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Au-pair in Great Britain

Many young people dream to spend their au-pair time in England. As France, England is a classical au-pair country for many years. England has not signed the European agreement for the au-pair employment. Basic requirements of the au-pair stay are given by Home Office (by Ministry of Interior). More information about it you can find at www.bapaa.org.uk

In England the au-pair intermediary is conceived as "personal one" status. For European citizens it is easier to come to England. The majority of host families live near London and in the Midlands. Also, there are host families in Scotland. The original language spoken in England is English.

Requirements for the au-pairs‘ stay in England:

-  single and without children
-  from 18 till 30 years old. People, who are younger than 18, need a note from their parents. But a lot  of parents prefer not to be responsible for them. 
-  Stay period: from 6 to 24 months
-  Experience in childcare and house work
-  Driving license is preferable and in some cases obligatory
-  Basic knowledge of English
-  To be ready to work about 30 hours per week or even more
-  Non-conviction certificate
-  Doctors certificate
-  Au-pair pays his/her journey
-  Au-pairs are taxed
-  Insurance: the costs for medical, accident and guarantee insurances are partly paid by an au-pair. For people with chronic illnesses and dental treatment it is recommendable to discuss this issue with medical and accident insurance companies in the candidates‘ home country, what kind of benefit they offer abroad. The au-pairs, who are officially regestered in England, are under the state health service (Nationwide Healthservice) after their arrival. Costs for every illness are covered by this insurance. For having such insurance it is important to register by a doctor (general medical practioner) after arrival. The au-pairs are not liable to social insurance contributions in England. Voluntary social security amounts are possible. You can find more information about it in Federal Benefits Authority for employees.

Conditions for au-pairs in host families:

- own room and support
- Salary: 55-80 £ per week, 25-35 hours. By program "Mother's help" work-time can be 48 hours per week. Majority of host families prefer "Au-pair plus" program and pay for it more pocket money.
-  Host families pay for the monthly travel card
-  Vocation: 2 weeks per one year of stay period.
-  By agreement host families pay for the language school
-  A family car can be used

Entry and stay formalities:

- Citizens of the European Union enter with a valid passport or an identity card. Remember about the validity of your passport: you are not allowed to stay more than 3 months. If an au-pair wants to stay more than 3 months, she should apply for "residence permit". More information, also for the non-citizens of the European Union, here: http://www.bia.homeoffice.gov.uk/workingintheuk/
http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/en/howtoapply/infs/inf28pbsyouthmobility
Or visit the website: http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/en/

http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/

Specifics:

-         Not from all countries male candidates are allowed to come.
-         Currency is 1 Pound Sterling £
-         Great Britain consists of 4 countries: England, Wales, Scotland and New Zealand.
-         Language courses: there are a lot of language courses in England. Private and public schools offer courses for different levels of knowledge. In comparison with German VHS language courses in colleges for further Education or local schools for adults are much cheaper. Also, for au-pairs in England there are exams for getting certificates, which are accepted in English educational organizations (UNIVERSITY, COLLEGE). Cambridge Preliminary, Cambridge First Certificate, Cambridge Advanced and Cambridge Proficiency certificates are recognized internationally.

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