Do I have to attend a language course as an au pair?
It is generally not compulsory for you as an au pair to attend a language course, except for countries like France, where you must do that as part of the au pair program. However, attending a language course is strongly recommended, because of the many benefits you get from it.
Why is it important to attend a language course?
Au pairs usually have a basic knowledge of the language spoken in the host country. However, attending a language course will help you improve your language skills, making it easier to communicate with the host family and with locals in your daily life. Furthermore, a language course gives you the opportunity to meet new people and make friends.
Who pays for the language course?
Usually, you as an au pair pay the fee for their language course by yourself; however, your host family may wish to contribute financially. In some countries, such as Germany, it is compulsory that host families help with the financing of your language course. In any case, your host family should allow you enough time to participate in a language course and may also help you find a suitable one.
How to find a language school as an au pair
Tatiana attended herself a language school during her au pair stay in Madrid (Spain) and she found it very helpful. For this reason, she’s sharing some tips with you.
HOW TO FIND a language school as an au pair | AuPairWorld
Where to find a suitable language course
We strongly recommend asking your host family if they know any language schools in their area. If they don’t, you can always research on Google and find out what language school options you have in your new host country situation. In general, there are public institutions such as the Volkshochschule in Germany, the Escuela Oficial de Idiomas in Spain or the Università Popolari and Centri Territoriali Permanenti (CTP) in Italy, which offer courses on an economical basis. Alternatively, universities are also a good place to look for an available course, as well as private language centres.
Virtual learning with a language app (special offer)
Many au pairs also use a language learning apps to develop their second language skills. An app cannot replace all the different benefits of in-person language classes, but it certainly does offer great support for getting ready before the au pair stay and for maintaining language skills after returning home.
As AuPairWorld partners with Babbel, you can get a 30% discount on subscriptions to the highly rated Babbel app.
Next steps
After finding a language course, talk to your host family about your future schedule and how everything fits together.
Make sure to have any agreements written down in your au pair contract, so that there is no room for misunderstandings.
