Austinmer, NSW
The Sabet Family
We are incredibly grateful for the experience of hosting Au pairs through AIFS for the last 6+ years. Having Au Pairs has been a game-changer for our family. Not only have they become trusted caregivers for our children, but they have all become parts of our extended family.
Finding Our Au Pair
When we started our journey with AIFS in 2018, the application process was very straightforward and smooth. From the start, we felt really supported by AIFS. They were always available to answer any questions we had, whether it was about the paperwork or what to expect.
We have used AIFS bespoke matching service, as well as the HUB to search for our Au Pairs ourselves, and we couldn’t be happier with how it turned out. The service allowed us to connect with Au Pair who closely matched our family’s needs, preferences, and values. It felt very personal, and we appreciate that AIFS took the time to understand what we were looking for.
For each search we were given options of reviewing several different profiles. We were able to narrow down the choices based on the skills and qualities that were most important to us. After interviewing with a few potential Au Pairs and learning more about their backgrounds and personalities, we decided on candidates that felt like the best fit for our family dynamic.
A Life Changing Experience
All the Au Pairs we have hosted have been very different, but have made our children feel comfortable and loved, and we've seen them grow in confidence under their care.
It's amazing to watch the Au Pairs bond with our children, and we’ve seen them develop new skills, from problem-solving to learning new languages, thanks to our Au Pairs.
As parents, the experience provided us with so much peace of mind. Knowing that our children were in the hands of someone caring, responsible, and experienced was invaluable. Our kids absolutely loved their Au Pairs, and it has made them more confident and independent. For us, it was also wonderful to have an extra set of hands around the house, which allowed us to have more time for work, relaxation, and quality family time.
We couldn’t have asked for better additions to our household, and we’re so thankful for the cultural exchange, the lessons our children have been taught, and the joy our Au Pairs have brought into our home.

What Next?
The experiences with our past Au Pairs have been so positive that we continue to host Au Pairs and in fact, we have just confirmed our next another Au Pair for later this year. It’s been such a rewarding experience for our family, and we’ve built lasting relationships.
Without a doubt, we would use AIFS again and highly recommend them to other families. The support we received from them was excellent, and the matching process was thorough and well thought out. Our Au Pair’s experience has been wonderful, and we couldn’t have asked for a better partnership.
How Can We Help?
Frequently Asked Questions
-
01What is an Au Pair?
An Au Pair is a young person from overseas who lives with an Australian Host Family and helps with childcare and light household tasks related to the children. In return, the family provides accommodation, meals, weekly pocket money and a cultural exchange experience in Australia.
-
02What are the typical duties of an Au Pair?
An Au Pair’s main role is childcare. Duties may include school runs, preparing children’s meals, playtime, helping with routines, tidying children’s rooms and doing children’s laundry. An Au Pair is not a general cleaner or housekeeper.
-
03How much does an Au Pair cost in Australia?
AIFS six-month placement fees currently start from $1,395, plus a $350 service fee. Host Families also provide weekly pocket money, meals, accommodation, paid time off, travel from Sydney orientation to their home and a $300 completion bonus.
For more information about AIFS’ fees and the costs you will need to consider, please visit our fees page.
-
04What 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.
-
05How long does it take to find an Au Pair?
It usually takes around four to eight weeks to find an Au Pair, depending on your family’s needs, location, the time of year and candidate availability. Starting your search early gives you more time to find the right match.