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Just want to say that I love working in my little gem, my very own Au Pair agency. Having worked in that department and loosing my job after many years left me missing dealing with Au Pairs, Students, Host Families as well as my foreign agents. So what did I do? I started my own little agency. Although the economy is very bad at the moment I was prepared to work hard and knew that it would take at least 12 months for my little gem to be up and running.

Just recently I decided to start a new Program. Many young people do not wish to come to Ireland to be an Au Pair but just to live with a family and practice their English. So I wrecked my brain, did a bit of research and contemplated about it. Then I received a call from another German agency that is working on a program called HOME STAY. Bingo!! That was the answer. What is HOME STAY…? I’m going to explain it from the Family point of view.

Homestay Accommodation for Students

Homestay accommodation is available throughout the year
Families may be ‘traditional’ families with children, young couples with no children, single-parent families, and retired couples whose children have left home. Students can state if they have a preference.

All host families are carefully selected and vetted by Au Pair Solution and agree to the following conditions for our students:

 To provide students with single rooms (unless a twin or double room has been requested by 2 people booking together).
 To provide basic laundry facilities and supply a change bed linen regularly.
 To make a daily bath or shower available.
 To provide an adequate breakfast and substantial dinner.
 To provide students with a door key so that they can let themselves in and out
 To make student familiar with the surrounding area during their stay by offering information of bus/train schedules and local shops.
 To converse with the student on a daily basis in English.

Arrival and Departure Days

Homestay accommodation is normally provided from Saturday or Sunday for the duration of 1 week to 3 months at a fee of €175.00 per week. Extra nights are usually available on request on payment of a supplement fee of €25.00 per night.

Fees 2009

Single - €175 per week
(€25 extra night fee)

Double/Twin - €165 per week (per person sharing)
(25 extra night fee)

All these prices are Half board Mon-Fri and self-service on weekends. Self-Service means that the student prepares his or her own meals over the weekend. The Host Family will supply the food or the student can choose to eat out at their own expense.

Location and Houses

Irish Host Families are located throughout Ireland. They could be living in City Centers, suburbs, towns, villages or countryside. They could be living in apartments, semi-detached homes, estates or single houses. Wherever and in whatever they live, each family offers a separate room to their host students and makes them part of the family.

Direction from Airport

Depending on the location of the Host Family, there are various Airports around Ireland. Most Host Families collect the HOME STAY student from airports, train or bus stations. It is recommended that arrangements are made with the Host Family on travel information and pick up options.

Meals

Accommodation is half board Monday to Friday and self-service at weekends. If the student is a vegetarian or needs to follow a special diet, please give details on the application form and we will do our best to find a family that can provide the special requirements.

Laundry and Bed Linen

Bed linen is provided but students should bring their own towels. Laundry can be included with the family wash unless special care is required such as hand washing or dry cleaning, in which case, a student should take care of his or her own laundry.

Smoking

In most homes, smoking is not permitted, or is permitted only in certain areas of the house. A student who specifically requires a smoking or non-smoking house should make their request clear on the application form.

Pets

The majority of Irish families have at least one pet, usually a cat or dog. Often the animal lives outside in the garden. Only those students who are afraid of or allergic to animals should request a house without pets as, during the peak season in particular, it can be quite difficult to find a family without animals.

Last but not Least

A student is not a ‘guest’ although they pay a fee for Board & Lodging. They are accepted as part of the family and should adhere to the rules of the home as any young person in the household would. And don’t forget the most important point… Enjoy your stay in Ireland.

Well, that’s about it. But then people ask what is expected of an Au Pair and what is the difference. Well, the difference is that an Au Pair receives pocket money for looking after the children. A Home Stay student pays for Board & Lodging but does not work for her stay. Also, a Home Stay student can visit from 1week up to 3 months, whereas an Au Pair usually stays from 3 months to 12 months.

Here is a bit more information about what’s expected from an Au Pair when she/he is placed in Ireland.

AU PAIR - What to expect:
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The Au Pair program is a cultural exchange for young people aged 18 -27 years of age, single with no dependents, who want to improve their level of English whilst living as part of a host family. In return for childcare & light housework, they can expect to receive a minimum pocket money of €100 per week. (Please note that outbound Au Pairs would have similar duties, but the pocket-money would differ in each country. You will find the information on the family application files that you would be given to look over.)

It is very important that you must have a genuine interest in children.

What will your duties be?

Your main duty is to take care of the children. This does not mean that you just watch them and avoid them getting into difficulty, but also playing with them to encourage a good relationship. At times you might find it difficult but then you should always speak with the parents to solve a problem or find out more about the children.

In most cases you will be asked to do help with other aspects of childcare such as light house work (washing, ironing, vacuuming, etc.) baby-sitting, bringing children to and from school /Play School, bathing and putting the children to bed as well as preparing light meals or snacks for them. It will most probably be very similar to what you have done before while you were baby-sitting.

What about free time?

You will have free time as shown on the Family Application Form. This should usually be 2 free days per week taken consecutively. Look at it as being at home with your parents in this case. Respect that the family might worry if you do not come home on time or don’t call to let them know when you would be back if anything has changed. The family doesn’t want to control the Au Pair but feel responsible for you so if you have understanding and respect both ways, you will have a wonderful time.

Very Important!

Communication is a very important factor if you are to have a good understanding of one another and it also allowed you to get to know one another better. We always advise a nice cuppa and a chat at least once per week to clear any misunderstandings or questions.

Last but not least… your Au Pair agency is always there for you if you need help, further information, lonely or just feel like chatting to someone. They will love to chat to you and hear about your experiences in Ireland. That’s what they’re here for. Your new venture should not only be to improve your English but also to have a wonderful time and experience a new culture, make new friends and have a wonderful time.

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