Name: Burnthebook
Price range: $

Port Hedland, WA

The Bennett Family

AIFS helped us find the right Au Pair after our first placement didn’t work out. Miri joined our family so naturally, and the bond we formed has lasted eight years and counting. Hosting has given us support, joy, and a lifelong connection we truly treasure.

The Application Process

When we first became a Host Family, we had no idea what to expect. Our very first placement lasted only three weeks. She was a lovely young woman, but caring for two little ones still in nappies was more demanding than she anticipated. We were also still learning how to welcome someone new into our home and trust them with our children.

What made the process reassuring was knowing that AIFS was there to guide us at every step. When the first placement did not work out, AIFS helped us find another match quickly. Every Au Pair goes through the same screening, preparation and support process, which gave us confidence as new parents.

Our next match, Miri from Germany, was a long drive away and we could not wait to meet her. With two children under three and two full-time jobs with frequent travel, we needed support we could rely on. From the moment she arrived, everything simply clicked.

The Benefits to Our Family

Miri fit naturally into our household. She connected with our children, our neighbours and everyone she met. From her first week she embraced every part of family life. We shared a beautiful Christmas together, travelled to Broome and Karratha, and watched her confidence grow as she settled into Australia. Her parents in Germany became part of our story as well, staying in contact and supporting her from afar.

"Hosting an Au Pair gave us more than support with childcare. It gave us friendships, memories and a global family we never expected. The right match truly stays with you for life."

Now, eight years later, we are still connected through WhatsApp, sharing updates, milestones and memories. Miri has since graduated as a speech therapist and returned to Australia with her partner Marno. Welcoming them both into our home felt like no time had passed at all.

Over the years we have hosted fourteen Au Pairs. Not every placement has been perfect, but each one has added something valuable to our family. Some became close friends and others send the occasional update, which still means so much to us.

Experiencing New Cultures

Hosting Au Pairs has introduced our children to new cultures, languages and traditions in the most natural way. Our home has been filled with stories from overseas, conversations about different countries and celebrations we would never have experienced otherwise. Seeing our children embrace these moments and carry them forward has been one of the most rewarding parts of hosting.

These cultural exchanges have taught our children to be open, curious and welcoming. They learned early on that families around the world do things differently, and that every Au Pair brings something special that becomes part of our family history.

Should You Become a Host Family?

Our message to new Host Families is that not every placement will be the perfect fit, and that is completely normal. What matters is the journey of finding the right match, learning together and building trust. The right connection can stay with you for years.

We are incredibly grateful to AIFS for their support and for helping us create these meaningful relationships. Hosting has given us support during busy seasons of life, unforgettable memories and connections that now stretch across the world.

We look forward to visiting Miri and Marno in Germany one day soon, especially now that they are newly engaged. Our story began in Australia, but it has grown into something much bigger, and we could not imagine our family without these experiences.

How Can We Help?

Frequently Asked Questions

01
What is an Au Pair?

An Au Pair is a young person who comes to Australia from another country to provide childcare and related in-home support in exchange for experiencing life with an Australian Family. As the Host Family, you will supply room, board and pocket money for the duration of the placement.
02
What are the typical duties of an Au Pair?

An Au Pair’s primary role is childcare. While they are happy and able to help with light household duties that are childcare related (e.g. tidying the children’s room, making their beds, helping with meals or laundry for children), they are not housekeepers or cleaners.
03
How much does an Au Pair cost?

There are several costs to consider when using AIFS to find your Au Pair. AIFS will charge a Service Fee (non-refundable) and a Placement Fee, which is due 1 month prior to your Au Pair’s arrival.
Once your Au Pair has arrived, you’ll also need to cover the costs of weekly pocket money, their completion bonus and leave and full board throughout their placement.
For more information about AIFS’ fees and the costs you will need to consider, please visit our fees page.
04
What are the working hours of an Au Pair?

Au Pairs in Australia may work up to 35 hours per week and should have at least 1.5 days off per week. While AIFS and Au Pairs understand that flexibility is important as family schedules can easily change, we ask all Host Families to complete a sample schedule so that an Au Pair can understand what is expected of them prior to placement.
05
How long does it take to find an Au Pair?

Generally it takes around 4-8 weeks to find an Au Pair for your family, but this can change throughout the year. Au Pairs from countries other than Germany can normally arrive in Australia at short notice, although finding the right match between your family and an Au Pair is our number one priority. While the matching process may take a little more time, it ensures that your Au Pair will fit your family and its requirements.