About Belgium

Belgium is a small country bordering France, The Netherlands, Germany and Luxemburg. It has always been a transit country which has traded with many other countries. This has provided it with a multifaceted history, art and architecture. Belgium is also famous for its fine beer, wine, food and most of all its chocolate. The capital, Brussels is a real cosmopolitan city and the seat of the European Union and NATO. Termed the “unofficial capital” of Europe it features a nice but small historic centre and several museums of interest.   Programs Available Au Pair Program   To learn more about the programs we have available use the links at the top of the screen.   Click on the PDF icon to download program details

Au Pair

 

The au pair program is based on cultural exchange. An au pair participates in the day-to- day activities of the host family; he/she receives full room and board, pocket money and some secondary emoluments in exchange for which the au pair returns a certain amount of hour’s childcare and some light household duties. The time the au pair spends with the host family, i.e. during meals, family trips, evenings together with the family, etc. are not “working time” but family time. The au pair is expected to completely adopt to the family rules within the regulations of the au pair program, therefore the au pair is open minded for another culture, willing to learn and respects family live.

 

Length:

12 months

 

Lead Time:

6 months

 

 

Application Requirements

• Be between the ages of 18 and 26
• Completed and signed application form
• Signed Au Pair agreement
• Au Pair interview
• Childcare references (minimum 2 signed)
• Medical report (signed by a physician)
• Character reference (signed)
• Emergency form
• Copy of passport
• Copy of international driver licence (if available)
• Police Clearance Certificate
• Minimum 3 pictures of the applicant together with friends / family / children
• Passport photo (smiling)
• Cover Letter/Host Family letter (who is the applicant, what are the expectations, motivations, hobbies, etc.)
• Details of current or completed studies officially translated into Dutch or French. Candidates must have year 12 equivalent. Documentation must be legalized by the Belgian Embassy
• USD200 application deposit

Note: Reimbursement of the application deposit will occur after the Au Pair returns to her home country, sending a copy of their passport confirming the return (stamp). The payment will be done within 30 days.

 

Services Included in the Program Fees

• Host family: completely screened including financial check
• Working hours: 30 per week over 6 days with a flexible schedule of maximum 6 hours per day
• Room and board: private furnished room within the family house
• Pocket money: € 450,00 per month
• Medical insurance: including urgent medical/dental treatment, baggage, repatriation, paid by the host family
• Travel costs: return airfare from home country paid for by the host family
• School: the Au Pair needs to attend a language course in Dutch, with French or German throughout the program. The family will enrol the applicant with a local school
• Au pair training: within the first 30 days of arrival the Au Pair will participate in a one-day-training including lunch and drinks, paid for by the host family
• Mobile phone: with a pre paid sim card of € 10,00
• Vacation: 2 weeks paid holidays
• Help desk assistance: for Au Pairs during their stay regarding visa, residence permit, personal questions, insurance, etc
• Au pair manual: with practical information, things to know, cultural explication, etc.
• Au pair events: held regularly

 

Visa Requirments

Australians do not need a visa to come to Belgium; however a residence permit has to be arranged for the applicant after arrival, therefore some specific documents are required:

• Colour copy of the passport with the details (including picture)

• Details of current or completed studies officially translated into Dutch or French. Candidates must have year 12 equivalent. Documentation must be legalized by the Belgian Embassy

• Medical check, with an approved Belgian Embassy doctor. The result of the medical check needs to be translated into Dutch or French and legalized by the Belgian Embassy

 

Program Fees*

• Application Fee: EUR400

• +

• Program Fee: EUR275

 

*Please note that payments in different currencies will be charged in Australian dollars according to the exchange rate of the day. You can check the accurate conversion rates at the time of payment at www.xe.com/ucc. Please also note that an international transfer fee of AUD$35 will apply.