How to make friends as an au pair

Making new friends during your au pair stay is an important step to take. These people will form part of your experience and be with you while you discover different aspects of your host country. Sometimes, however, it seems difficult to make such contact after first arriving in a new country! Below you will find some useful tips which may help you find great people to make friends with in your host country.

Finding friends online

Social Media

Living in the age of social media where connections are quite literally at our fingertips has some major perks:

• Search “au pair in ____ (city) on Instagram or TikTok and you’re almost guaranteed to find results. Send a message and see if they’re interested in meeting up.
• Use our Instagram Post "Finding friends" to check if there are other au pairs in your surroundings.
• Au pair groups on Facebook offer a great opportunity to meet other people. Simply type in "au pair in" and then your host country, region or city and you are bound to find somebody. You can also search “____ (city) meet-ups” and find events in the area. For your own safety online, make sure that the group is private, though.

BumbleBFF

You might know Bumble as a dating app, but it also has a BFF setting where you can match with people in the area looking for friends. You’re able to scroll through and find people with similar interests and arrange meet-ups. You can even find a couple people and propose a group meet-up.

Making new friends in person

Take a Language Course

Language courses are a fantastic way to meet other au pairs and international travelers. You’ll be surrounded by people with a shared goal—learning the language! Invite classmates for a coffee after class, exchange contact info, and build connections that grow over time. Many universities also offer language and cultural programs, which attract diverse and international crowds.

Ask Your Host Family

Your host family can be a great resource. Ask if they know other families with au pairs nearby or if they have friends or relatives your age. They can also recommend local clubs, leisure activities, or events where you can meet people. Don’t forget to ask about popular local hobbies—you might discover something new!

Join Clubs, Activities & Tours

Explore local clubs, gyms, or hobby groups based on your interests—whether it’s dancing, singing, or sports. Universities often offer recreational activities and sports courses that are open to the public. You can also sign up for city walking tours, cooking classes, or art workshops. Many hostels hold social events where travelers and locals mingle.

Make the Most of Daily Routines

• Drop-off & pick-up: You may meet other au pairs or parents when dropping off your host kids at school or nursery.
• Frequent the same places: Whether it’s a café, park, or gym, visiting the same spots regularly makes it easier to recognize familiar faces and start conversations.
• Public transport & cafés: Don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation with someone sitting near you! Compliment an outfit, ask for local recommendations, or chat about a book they’re reading.

Use Community Boards & Local Resources

Post a message on university bulletin boards or local supermarkets saying you're looking for fellow au pairs. Many towns also have official websites listing events, festivals, and activities—perfect for meeting new people while exploring your new home.

Making friends takes effort, but by staying open and putting yourself out there, you’ll soon build a network of amazing people!

Video: How to find friends as an au pair

Amina was an au pair in Australia, watch her personal experience and tips as inspiration for you.