What to do after being an au pair

What to do after being an au pair?

You probably know by now what comes with being an au pair, but what about the "after"? What happens when your time abroad comes to an end? Which is the best path for you to take? Here are some ideas.

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10 november 2024

, in Au pairs

Going back to your everyday life might not always be easy. You might feel a bit overwhelmed by the contrast between the end of a wonderful au pair experience and the uncertainty of your next steps.  But don’t despair, there are many great options you can choose from, to start building the life you’ve always dreamt of!

1. Ready to start studying?

If you’ve always dreamt about attending university, then you might want to choose a course of study and look through the course offer of the different universities, whether in your country or abroad.

Keep in mind that if you get a language certification during your time as an au pair, you’ll be able to attend university as an international student wherever you want: this could really be an amazing experience!

If your passion for kids is what pushed you to become an au pair, then these are some of the best courses for you:

  • Child Psychology, Development Psychology or General Psychology, Education/Early Childhood Development, Education/Special Education, Speech Therapy

On the other hand, if you are more keen on languages, want to learn new ones, become a teacher or a translator, then you can check these courses:

  • Interpreting, Translation, Languages and Cultures for Tourism and International Commerce, Foreign Languages and Literature, International Relations

Which ever way your wishes are taking you, you should always dream big!
The offer is wide and, thanks to the skills you gained during your time abroad as an au pair, you can be sure that you’ll have an extra kick. 

If you’d already got a Bachelor or a Master Degree before going abroad as an au pair, then you could opt for a quality master and get specialised.

2. Look for a job when you don’t want to go back home yet

You’re already in a foreign country, so why not seize the opportunity to gather the necessary documents and start job hunting right where your adventure began?

You know the city, have likely made friends, and your host family is there to support you. Explore various fields that interest you and put your new language skills to use!

Start with something simple, like a job in hospitality, or leverage your experience with children by helping in kindergartens. There are plenty of opportunities to kickstart your career while you search for the perfect fit!

3. Balance studying and working simultaneously

Many young people successfully balance work and study at the same time. Start by selecting your courses and then plan your part-time job around them. This way, you can give both the attention they deserve.

Your options are broad: align your job with your studies (like working in a kindergarten while studying education) or mix it up (such as studying education while working in a restaurant). The possibilities are endless!

4. Search for a new family in a new country

If you loved being an au pair, consider finding a new family in another country for fresh adventures. Immersing yourself in a different culture will help you learn a new language, meet new people, and enhance your skills. Each new family and country presents unique challenges, enriching your understanding of the world and expanding your international connections, while fostering greater independence and resilience.

Video: Coming back home as an au pair

What to do after your au pair year: working, studying or starting another au pair experience?

That's the question that most au pairs ask themselves and there are many options to choose from! Sharia tells you about her personal experience and what she did after her gap year abroad.

What to do after your au pair stay