Is the Au Pair Life in the Netherlands Right for You?

Think of an au pair as a big sister (or brother) to the kids in a host family. You’ll live with them, help with childcare, and do some light household chores. In return, you get free accommodation, meals, a small monthly allowance, and, most importantly, a chance to immerse yourself in Dutch culture.It’s a cultural exchange at its core—sharing your Filipino heritage while learning all about life in the Netherlands.

The Netherlands is an incredible country known for its beautiful tulip fields, bike-friendly cities, and unique traditions like King’s Day and Sinterklaas. Imagine yourself biking along canals, visiting windmills, and even trying their famous stroopwafels. Sounds exciting, right?Plus, Dutch people are known to be welcoming and open-minded, which makes it a great place to live and learn.

Becoming an au pair is a fantastic opportunity, but it’s not just about travel and fun. Here’s what you should think about before saying yes to the adventure:

1. Do You Enjoy Working with Kids?
‍Have you babysat or helped take care of kids before? Do you enjoy playing with children, helping them with homework, and being a positive role model? Kids are full of energy, and while they can be fun, they can also test your patience. You’ll need to genuinely enjoy spending time with them.

2. Are You Excited About Cultural Exchange?
‍Do you want to learn about Dutch traditions and share Filipino culture with your host family? This experience is about connecting and building relationships—it’s a two-way street!

3. Are You Ready to Be Independent?
‍You’ll be away from home for up to a year, living in a new environment. Are you ready for that? Au pairs often have free time, so you’ll need to be good at managing your schedule and making the most of your days.

4. Can You Handle Responsibility?
‍As an au pair, you’re responsible for helping take care of the kids and assisting with simple chores like tidying up or preparing meals. It’s not overwhelming, but it does require commitment and effort.

5. Do You Have a Support System?
‍Moving to a new country can be challenging. It’s important to stay connected with family and friends back home and make new friends in the Netherlands. There’s also a community of Filipino au pairs who can help you adjust.

Here’s what you’ll need to qualify:
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‍Age: You need to be 18-25 years old.
‍Status: Single with no dependents.
‍Health: Be in good health (you may need to take a TB test).
‍No Prior Residence: You shouldn’t have lived in the Netherlands on a residence permit before.

You’ll also need a recognized au pair agency to guide you through the process and help you with all the paperwork. Don’t worry— We are here to guide you through it to make the transition smooth and stress-free.

Curious about what a typical day might look like?
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‍Morning: Help the kids get ready for school, prepare breakfast, and clean up.
‍Daytime: Free time! You can explore the city, learn Dutch, or hang out with new friends.
‍Afternoon: Pick up the kids from school, help with homework, and organize fun activities.
‍Evening: Share dinner with your host family and enjoy a relaxed evening together.

Every family is different, so your schedule will vary, but it’s all about balancing work and fun.

Becoming an au pair in the Netherlands is a wonderful opportunity to grow, explore, and make a difference in a family’s life. But it’s also a big commitment, and it’s important to be honest with yourself about your readiness. If you’re excited about working with kids, experiencing a new culture, and taking on a little adventure, this could be the perfect next step for you.

Take your time to think about it, talk to former au pairs, and picture yourself biking along Dutch canals—because this might just be the adventure of a lifetime! Ready to take the plunge? The Netherlands is waiting for you! 🌷