as well as Au Pairs connected to your host family’s friends or relatives, is another great way to expand your circle.

Step outside your comfort zone! Travelling and working abroad is a great opportunity to make new friends. 

Yes. Study opportunities vary depending on the destination country:

• USA: Au Pairs are required to complete a short course while abroad. Host families contribute R8 000 toward a study allowance.
• Netherlands: Host families contribute €400 toward a Dutch language course. 
• France & Italy: Studying is optional and can be done in your free time at your own expense.


If challenges arise, we’ve got your back. Hopscotch provides full support from the moment you sign up until you return home. Please share any placement-related concerns with us as soon as possible so we can guide you on the next steps.


We encourage open communication first, as many issues can be resolved with advice and mediation from Hopscotch and our international partners. If the situation cannot be resolved, a rematch can be arranged, allowing you to move to a new host family.


There are strict protocols that must be followed in situations like this to ensure your visa status and program eligibility remain valid, which is why it’s essential to keep Hopscotch informed at all times. Your safety, well-being, and overall experience are our top priority, and we’ll work closely with you to find the best possible solution.

Since 2016, Hopscotch has been helping young people turn their travel dreams into life-changing experiences. We connect you with pre-screened, safe host families for Au Pair placements in the USA, the Netherlands, Italy, and France, and guide you through every step of the journey – from application to departure and beyond.

Our team handles all the complex admin and visa support, while keeping you informed and supported throughout the process, so that you can focus on the adventure ahead. You’ll also join a vibrant community of fellow Au Pairs, plus access to training and resources designed to help you succeed overseas.