Au pair programme requirements in Italy

Here are some essential rules and advice from Anna Tosi who is our responsible and professional partner in the au pair placement in Italy.

Au pair programme requirements in Italy:

The ages range from 18 to 30 years.
Good knowledge of English since she is expected to teach it to the children, little by little.
The working hours range from 30 (5 a day with one day off) to 45/48 week. More hours with the children if they do not go to school (i.e. if they are too young, or during holidays).
The salary ranges from 75 euros/week to 100, depending on the families. More for the full time.
The commitment is from 3 months to one year, or 1-2-3 months during summer.
Driver's license is not always requested.
It is essential the experience in looking after children.
Usually the au pair has her own bedroom. It might be shared with a child in a holiday house for a short time.
Most of the families give one day off, some all the weekend. It depends on the family's need. Some ask for a working weekend and give the free day during the week.
The au pair has one paid week of holiday every 6 months.

Following the host mum's instruction and always asking if they are not understood.
Being very clean and tidy in the own bedroom and bathroom. Italian ladies do not accept dirty toilets, clothes on the floor, undone beds and so on.
Keeping always the children by hand when the au pair walks with them and being very careful to keep them out of dangers.
If she has to get up early in the morning to work, she must not go to bed at 5 the night before (that's to say the same morning). She will be still sleeping while doing things and this does not give a good impression of herself.
Doing her best to adjust with the family's habits, without forgetting that she is not in holiday, but she is paid and hosted, so she has to fulfil the commitment that she has accepted the way the family wish. On the other hand, the family will do their best for the au pair to be comfortable and happy with them, in a mutual respect and confidence.
It is very important for an Italian mother the au pair's attitude towards children. She must play and interact with them, not just stay around chatting on the smartphone while they play by themselves. This is something that foreign au pairs often do not understand, but it is what all Italian mothers actually wish. The successful au pair is absolutely involved in what the children do, is creative in organizing their games, keeps them active, happy and amused. And talks a lot, for them to become confident with the English language.