5 warning signs to watch for during your host family search

Becoming an au pair is one of the most exciting life experiences you can jump on. However, just like for any other significant decision, it is crucial to approach the process of looking for a host family with careful consideration and awareness. 

As you begin your search, you should really keep an eye out for red flags that could indicate potential issues down the line.   

Here are some key warning signs to watch for during the host family searching phase:  

 1. They don’t want to set up a working contract  

 A big red flag to look out for is if a host family doesn’t want to set up a working contract with you. Having an au pair placement contract is necessary to avoid any type of misunderstanding and establish your rights within the stay.  

 2. They don’t provide you with a private room  

 One of the requirements that host families must fulfil in order to be able to host an au pair is providing them with an own private room, to guarantee them the privacy that they deserve. You should never accept to join a host family if they don’t offer you this.  

3. They have private contacts in their profile details  

 If a host family wrote their personal phone number or email address in their AuPairWorld profile details, they will very likely be scammers. Therefore, make sure to always have the first message exchange through our platform, so that we can eventually step in in case of need.  

Read more on how to search safely on AuPairWorld. 

4. They ask for money or to pay something in advance  

A host family that asks you for money or to pay something in advance (for example your visa, health insurance etc), is an absolute no-go.  

You should never pay anything in advance and should check the specific requirements for your chosen host country to make sure you know who is supposed to pay what (for example, in Germany it’s the host family who pays for the au pair’s health insurance and transportation ticket, so you shouldn’t give any money away for that).   

5. They have unrealistic expectations  

Host families should have realistic expectations of your duties and responsibilities. If a family expects you to work excessive hours without adequate compensation or wants you to carry out big tasks outside of childcare, you should definitely point it out and discuss it again.   

It can happen that your host family really needs extra help on a special occasion and requires you to help more, but then they should give you an extra day off at some point on the same month, for example, or increase your pocket money that month. This should be an exception and not the norm.

Au pairing is an experience of cultural exchange and that should be where the focus has to lay. 

On the other hand, keep an eye out for families who promise you more than what really makes sense. That is also very likely a scam.    

Every au pair placement is unique   

Every au pair experience is different. Still, clear expectations are key factors for both au pairs and host families, so watch out for unrealistic expectations or above mentioned „red flags“. 

In general, you should feel a good chemistry with the host family you will be joining. Otherwise it might not be the right match yet.  

Even though these red flag families are an exception, if you happen to find one, we would recommend you not to proceed further with them. In case you find yourself in an uncomfortable situation when speaking to a family at AuPairWorld, just report their profile on our platform and we can check their profile and give you some extra tips.

Remember to always trust your instincts, ask plenty of questions and don't hesitate to walk away from a potential host family if something doesn't feel right.   

Your safety, well-being, and overall happiness should always be the top priority!

About the author: 

Silvia, 22, is originally from Italy but has been living abroad since going to the UK as an exchange student at the age of 16. After that she became an au pair in Germany for two years and now has become part of the AuPairWorld team, where she works as a Social Media Marketing Trainee. As a committed traveller, Silvia is happy to support travellers, young expats and people who would like to move abroad, with her travel-orientated Instagram account.