Au Pair in Spain: Frequently Asked Questions
Au Pair in Spain
Immerse yourself in Spanish culture! Work with children, sharpen your Spanish, and travel around Spain. It’s a great opportunity for intercultural exchange and to experience local traditions.
What level of English do I need to participate in the program?
It’s recommended to have a language level of Intermediate or higher to take part in the program.
Is knowledge of Spanish required to participate in the program?
It’s preferable to have at least a beginner level of Spanish to join the program. However, this won’t be a key enrollment criterion. Some host families will accept participants who only speak English.
Is a university degree required?
To enroll in the program, you must have completed secondary school (high school). A university degree is a plus, but it isn’t the main criterion.
How do I pay for the program?
After signing the agreement at IEC, you’ll have 7 calendar days to pay the registration fee of $150.
What counts as experience working with children?
Work as a teacher, nanny, camp counselor, event staff, and similar roles — any position where the prospective participant worked directly with children.
How does matching and placement with a host family work?
After participants in Au Pair in Spain fill out all required forms and submit the necessary documents, they are added to lists visible to host families. When a family selects an Au Pair, an interview is arranged between the family and the candidate to discuss the job details.
Can an Au Pair decline a host family after speaking with them?
Yes, participants can do this, but only a limited number of times. Before doing so, the Au Pair should tell their IEC office about the situation and consult with them on whether they should decline the host family.
Can I choose the host family or the city where I’d like to work?
Au Pair participants can’t choose their host family or city.
How many days off will I have?
An Au Pair gets 1–2 days off per week and 2 weeks of vacation during the program year.
What duties will an Au Pair have?
It depends on each host family, but generally Au Pairs play with the children and take them for walks. They may help with homework and drive the children to and from school. They can prepare meals for the kids and assist the family with household chores. The schedule and duties are discussed and agreed upon with the host family.
What children will you work with as an Au Pair?
The ages of the children you’ll care for usually match your Au Pair experience.
Can I change my host family?
If for any reason you, as an Au Pair, can’t get along with your host family, be sure to contact your program sponsor for advice first. They’ll help sort things out and, if necessary, try to find you a new host family. Don’t suddenly leave the host family without warning anyone about the situation!
Can I participate in the program if the Au Pair already has a host family in Spain?
This option is available under certain conditions. You can contact an IEC representative for more details about this procedure.
