Many Dutch girls choose to work abroad as an au pair for a year after high school. An au pair works with a foreign family and partly takes care of the children. There are several mediation agencies where interested girls can register. Conversely, there are also many foreign au pairs working in the Netherlands. There is a lot of abuse because many of them are exploited. Many Dutch students choose to work abroad for a year after high school. The opportunity to work as an au pair is an attractive option, especially for girls. This is less of an option for boys because many families generally do not want to have a boy in the house. Moreover, looking after a child is more likely to be associated with a woman’s job. An au pair who wants to go abroad often contacts an agency. These in turn have contacts with agencies in various countries. Parents looking for an au pair usually register with these agencies.
Working as an au pair abroad
The profession of an au pair should not be underestimated. It is often hard work. A family usually looks for an au pair because both parents work and the children need support. This may, for example, mean that the au pair has to get up early to feed the children and take the children to school. A lot of time is then spent on guidance, for example eating at lunch, homework guidance, reading aloud, playing along and putting the child to bed. Working hours are usually flexible. An au pair is usually entitled to one and a half days off per week and at least one weekend off per month. The au pair is also entitled to have her costs reimbursed. In addition, pocket money is usually given.
Health insurance for au pairs
As a Dutch au pair, it is wise to work in a country where you speak the language. This could be, for example, the United States, Australia or England if you speak the English language. If you speak German or French, Germany or France could be a good alternative. Also take health insurance into account. Your Dutch health insurance is usually also valid abroad, but sometimes you need to take out additional insurance. This is because health insurers only reimburse costs abroad up to the same amount as in the Netherlands. Sometimes healthcare costs abroad for certain treatments are a lot higher than in the Netherlands.
Abuse of au pairs in the Netherlands
Conversely, many au pairs also come to Dutch families. This usually concerns young girls aged about 18 who come to the Netherlands and work in a household for a year. A third of those girls come from the Philippines. Many other au pairs come from South Africa and South America. Every year, approximately 1,600 girls come to work in the Netherlands. Normally it would be quite a hassle to get these girls a residence permit in the Netherlands. That is why twenty mediation agencies work together with the Dutch Immigration and Naturalization Service (IND). However, the IND has found that a large number of these girls are exploited. They are only expected to do light physical work, but are still exploited by many families. The IND noted this in 2011 and placed seven of the agencies under increased supervision. At one agency, the conditions were so serious that the IND broke off cooperation.