Filling Gaps for Aupairs and Host Families in Australia - 99aupairs
October 18, 2023
Imagine that you’re given less than four days to leave your home.
You’d have a lot to figure out in a very short period of time.
Now imagine that you’re from another country… without family or many friends… that would make organizing your life even harder.
Well, this is a reality for more than 30% of Aupairs in Australiaa, and nothing is being done about it.
An unclear agreement (or lack of one in the first place) between them and their host families can end in disaster, with everyone involved feeling the effects.
It can be an uncertain world as a live-in Aupair.
They’re mainly young women ranging from 18 to 30 and for many, it can be their first time away from their families, away from their country and away from everything familiar to them.
Kudos to them. These young aspirational, hard-working women (and men) are on an educational, cultural and professional development journey, paving their future careers.
Host families looking for Aupair services have a special role to play in the lives of these young women (and vice versa of course).
More than an employer, they are direct influences, helping to guide them and mold their experience in Australia.
This leadership role is unfortunately taken for granted on some occasions. Studies have shown that more than 60% work after hours undertaking duties outside of their role, with many being underpaid or not receiving the monies promised.
Frighteningly, research has shown that despite whether or not the Aupair found work via an agency or through other means, the outcomes and risks remain the same.
The impact is felt not just by the Aupair, but importantly by the families too. Australian mums and dads don’t want this any more than the Aupairs do and the bad experiences reported in the recent study overshadow all the hard work all other families put in to make a positive impact in the Aupairs’ lives.
This is where we come in.
99aupairs is an independent, Australian-owned and grown service. We were founded in response to the needs of families as well as individuals travelling halfway across the world to help look after their children.
Unlike a typical agency, our unique checklist system ensures that both parties understand each other’s needs right from the get-go.
– No false expectations.
– No misunderstandings.
– No being taken advantage of.
It’s called mutual understanding and clarity, and you can’t put a price on that.
We have found a way to work together.
Our mission is to create more positive experiences, lifelong friendships, and families away from home. While highlighting Aupair program gaps, the study also shows that while not every match is perfect, those ones that are, are worth their weight in gold.
“I gained so so much more from my family than I ever expected. Honestly, I wouldn’t have cared if they never paid me a cent. I went through tough times with the family I saw them at their best and I saw them at their worst and they saw the same in me. They became my family. That experience for me was so much more than I ever could have imagined.”
Apply with us now to take advantage of our caring and supporting team here.