The American Institute for Foreign Study (Australia) Pty Ltd opened its Australian office in 1999 and began offering its Camp America and Au Pair in America programs to young Australians. In 2005, AIFS commenced offering inbound programs and currently facilitates cultural exchange programs for more than 2,000 young people.
Live your travel dreams! Cross the ditch and get paid to be an Au Pair.
The term Au Pair means on par or equal in French, which is exactly what you will be - an equal member of your host family. As an Au Pair, you'll be living with your Kiwi host family and helping care for their children. You'll have the full support of our New Zealand partner, Au Pair link, you'll gain experience working with children, become a much loved family member and still have plenty of downtime for adventures.
As an Au Pair, you will help care for the family's children and help with other simple family chores and errands (as you would at home in Australia). Your free time is yours to explore, travel, meet friends and participate in hobbies.
For a little country, New Zealand sure does things in a big way. Think huge landscapes, adrenaline filled activities and locals with massive hearts... travelling New Zealand is sure to be one of the greatest adventures of your life. And being just over the ditch it's perfect destination to explore!
Our programs are designed to engage our participants in cultural exchange, and while our cousins in New Zealand aren't too far away, it's a land and culture worth exploring. From traditional Maori culture to the ANZAC bond we know today, get ready to say Kia Ora to a wonderful New Zealand cultural experience.
You can apply for our Au Pair New Zealand program if you:
Au Pairs working on this program have many duties that are requirements of the New Zealand Ministry of Education, as part of being a licensed Early Childhood Education (ECE) provider.
You'll be responsible for...
Yes, while drivers are preferred it is not essential.
Yes, you will receive a weekly wage of around $200-$260 NZD. There is also a competition bonus of up to $1020NZD for 12 months.
Yes, you will receive 2 consecutive days off a week. You are entitled to annual leave and sick leave under NZ regulations. The time frame for both is dependent on how long your program runs. You do not work more than 10 hours a day and while the maximum is 45 hours per week, it’s normal to only work 20-35 hours.
Australian Citizens and Permanent Residents are able to visit, work and live in New Zealand without a visa. If you are applying for the Au Pair New Zealand program and you are neither an Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident, please contact the office – 1300 889 067.
Yes, this is an additional cost and you are responsible for purchasing your own flights to and from New Zealand. We have a dedicated team at Flight Centre who are ready and willing to help you find the best flight option for your trip. You can contact Linda directly at linda.park@flightcentre.com.au
Yes, CareMed is one of the only insurance providers currently covering for COVID-19 related issues, including medical coverage should you unfortunately test positive at any time.
In order to complete the programs you do need to have recent and relevant experience in working with children and youth. You will need a minimum of 200 hours recorded in your application and as a rule that experience should have been gained over the last 3 years or so. There are many ways you can gain experience, it could be through babysitting, youth groups/Sunday School, before and after school care, professional childcare, the Camp America or Au Pair in America programs, nursing, sports coaching, tutoring or volunteering.
You can start your application now in preparation for a departure toward the end of the year or early next year. We would normally recommend giving yourself at least 2-3 months before you wish to depart, this will give us plenty of time to assist you with your application.
You can choose how long you’d like to participate on the program. The minimum placement is 3 months, however you could also opt in for up to 6, 9 or 12 month placements.
You need to be at least 18 years old to complete the Au Pair New Zealand program. There is no upper age limit however 30 is generally the top age accepted by host families.
We can complete an interview in either format. If you would prefer an in-person interview and are located close to an interviewer then we can meet up. If you are rurally based, in another state or prefer the ease and comfort of an online interview, then we can complete your interview online, via FaceTime or Skype, as long as there is a strong, working video connection.
Yes, if you were successfully interviewed for the 2020 Camp America or Au Pair in America program and are no longer travelling due to the COVID 19 spread in the US, then we can use elements from your previous application, including your interviewer report, AFP and character references, to complete your APNZ application (as long as these documents are within date).
Yes, as part of your program fee you are covered with full travel insurance through CareMed for your time away.
Yes, orientation is normally held in person once you arrive in the Au Pair Link head office in Auckland. However because of current COVID-19 restrictions participants are flying directly to their host family and completing the orientation online. Orientation is a great way to get to know more about your role, the NZ culture and to connect with other Au Pairs.
Absolutely, if you have previously completed either program you can include your hours spent working with kids in your APNZ application. Your skills and experience gained in this area would definitely qualify you for this program.
High! Our agent in NZ, Au Pair Link have heaps of families that are ready and waiting to see your application. You can view their profiles while they view yours and it’s a mutual decision from both you and the host family before the match is approved. You can checkout some Featured Host Families here.
Your food and accommodation is provided for you by your host family. While you live with your host family, you’ll never have to worry about meals and you are provided with your own room in the family home.
Absolutely, our partner Au Pair Link will be a strong part of your support network while you are in New Zealand. You will be in touch with a Program Manager in your area who is there to support you in your duties and childcare planning whilst the head office in Auckland can assist you with any concerns, logistical or personal while you are on your placement.
We are currently waiting for the Trans-Tasman bubble to open up, which should be later this year as long as numbers relating to COVID-19 continue to trend downwards. At this stage, we could be looking at September – October as the earliest, however we will keep you updated once we have further information.