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Questions and Answers:
We are sure that you have a number of questions you would like answered about Aupairing in Ireland so we have prepared a few typical questions and answers that we hope will tell you what you need to know.
Q: Are all Aupair categories the same?
A: No. There are, in fact, three different categories.
Aupair Companion: This means that the Aupair is in the company of an adult most of the time, normally the mother of the children. She works a 30 hour week and is asked to baby-sit two evenings per week (never more than one evening at the weekend) She has two afternoons and evenings free, plus a day off at the weekend. She receives pocket money of €90 per week.
Aupair Minder: In this case the mother is working part-time, so the Aupair is totally responsible for the children for up to 35 hours per week. Free time is the same for the Aupair Companion. Pocket money is €100 per week.
Aupair Plus: This is where the mother is working full-time so the Aupair is responsible for the children while the mother is away at work. She has, however, only one evening of baby-sitting per week and normally has the whole weekend free. She receives €115 per week.
Q: Do I have to do all the housework?
A: Not at all. As we have said, a special Agreement will be drawn up between you and the family outlining any household duties you should do. Your main duty is to take care of the children but usually you are asked to do some ironing, to keep the kitchen clean and tidy and some vacuum cleaning.
Q: When do I attend classes in English?
A: This depends on your schedule, but normally you go to classes in the evenings, twice a week for a two hour session each time. The good news is that there will be no more than twelve in your class so that you will always be studying at the right level in the right group and have maximum individual attention.
Q: How much does all this cost?
A: Our Registration and Placement Fee is €200. The cost of the course is €100 per month. The Registration and Placement Fee of €200 should be included with your Application Form and other documentation. All Aupairs placed by the Aupair Study Centre are required to attend classes at our Centre during their stay with the family.
Q: What happens if I have problems with the family and I am unhappy?
A: In the unlikely event of this happening, the Aupair Study Centre is there to assist you. If the family is indeed unsuitable, then we shall make arrangements to place you in a new family as soon as possible - usually within a week.
Q: How long can I choose to stay?
A: In summer, the minimum period is THREE MONTHS. From September the minimum period is SIX MONTHS. Of course you are free to go home at Christmas and whenever else it may suit both yourself and your family.
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Once you have decided to come to Dublin as an Aupair, there are a number of things to do.
• You should enclose two passport-sized photographs with your Registration form and also 2-3 photographs where you can be seen with your family, friends and if possible, looking after children.
• You must also write a letter in English addressed to your family here in Dublin saying why you want to Aupair in Ireland, your experience in minding children, your hobbies and interests and give a general idea of your personality.
• You should obtain a Health Certificate stating that you are in good health.
• Include one letter of reference from a non-relative in your community, preferably in English although this is not essential.
• You should also include a Bank Draft made payable to The Aupair Study Centre for €200.
Once we have received your Registration form, we will locate a suitable family for you and contact you with all the information about your family, their name, address and telephone number. You should then phone the family with your flight number and date of arrival in Dublin. Once you arrive in Dublin, you come to the Centre with your new family and fill out an Agreement form, do an English Language Assessment Test and are placed in a group at the right level. All that is left to be said is - we look forward to hearing from you.
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