What questions should I ask the family when I interview them?

Going to a foreign country as an aupair can be a very rewarding experience for young people. As an aupair candidate, you must ask the right questions to find your perfect host family. This can be a lengthy process and it is imperative that you make the right decision before your journey.

Below are some questions that you will find beneficial asking your future host parents. You can print them out, make notes and use it to compare the host families you are interviewing.

1. What kind of area do you live in? Big city, rural area…?
2. Is public transportation accessable?
3. Would I have the use of a car for my personal use?
4. Are there any language schools in your area?
5. Have you had an au pair before?
6. Do you follow a special diet?
7. Do you need me to cook?
8. Does anybody smoke in the house?
9. What are the nationalities of the host parents?
10. Are you the native speakers of my target country’s language?
11. What language do you generally speak in the house?
12. Do you have any pets? If so, what kind and do you want me to take care of them?
13. What is the educational background of the host parents?
14. What are the host parent’s occupations?
15. What is my work schedule?
16. What is host parent’s work schedule?
17. Would there be any extra hours to work? If so, please explain.
18. Explain the child care duties in detail.
19. Explain the light housekeeping duties in detail.
20. Do you travel often?
21. Do I need to work any evening and weekend hours?
22. Please describe the aupair’s room.
23. How do we arrange the vacation schedules?
24. Do you have someone for house cleaning? How often?
25. What are the rules for aupair to bring over friends such as other aupairs, parents, boyfriends, girlfriends?
26. Do you expect au pair to travel with you?
27. What are your hobbies and interests?