Step 1: You need to understand how the au pair program works.
In the abstract, we think it’s easy to find any kind of information thanks to our friend Google.
In reality, it’s a real headache! There are endless sources of information all over the web. International platforms dedicated to finding an au pair, such as AuPairWorld, public information sources or even Facebook groups that sometimes say everything and its opposite.
It’s hard to make sense of it all!
The advantage of an agency like Au Pair BUTRFLY: you talk to REAL people who are experts on the au pair program in France. You can call us to ask clear questions, clear up doubts and get personalized information. We’re here to explain step-by-step how you can host a “young au pair”. It’s much nicer to talk to someone, isn’t it?
Step 2: You decide to take the plunge: but how do you find an au pair?
Here again, when you decide to find an au pair, there are basically 3 possibilities:
The 1st is Facebook: a free solution for everyone (families and au pairs), but there’s no check to see if you’re contacting real au pairs with serious profiles. You’ll have to be very patient! Because you could be contacted at any time by profiles that don’t correspond at all to what you’re looking for. But it’s economical!
The 2ᵉ possibility is an AuPairWorld-type platform. This is an international platform for connecting families and au pairs from all over the world.
The advantage: rather economical access to a multitude of profiles of young people who want to be au pairs. The drawback: how do you find THE right person among the thousands of applications? It’s best to have your selection criteria in mind, and to be well-versed in recruitment techniques, as this too can be time-consuming. A good solution for people who want to be completely autonomous and have time to devote to it.
The 3ᵉ possibility is to go through an au pair agency. When you’re embarking on hosting an au pair for the first time, this is THE safest solution. You have professionals who, in addition to explaining how the program works, will introduce you to serious candidates who have been vetted (project, motivation, childcare references). It’s also a huge time-saver!
At Au Pair BUTRFLY, we’re lucky enough to interview dozens of candidates from all over the world who want to come to France. We make a point of checking their plans, motivations and childcare experience.
For families wishing to search for their au pair themselves (as on Au Pair World), Au Pair BUTRFLY offers access to its certified profiles (with a small badge).
It’s simple: you take out a 3-month or 6-month subscription and you can contact BUTRFLY au pairs.
The difference vs. AuPairWorld? You’ll get a summary of our impressions of the candidates we interview (20 minutes). It can help you save time!
Step 3: Now you have to deal with the paperwork for his arrival!
You’ve got it! You’ve found the right person! Your whole family can’t wait! Except that the au pair program is governed by strict rules, so you’ll have to deal with a few administrative formalities before she arrives. Frankly, wouldn’t you rather spend time with your family than deal with all that?
Once again, a platform like AuPairworld won’t help you in this respect. You’ll have access to the documents, and it’s up to you to fill them in. In absolute terms, it’s not that complicated. But bear in mind that a poorly completed contract may result in your visa being refused.
At Au Pair BUTRFLY, you have the possibility of freeing up your time and having us take care of it for you.
If you’ve found your au pair, you can subscribe to our Formalities package and we’ll manage all the formalities for you (including your au pair’s visa if she needs one).
If you’ve opted for our all-inclusive Premium package, we’ll complete the contract for you and make sure all documents are in order, so you can be sure your au pair’s stay is in order.
Step 4: At last! Your au pair is here!
The long-awaited moment has arrived, and your au pair has just joined your family.
During the first few weeks, you get to know each other better and learn how to organize yourselves together. But it’s not always easy to know if you’re adopting the right practices. An agency like BUTRFLY Au Pair is there to answer your questions once your au pair is in your home. The team will help you get through those first few weeks and mediate between you and your au pair if necessary.
What if things go wrong with your au pair?
If you’ve used a platform like AuPairworld, you’re 100% autonomous. So if, unfortunately, things don’t work out with your au pair, you have to look for a new one yourself. No one will help you with this.
If you’ve gone through Au Pair BUTRFLY, there are 3 possibilities:
- You've taken out a subscription: so you're on your own when it comes to recruiting your new au pair.
- If you've taken out a Premium package, we're here to understand the problem and support you if necessary.
- And if these problems can't be solved, we won't leave you alone. We offer to replace your au pair (according to the terms and conditions) so you can find the right person for you.
To sum up, each system has its advantages:
# AuPairWorld is an interesting platform if :
- You're an au pair program expert (you know how to manage a contract and all the administrative procedures)
- If you want to be completely independent and have time to look for your au pair
- If you don't need to talk to anyone.
⚠️ If, on the other hand, you want to be efficient in your search, our BUTRFLY Au Pair team is here to offer you the service that’s right for you.
- A subscription package for contact with certified au pairs validated in interviews.
- An option to manage administrative formalities and ask all your questions to our expert team
- An all-inclusive Premium package (recruitment, formalities, follow-up) for a worry-free start to your adventure.
