Information About Host Countries
Host Countries for Au Pairs
Which Host Country Is Right for You?
Spending a year as an au pair is a unique experience. But which country best suits your wishes? Do you want to learn a new language, enjoy the sunshine, travel a lot, or gain experience in an international environment?
At Babs Au Pair Agency, we guide au pairs from EU countries to carefully selected host families in the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Italy, and Spain. Each country has its own advantages. Below, we help you make the right choice.
NL Netherlands — Au Pair in the Netherlands: Living, Learning and Experiencing Life with a Dutch Host Family
Dreaming of an au pair adventure in the Netherlands?
Imagine waking up in a cozy Dutch home, having breakfast with your host family, and then starting a new day full of experiences. You take care of the children, gradually learn more Dutch, and discover a completely new culture along the way.
As an au pair in the Netherlands, you are not simply living abroad. You become part of a family.
You make new friends, discover Dutch cities, cycle through beautiful landscapes, and in your free time have every opportunity to explore the Netherlands and the rest of Europe.
Why the Netherlands is a great destination
The Netherlands is safe, international, and easy to explore. Almost everyone speaks English, so you can get by easily from the start. At the same time, you have plenty of opportunities to learn Dutch and develop yourself further.
The Netherlands is also perfectly located for travelling. From the Netherlands, you can easily reach Belgium, Germany, France, and other European destinations.
What can you expect?
As an au pair in the Netherlands:
- you live with a carefully selected host family;
- you have your own bedroom;
- you receive room and board;
- you receive €340 pocket money per month;
- you work a maximum of 30 hours per week;
- you help with the children and light household tasks;
- you have the opportunity to take a Dutch language course;
- you have plenty of free time for yourself, friends, and travelling.
Is the Netherlands right for you?
The Netherlands is a great fit if you want to become more independent, enjoy meeting new people, and like discovering a new language and culture.
Whether you come for three months or stay for a full year, your time as an au pair in the Netherlands can become an experience you will look back on with pleasure for the rest of your life.
Start your au pair adventure
At Babs Au Pair Agency, we help you find a host family that suits you. We provide personal guidance before, during, and after your placement.
Ready to discover the Netherlands? Get in touch with us and find out what opportunities are available to you.
- you would like to live in a safe and well-organized country;
- you want to learn Dutch;
- you would like to cycle a lot and travel independently;
- you are looking for a central base from which to explore Europe;
- you appreciate the fact that almost everyone speaks English.
Good to know
- Age: 18 to 25 years.
- Maximum 30 hours of work per week.
- Pocket money: €340 per month.
- Stay: 3 to 12 months.
BE Belgium
Perfect for you if you:
A country full of languages, culture, and warmth
Belgium is small, but it has an incredible amount to offer. Dutch, French, and German come together here, and each region has its own character.
As an au pair, you live with a Belgian host family and primarily learn the language by using it every day. You discover historic cities, charming towns, and, of course, the famous Belgian cuisine.
But perhaps the best part is that you don’t just get to know Belgium — you become part of a family and experience the culture from the inside.
A great fit for you if you want to learn a language, love culture, and enjoy living in a friendly and welcoming environment.
- you want to learn Dutch or French;
- you enjoy lively cities and a Burgundian lifestyle;
- you would like to live close to the Netherlands;
- you are interested in culture and history.
Good to know
- Age: 18 to 25 years (in some cases 26 for EU citizens).
- Maximum 20 hours of work per week.
- Pocket money from €450 per month.
- Stay: maximum 12 months.
LU Luxembourg
Perfect for you if you:
Small country, big international experience
Luxembourg may be small on the map, but internationally it is a unique destination. French, German, and Luxembourgish are spoken alongside one another, and you meet people from all kinds of countries.
As an au pair, you develop yourself in an international environment while becoming part of a host family. You learn a new language, become more independent, and have Belgium, France, and Germany practically on your doorstep.
A great fit for you if you are interested in languages, have an international outlook, and want to develop yourself.
- you want to learn several languages;
- you enjoy living in an international environment;
- you value peace, safety, and a high quality of life;
- you want to travel easily to Belgium, France, and Germany.
Good to know
- Age: 18 to 30 years.
- Maximum 25 hours of work per week.
- Language course required.
- International and multicultural environment.
IT Italy
Experience la dolce vita from the inside
Imagine Italian meals with the family, children who welcome you into their world, and a language that you hear and speak every day.
As an au pair in Italy, you become part of a family and experience Italian life not as a tourist, but from the inside.
In your free time, you can explore historic cities, enjoy Italian cuisine, or simply relax and enjoy the climate.
You don’t just learn Italian. You discover a different way of life.
A great fit for you if you love family, culture, food, and a warm lifestyle.
Perfect for you if you:
- want to learn Italian;
- love good food and a warm family culture;
- would like to live in a sunny country;
- want to discover culture, art, and history.
Good to know
- Age: 18 to 30 years.
- Average of 25 to 30 hours of work per week.
- Pocket money: €250 to €300 per month.
- Stay: usually 6 to 12 months.
SP Spain
Perfect for you if you:
Sun, Spanish, and a life full of new experiences
Would you like to wake up in a country where much of life takes place outdoors? Where long family dinners, sunshine, and a warm social atmosphere are part of everyday life?
As an au pair in Spain, you live with a Spanish host family and learn Spanish while living like a local. You get to know Spanish traditions, discover beautiful cities and beaches, and meet other au pairs from all over the world.
You may come to Spain to learn Spanish, but you will go home with so much more: friends, confidence, memories, and an experience that will stay with you for life.
A great fit for you if you love sunshine, travelling, Spanish, and a social lifestyle.
- you want to learn Spanish quickly;
- you love sunshine, beaches, and a relaxed lifestyle;
- you want plenty of free time to travel;
- you want to enjoy a warm family culture.
Good to know
- Age: usually 18 to 30 years.
- Average of 25 to 30 hours of work per week.
- Pocket money: €205 to €360 per month.
- Stay: usually 3 to 12 months.
Compare the Host Countries
| Country | Language | Climate | Working Hours | Pocket Money | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Netherlands | Dutch | Temperate | Max. 30 hours | €340 | Safety, travel, and independence |
| Belgium | Dutch / French | Temperate | Max. 20 hours | From €450 | Languages and culture |
| Luxembourg | French / German / Luxembourgish | Temperate | Max. 25 hours | According to regulations | International experience |
| Italy | Italian | Warm | 25–30 hours | €250–€300 | Culture, family, and language |
| Spain | Spanish | Sunny | 25–30 hours | €205–€360 | Sunshine, travel, and learning Spanish |
Which country is the best fit for you?
Choose the Netherlands if you…
- would like to live in a safe and well-organized country;
- want to be able to speak English easily;
- want to travel a lot within Europe.
Choose Belgium if you…
- want to learn Dutch or French;
- love a cozy and welcoming atmosphere and a Burgundian lifestyle;
- would prefer to work fewer hours.
Choose Luxembourg if you…
- are aiming for an international career;
- want to learn several languages;
- enjoy living in a multicultural environment.
Choose Italy if you…
- dream of Italian culture;
- want to learn Italian;
- want to become part of a close-knit family.
Choose Spain if you…
- love sunshine and beaches;
- want to learn Spanish;
- are looking for a relaxed lifestyle.
We help you make the right choice
Still unsure which country is the best fit for you? No problem. During a personal introductory conversation, we discuss your wishes, experience, and expectations. Together, we look at which host country and which host family are the best match for you.
At Babs Au Pair Agency, personal guidance is at the heart of what we do. This way, you can start your unforgettable au pair adventure well prepared.
Subscribe for updates
Get regular updates about Au pair and Host family listing and news.
We don't spam and your email address is safe with us.
Read our Privacy policy here.