Frequently Asked Questions

An au pair is a young person who lives with a host family in another country and helps care for their children in exchange for a private room, meals, and weekly pocket money. It's a cultural exchange, not a job — you become part of the family, share your language and culture, and get to live abroad affordably. Rome Abroad places English-speaking au pairs (ages 18–30) with vetted families in Italy, Spain, France, and Australia.

Who we are →

We screen each of our family and check their references before we send anyone to their home. Therefore ensuring safety for our au pairs with our vetted host families!

Additionally, we've been working with many of our host families for years now and they've had consistently good reviews. Each Traveler gets the chance to review their host family at the end of the program. This way, we only work with the best families.

With support during placement, you'll likely get a chance to talk to a family's reference before you sign a contract. (This reference is usually a Rome Abroad Graduate.)

We also work with other organizations who streamline the matching process. These organizations screen host families before we work with them.

Why choose Rome Abroad →

Au pairs receive a weekly stipend (pocket money) on top of a private room and all meals — so it's money you can put toward weekend travel, not rent or food. Amounts vary by country, family, and your hours:

• Italy — €80–100 per week
• Spain — €80–100 per week
• France — €80–100 per week
• Australia — AU$200–350 per week, plus a completion bonus of around AU$600 when you finish your contract

Rome Abroad programs aren't a way to make money — our purpose is to help you affordably experience another culture. Apply to live abroad.

Is Rome Abroad right for you? →

Your host family will provide room and board which includes a private room, meals (groceries), and a weekly stipend. Whether you au pair in Italy, Spain, France, or Australia, your host family should help you feel safe, secure, and welcome in their home. Your host family can help you find opportunities for cultural experiences in the community.

Why choose Rome Abroad →

Rome Abroad is $600 for the full program (Italy, Spain, France, or Australia) or $300 for Visa Support Only (U.S. citizens). Pay in full, or reserve your spot with a 25% deposit when your orientation is scheduled and split the rest into 3 easy monthly payments.

Your program fee includes:

• Safe, vetted, welcoming host families
• Training and resources — au pair tips, finding cheap flights, and more
• An official contract signed by you and your host family, which we help maintain and enforce
• Help making sure your host family pays you in full and doesn't overwork you
• Visa assistance
• A worldwide community of au pairs
• Full support from application to departure and beyond

Going with a friend? You each get $70 off. Returning alumni get $100 off a second program. See the pricing page for details.

Get started →

Yes! We love it when friends get to travel together. Plus, the buddy system is a great way to stay safe so we highly recommend traveling with others.

For these reasons, we encourage going with a friend. When you refer a friend who does one of our programs, you BOTH get a $70 discount!

Just have your friends apply with your name as the promo code! If you have any questions feel free to contact us!

*We can try to place you in the same city/region, but matches depend on family needs*

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Yes! We encourage new friendships in our programs. After your acceptance, we'll give you access to a group chat. Then you can get to know others who will be in same program. You can plan trips together plus you'll have instant friends when you arrive. ​ The group chat is a great place to ask advice, share tips, and make travel plans.

We've had many people develop lifelong friendships this way. Check out our reviews of what our previous au pairs have said! We'll also give you access to other networks outside of Rome Abroad so you can expand your friendship network abroad further.

Why choose Rome Abroad →

Host families expect you to interact as much as possible with their children. Your childcare duties could include: telling stories, playing games, doing crafts or activities, reading books, and more. You should also act like one of the family by providing light cleaning and cooking, and by tidying up after yourself and the children. For families whose native language isn't English, it's important to talk a lot, they want to learn English!

Host families are usually very interested to know more about you! You should be willing to share things about yourself, your family, and your lifestyle at home. Read more about a host family's expectations and requirements.

Is Rome Abroad right for you? →

As an au pair you are typically working no more than 30 hours per week. A typical schedule during the school year looks like this: you're free in the mornings and aren't "on duty" until around 2 or 3 pm (after school ends) Monday through Friday with typically 2 days free (Saturday and Sunday). On your free time you are able to travel, explore, and do things on your own. (Of course, you're more than welcome to stay and hang out with your host family if you want to.)

During the summer, your schedule might be mornings or afternoons. Either way, our program requirements are clear so you won't be "on duty" more than 30 hours per week.

Weekends are a great time to see other places, travel, go to museums, and explore your host country. You can check out typical weekend activities for our Travelers on the blog.

Is Rome Abroad right for you? →

Usually No. Families expect you to take care of your own transportation.

After you're accepted to the program, we'll give you all our best tips for finding cheap flights. We have extensive experience finding great flight deals.

Flights from the US to Italy, Spain, France and Australia range between $400-$1700. If flights seem expensive, also bear in mind that you will earn money during the program. Calculate the flight cost and see if you can make up most (if not all) of it with the money you get weekly.

Why choose Rome Abroad →

Safety is our top priority at Rome Abroad! We provide safe-vetted host families that have had references and a background check done to ensure your safety. We are here to support you throughout the entire process from application to arrival and beyond. If at any moment you do not feel safe with a host family, please reach out to Rome Abroad, and we will provide guidance on next steps and provide a rematch if possible.

In regards to safety while traveling realize that the majority of crimes suffered by tourists are nonviolent and avoidable. Tourists naturally attract petty thieves, but if you're wise, you can avoid them.

Be aware of your surroundings and keep personal belongings close to your body. This can help you avoid pickpockets, especially in busy areas.

You can read more safety tips on our blog. You can also read reviews from previous au pairs! We also provide more specific safety guidelines in your training materials given at orientation.

Why choose Rome Abroad →

It depends! In Italy, Spain, and Australia, you don't need to speak another language. In fact, many host families in those countries prefer that you don't! That way, it helps their kids to use English only (and therefore dramatically improve their conversation skills). Many kids in foreign countries study English in school but lack practical application.

For France, an A2 basic French is required of all applicants. You'll need to be able to introduce yourself in French and have a basic conversation. French families believe this is very important, especially as many of their children have limited English vocabulary.

Of course, no matter where you are, knowing some basics will help you as you navigate your new country. Learning helpful phrases and words before you arrive can help a lot! In fact, that's one of the most common pieces of advice our graduates give future Travelers. We'll give you the basics in your training materials after you're accepted to the program.

If you want to talk with locals, the average person is more than happy to help out (especially if they see your effort). And of course, as you spend more time immersed in another language, you'll start to pick up a few words here and there. Good luck!

Is Rome Abroad right for you? →

Read the tips and adventures of other Travelers on the blog.

Other ways to prepare to become an au pair are as follows:

• Am I prepared to live outside of my comfort zone?

• Do I have a valid passport that's not expiring anytime soon?

• Do I have experience working with kids?

• Do I have at least 2 childcare references?

• Am I going to be comfortable living away from family and friends?

If you answered yes to those questions, ponder the following:

• What do I want most out of my experience in a foreign country?

• Why do I want to live abroad?

See how it works →

You must be between 18 and 30 years old on your date of availability. You must have some experience with children such as teaching, babysitting, nannying, tutoring, etc, clean background checked, not have any children of your own, and not be married.

You should be passionate about traveling, learning, and seeing the world. Our ideal candidates are friendly and extroverted, smile a lot, and talk a lot. Having international travel experience is a bonus (gold star if you've done it solo!).

Is Rome Abroad right for you? →

Missing your home, family, and friends is a natural part of being away for an extended amount of time. It happens to even the most avid travelers. The key to dealing with homesickness is to make some decisions beforehand. Resolve that no matter your feelings of homesickness, you will actively engage with your host family. Resolve to take the initiative to do specific things to enjoy your limited time away from home.

With Rome Abroad we provide support and a community of other au pairs that will help with homesickness. Additionally, many au pairs focus on doing things they love (joining a dance class or a gym), and investing themselves in their host family.

If you're worried about being away from home and have never traveled on your own, test it out on a smaller scale. If you're still worried about it after that, this may not be the right experience for you. Read reviews from our past au pairs to see how they were able to build a community of friends while abroad!

Why choose Rome Abroad →

Before choosing your host family you first interview with them. You can talk to them, introduce yourself, and get to know them before you make the decision to be their au pair. You'll have a chance to ask them about their expectations as well as express your own. You'll also get to talk with someone who has done a Rome Abroad program before. Most of the time, this person will be someone who's lived with your same host family as well.

We do this to help prevent any incompatibilities with personalities. If there are issues after your arrival, express your feelings with us and with your host parent(s). Most incompatibility issues can be worked out through open communication, a review of expectations, and setting goals.

If you don't like your host family because they are being disrespectful, unkind, or abusive, contact us immediately and we'll get you to a safe place until you can be placed with another family.

Why choose Rome Abroad →

We understand that sometimes life happens, and you might need to leave early. However, if you leave your family without coordinating with us, or come home early, there is a cancellation fee.

There are reasons for this fee.

• Your host family has changed their life arrangements to accommodate you. Changing your mind can present difficulties for them.
• Contract was broken

For more details, see our terms and conditions.

Why choose Rome Abroad →

1. The first step is to apply for free. Apply to get matched with vetted host families.

2. After you've passed the initial screening, you'll fill out an assessment.

3. Once you're accepted to the program, you'll meet with us for orientation (in person or via video). We'll finalize your dates, give you training materials, and help you prepare to meet a host familyYou'll also make a 25% non-refundable deposit, which goes towards the program cost.

4. After you’re accepted, we’ll schedule interviews with your top families. You'll get to look through family profiles and pick your top choices. We'll set up everything for the introduction and you'll meet your potential host family in a video call. You'll get to talk to them multiple times. If you feel like it's a good match, we'll set up the agreement.

5. Before you leave, we'll have a free departure meeting where we help you prepare for your adventure. Then buckle up and pack your bags! You'll be off in no time.

6. While you're in the program, we'll check in with you frequently to make sure everything is running smoothly.

7. After you finish the program, we ask for your feedback so we can continuously improve.

See how it works →

Check out our blog for updates of what current and past Rome Abroad Travelers are doing. You can read about their travel, life with a host family, and activities with the kid(s) of their host families. You can also read reviews from previous travelers on their experience as an au pair with Rome Abroad!

We also have tips and tricks for traveling on the blog.

Why choose Rome Abroad →

For au pair placements under 90 days, U.S. and other English-speaking travelers can go to Italy visa-free under the Schengen short-stay rules — no work visa is required for a cultural-exchange au pair stay. For stays longer than 90 days, you'll need a student visa (usually paired with enrollment in an Italian language school), and Rome Abroad guides you through the paperwork and consulate application.

New for Fall 2026: Schengen visits under 90 days require an ETIAS travel authorization — it costs €20, is approved within minutes, and is valid for 3 years. Without it you can be denied boarding, so we make sure it's on your checklist. Rome Abroad never promises visa approval, but we walk you through every step.

See how it works →

For stays under 90 days, English-speaking travelers can au pair in Spain visa-free under the Schengen rules (plus the new ETIAS authorization from Fall 2026). Rome Abroad also places au pairs in Spain for stays over 90 days, which require a student visa — we help you prepare the application through the official Spanish consulate.

See how it works →

In France, stays under 90 days are visa-free under Schengen (with ETIAS from Fall 2026) and are usually summer placements. Most French host families prefer a 6–12 month stay, which uses France's dedicated au pair long-stay visa — Rome Abroad guides you through it. Basic French (around A2 level) is strongly recommended to help your visa get approved.

See how it works →

Au pairs in Australia travel on a Working Holiday visa: subclass 462 for U.S. citizens and subclass 417 for UK, Canadian, New Zealand, and Irish citizens — both for ages 18–30. Rome Abroad guides you through the online application, and the visa is granted directly by Australian immigration.

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No — an au pair's weekly pocket money is a cultural-exchange allowance, not a wage. Rome Abroad places au pairs on cultural-exchange terms, so the money you receive is yours to spend on travel and daily life, not salaried employment income.

Is Rome Abroad right for you? →

Au pairs in Italy receive €80–100 per week in pocket money, and it can be more depending on the host family and your hours. Because your host family also provides a private room and all your meals, that pocket money is entirely yours — for travel, coffee, and enjoying Italy.

Is Rome Abroad right for you? →

Au pairs in France receive €80–100 per week in pocket money, and it can be more depending on the host family and your hours. Your host family also provides a private room and all your meals, so that pocket money is entirely yours — for pastries, weekend trips, and enjoying France.

Is Rome Abroad right for you? →

Au pairs in Australia receive AU$200–350 per week depending on your childcare experience, plus a private room, all meals, and typically use of the family car. When you complete your contract, Australian host families usually pay a completion bonus of around AU$600.

Is Rome Abroad right for you? →

Yes — Rome Abroad places au pairs aged 18 to 30. This range keeps you eligible for the cultural-exchange and working-holiday visas used across Italy, Spain, France, and Australia. If you're outside that range or don't have childcare experience, ask us about the Tutor in Italy program instead.

Is Rome Abroad right for you? →

Yes. You can pay in full, or reserve your spot with a 25% deposit when your orientation is scheduled and split the rest into 3 easy monthly payments (the balance is due before you depart).

Get started →

Some childcare experience — babysitting, younger siblings, camps, or coaching — is expected for our au pair programs. If you don't have any but still want to live with a host family in Italy, our Tutor in Italy program is built for you: you share your English instead of providing childcare, and no experience is required.

Is Rome Abroad right for you? →

Absolutely — that's part of the point. Au pairs typically work 20–30 hours a week with free weekends, and your days off are yours. Many Rome Abroad au pairs use weekend trains and budget flights to see several countries during their stay.

Is Rome Abroad right for you? →

A nanny is a hired childcare professional paid a market wage. An au pair is a young person who lives with a host family as part of a cultural exchange, helping with the children in return for a private room, meals, and weekly pocket money. Au pairs work fewer, lighter hours (typically 20–30 a week), become part of the family, and are there to share their language and culture as much as to help. For families it's also far more affordable than a full-time nanny — and for you, it's an experience, not a job.

Who we are →

For most of our au pairs, yes. It's one of the most affordable ways to truly live in another country instead of just visiting — you get a free private room, all your meals, weekly spending money, and weekends to travel, plus a second family abroad. It isn't a way to get rich, and there are hard days (homesickness is real). But if your goal is to experience another culture deeply, pick up a language, and grow, it's hard to beat. Hear it firsthand in our au pair stories.

Is Rome Abroad right for you? →

Au pairs help with the children and light, child-related tasks — school runs, playtime, preparing the kids' meals, and tidying up after the little ones. An au pair is not a housekeeper or maid: deep-cleaning the whole house, cooking for the entire family, and heavy chores are not part of the role. Your exact duties are agreed in writing before you arrive, so there are no surprises.

Is Rome Abroad right for you? →

No. Rome Abroad au pairs provide daytime, shared childcare — not sole overnight care, and not newborn care. Your hours and days off are fixed in your host-family agreement, and overnight babysitting isn't part of a standard placement.

Is Rome Abroad right for you? →

Au pairs typically work about 20–30 hours a week with free weekends, plus agreed days off and vacation time — all written into your host-family agreement. Your free time is genuinely yours: most au pairs use it for weekend trips, classes, and friends.

Is Rome Abroad right for you? →

Au pairs in Spain receive €80–100 per week in pocket money, on top of a private room and all meals covered by the host family. Because your living costs are covered, that money is yours for travel and fun — not rent or food.

Is Rome Abroad right for you? →

For stays under 90 days, U.S. and other English-speaking travelers can au pair in Italy, Spain, or France visa-free under the Schengen short-stay rules — ideal for a summer placement. From Fall 2026 you'll also need a €20 ETIAS travel authorization, approved within minutes. For stays longer than 90 days, you'll use a student or long-stay au pair visa, which Rome Abroad guides you through.

See how it works →

Yes — summer is our biggest season. Placements in Italy and Spain often run 2–3 months and fit neatly inside the 90-day visa-free window. France and Australia lean toward longer stays (Australia has a 6-month minimum), so if you only have a summer, Italy or Spain is the easiest fit. See the programs and pricing.

Explore the programs →

We place fluent English-speaking au pairs — most commonly from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Ireland, along with EU citizens who speak English well. Your nationality determines which visa you'll use, and we help you find the right pathway for your destination.

Is Rome Abroad right for you? →

You'll need travel and liability insurance — it's usually required for your visa and typically costs around $35 per month. It covers things like medical care, trip disruptions, and emergencies abroad. It isn't included in the program fee; you choose and buy your own policy, and we point you to reputable options.

See how it works →

Plan for your flights plus a buffer for your first month — many au pairs bring around $200 to settle in before their first pocket-money payment. After that your room and meals are covered and your weekly pocket money handles day-to-day spending, so ongoing costs are low.

Get started →

Absolutely — and many do. Au pair schedules usually leave mornings or parts of the day free, and language classes are one of the most popular ways to spend that time (they also help you get more from the experience). For stays over 90 days in Europe, enrolling in a language school is often part of the student-visa pathway.

Is Rome Abroad right for you? →

Yes. Your time off is your own, and building a social life is a big part of the experience. Rome Abroad connects you with a community of other au pairs in your country before you even arrive, so you land with people to explore with — weekend trips, meetups, and friendships that often outlast the program.

Is Rome Abroad right for you? →

It depends on your visa. Some working-holiday visas (like Australia's) allow additional work, while short-stay Schengen and student visas generally don't permit outside employment. Au pairing is a full cultural-exchange experience rather than a base for side jobs — and we'll help you understand exactly what your visa allows.

Is Rome Abroad right for you? →

Because it's one of the few ways to truly live in another country — not as a tourist, but as part of a family — without needing a big budget. Au pairs go to grow, learn a language, travel, gain childcare and life experience, and come home with a second family and a story that changes them. If you're between 18 and 30 and craving something bigger, this is it. Start your application.

Who we are →

Yes — while most of our au pairs are young women, men with childcare experience are welcome to apply. Host families most often request female au pairs, so matching a male au pair can take a little longer, but real childcare experience (babysitting, coaching, camps, younger siblings) is what opens doors. Start your application and we'll be straight with you about your options.

Is Rome Abroad right for you? →

The earlier the better. Most applicants match with a family within a few weeks, but visas — especially for stays over 90 days or for Australia — need lead time, so applying 2–3 months ahead of your ideal start date keeps things relaxed. Applying and interviewing are free, so there's no downside to starting early.

Get started →