What Should Be on Your Au Pair Departure Checklist?
A solid au pair departure checklist covers four phases in the 90 days before you fly: finalizing paperwork and your placement (90–60 days out), handling visa and travel logistics (60–30 days out), packing and host family communication (30–14 days out), and last-minute confirmations (final 14 days). Working through each phase in order — instead of tackling everything at once — is what keeps departure week calm instead of chaotic.
Key Takeaways
- Break your 90-day countdown into four phases: paperwork, logistics, packing, and final confirmations.
- Visa and document steps belong in the 60–30 day window, since appointments and processing take time.
- Rome Abroad’s full placement program is a $600 one-time, credited screening fee that includes host family matching, preparation, and training.
- Packing light and researching your host country’s essentials matters more than buying everything before you leave.
- A structured, guided program gives you built-in support and checkpoints, which matters most in the final two weeks before departure.
90–60 Days Before Departure: What Do You Need to Handle First?
The first phase of your countdown is about foundations: your placement, your documents, and your understanding of what’s ahead.
- Confirm your host family match. Make sure you have their contact information, the ages and names of the children, and a clear sense of your daily responsibilities.
- Start gathering identity documents. Locate your passport (or apply/renew if it expires within a year of your return date), birth certificate, and any background check paperwork your program requires.
- Research visa requirements for your destination. Visa rules are destination-specific and change over time, so this is not something to guess on your own — it’s part of what a guided program walks you through.
- Schedule a check-in call with your placement coordinator. Use this time to ask questions about the family, the country, and what preparation and training will cover.
Rome Abroad has placed more than 350 participants in host families across Italy, Spain, France, and Australia since 2015, and every placement starts with this same foundational phase before logistics even begin.
60–30 Days Before Departure: How Do You Prepare Documents and Logistics?
This is the phase where paperwork turns into action. Visa appointments, medical prep, and travel bookings all take real lead time, so starting 60 days out gives you room to breathe if something is delayed.
Visa and Legal Documents
- Book your visa appointment as soon as your destination country’s consulate opens a slot.
- Gather any supporting documents your host family or program provides (invitation letters, proof of placement, etc.).
- Make two copies of every document — one to pack separately from the originals, one to leave with a parent or trusted contact at home.
Health and Travel Logistics
- Visit your doctor for a general checkup and to confirm any recommended vaccinations for your destination.
- Look into travel or health insurance coverage for your time abroad.
- Book your flight once your visa timeline is confirmed — not before.
- Set up international banking access: a no-foreign-transaction-fee card and a plan for accessing your weekly pocket money.
30–14 Days Before Departure: What Final Steps Remain?
With paperwork underway, your focus shifts to packing, communication, and getting mentally ready for the transition.
Packing Smart
Most experienced au pairs pack lighter than they expect to. Host families typically provide room and meals, so you don’t need to bring an entire wardrobe or household supplies — you need clothing that layers well, comfortable shoes, and a few personal items that make a new bedroom feel like yours.
- Check the climate for your specific region and season, not just the country in general.
- Pack a “first week” bag of essentials in your carry-on in case checked luggage is delayed.
- Bring printed copies of key documents (passport photo page, visa, host family contact info) in addition to digital copies.
Connecting With Your Host Family
- Set up a video call to meet the children and see the home, if you haven’t already.
- Ask about house rules, daily schedule expectations, and what the first few days will look like.
- Share your flight details as soon as they’re booked so pickup can be arranged.
Every family in Rome Abroad’s network is vetted before matching, and preparation calls like these are built into the Italy program and every other destination — so you’re never figuring out what to ask on your own.
The Last 14 Days: What Should You Double-Check Before You Fly?
The final stretch is about confirmation, not new tasks. If you’ve followed the earlier phases, this window should feel light.
- Confirm your visa is in hand and matches your travel dates.
- Check in online for your flight and confirm your host family knows your arrival time.
- Notify your bank of international travel to avoid card blocks.
- Set up an international phone plan or confirm you can get a local SIM on arrival.
- Back up your phone and store digital copies of your documents in cloud storage.
- Say a proper goodbye — block time for family and friends instead of packing until the last minute.
Why Does a Guided Program Make This Checklist Easier?
A DIY matching site leaves every one of these steps up to you, with no structured timeline and no one to catch a missed deadline. A guided program builds the checklist into the process itself: your coordinator flags what’s due when, your host family is already vetted before you start planning logistics, and training and support continue after you’ve arrived, not just before you leave.
That structure is the core difference between Rome Abroad and self-directed matching — the $600 one-time, credited screening fee covers host family matching, preparation, training, and support through your placement, so this checklist is something your coordinator walks with you rather than something you manage alone. If you only need visa guidance because you’re arranging your placement independently, Rome Abroad also offers Visa Support Only for $300 for US citizens.
FAQ
How far in advance should I start my au pair departure checklist?
Start 90 days before your departure date. This gives enough time for visa appointments, document processing, and flight booking without last-minute pressure. Rome Abroad’s preparation process is built around this same 90-day window.
What documents do I need before I leave for my au pair placement?
At minimum, you’ll need a valid passport, your visa, and any supporting documents your host family or program provides. Visa requirements vary by destination, so treat this step as destination-specific guidance rather than something to research generically — it’s part of what Rome Abroad’s program covers.
How much should I pack as a new au pair?
Pack lighter than you think you need to. Host families provide room and meals, so focus on climate-appropriate clothing, comfortable shoes, and a few personal touches rather than trying to bring everything from home.
What’s the difference between Rome Abroad’s full program and Visa Support Only?
The full placement program is a $600 one-time, credited screening fee covering host family matching, preparation, training, and ongoing support. Visa Support Only is $300 for US citizens who need help with that specific piece of the process. Both are part of Rome Abroad’s guided approach rather than a DIY matching site.
A clear checklist takes the guesswork out of departure — and a guided placement takes the guesswork out of everything that comes after.
Part of the Rome Abroad team helping young women live and work abroad as au pairs since 2015.
