About The Netherlands

The Dutch culture is diverse, reflecting regional differences as well as foreign influences thanks to the merchant and exploring spirit of the Dutch. The Netherlands and Dutch people have played an important role for centuries as a cultural centre, with the Dutch Golden Age regarded as the zenith. Dutch society is egalitarian and modern. The Dutch aren't bogged in their clichés, even though bikes, dykes, windmills and blazing flower fields are pretty much the norm outside the major cities. Do as the locals do - grab a bike and explore. It's a very big small country, and full of salutary surprises. One of the chief pleasures of the place is its lively contrast between pragmatic liberalism and the buttoned-up just-so primness of a culture founded on Calvinist principles. In Dutch society, ostentation is anathema and fuss of any kind is regarded as undignified. Hordes of tourists snap their way around the Netherlands in summer, but this is still the best time of year to sit picnicking by the canals. August is a great month for all sorts of events. Spring is a good time to visit for daffodils and tulips. Easter is busy in Amsterdam, but if you can visit during Koninginnedag (Queen’s Day) it's worth fighting the crowds. Early October with its Indian summer can be an excellent time to come. In winter the museums are quiet, and if everything freezes over, there's great ice skating on the canals and flood plains. .

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 Program

 

 

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 hours 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

 

Services Included in the Program Fee:

• Host family: completely screened including financial check
• Working hours: 30 per week during 5 days a week with a flexible schedule of maximum 8 hours per day, at least 1 weekend free each month
• Room and board: a separate own room within the house / home of the host family, completely furnished / full board
• Pocket money: EUR 300 to EUR 340 per month
• Medical insurance: including urgent dentist treatment, baggage, repatriation, paid by the host family
• Travel costs: airfare from the home country and back paid for by the host family
• School: up to EUR 230 paid by the host family (in general enough for a complete language course during the stay of the Au Pair). The Au Pair is allowed to decide which language she/he will study
• Au Pair training: within the first 30 days after arrival a one-day-training including lunch and drinks, paid for by the host family
• Mobile phone: with a pre paid card of EUR 10
• Vacation: 2 weeks paid holidays during 12 months
• Help desk assistance: for Au Pairs during their stay regarding visa, residence permit, personal questions, insurance, etc
• Au Pair manual: with many practical information, things to know, cultural explication of habits in The Netherlands
• Au Pair events: several times per year

 

Application Requirements

• Be between the ages of 18 and 26
• Completed and signed application form
• Signed Au Pair agreement
• Au Pair interview (every question answered and signed)
• Childcare reference (minimum 2 and signed)
• Medical report (signed by a physician)
• Character reference (signed)
• Emergency form
• Copy of passport
• Copy of international driver licence (if available)
• Police record (declaration of “good” behaviour)
• Minimum 3 pictures of the applicant together with friends / family / children
• Passport photo (smiling)
• A “dear host family letter” (who is the applicant, what are the expectations, motivations, hobbies, etc.)
• Copy of school diplomas
• An amount of USD 200 needs to be paid as guarantee deposit before travelling to the Host Family.

Note: After successful completion of the program the Au Pair will be reimbursed the USD 200 guarantee deposit within 30 days of arrival in home country. In order to obtain the reimbursement candidates must send proof of their “return stamp” in their passport.

 

 

Visa Requirements

Australians do not need a visa to go to the Netherlands; however a residence permit has to be arranged for the applicant once they have arrived, therefore some specific documents are required:

• Valid passport

• Original birth certificate, legalized by the Dutch Embassy

• Declaration that the applicant is not married, legalized by the Dutch Embassy

• Declaration the applicant has no children nor children who depend on the applicant, legalized by the Dutch Embassy

• Police record, legalized by the Dutch Embassy

 

Program Fees*

• Application Fee: EUR 400
• Placement Fee: EUR 275

 

 

*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.