Have you ever heard of "Au Pair"??Is it a safe way to go abroad?
By jricky1
@jricky1 (6800)
China
December 14, 2011 9:27pm CST
I heard a programme which gives people such opportunities to go abroad,meanwhile,you should also do some light housework to earn the weekly money.lol,i think it's pretty a good programme but also means that we should consider the safety of ourselves,how do you think?
3 responses
@wittynet (4421)
• Philippines
15 Dec 11
Hello, jricky1! I have heard and read about it. For me, we can never guarantee our safety if we're going to work abroad. It really depends on the family where we need to do such au pair job. I am also planning to apply for au pair job, but I think it would be better to apply through our local agency. Just in case I'll not be hired as a customer service representative, I'll apply for a domestic helper job in Hong Kong. I believe Hong Kong is one of the safest places to work abroad.
I registered at Au Pair site but never responded to any of their emails because I am afraid to apply through agency abroad. And I want to add that au pair is also like a domestic helper. I don't believe it's really doing light housework. Well, maybe if your employer is so nice and has so many au pairs, you can do little work.
@jricky1 (6800)
• China
15 Dec 11
Yeah,it's indeed safety is a problem.There are lots of people in our country have diyed their job.But also,i want to go to an english speaking countries such like England in europe.How do you think? Also australia would also be great i think,and maybe people just do some lightwork,i dont' know.
@wittynet (4421)
• Philippines
15 Dec 11
I am sorry to hear that. Yes. Not only in your country. More and more people are seeking for a job abroad because of higher salary. But sometimes, they are being victimized by illegal agencies, sometimes, by abusive employers.
It's really good to work in Europe especially in Vienna, Austria and Rome, Italy. I have cousins who are working as housekeepers, others are caregivers, and they are earning a lot. Please make sure that the agency has a valid license. Also make sure that the job post is legit. You can always contact legal government agencies who can help you with this.
If you can apply for other jobs aside from being au pair, it would also be great.
@jricky1 (6800)
• China
15 Dec 11
yeah,that's true,but i just wonder,whether it could be the most suitable way for me to go out and i can save lots of money without applying through those agencies.I want to diy and then contact with the families directly.I wanna all the process is designed by myself,but i sure wanna know whether this is ok.But the most important is that whether i can know the family is ok and safe for me to go.Plus,it's really nice of you to share me these.
@WakeUpKitty (8694)
• Netherlands
15 Dec 11
An au-pair is already exciting since years (I mean about 50 years!). I had one as a kid.
There are agencies who can help you to an other country. Mostly you take care of the kids and do some housekeeping. You can follow a course (language) etc.
For taking care of the kids you get a room and food.
Mostly this is for 1 year. Might be different in other countries.
It's not very populair over here anymore since most girls can't be trust with the children or in the house. Many also see it as an escape way to come over to a western country and suddenly disappear which will take the family in big trouble.
@jricky1 (6800)
• China
16 Dec 11
Yeah,there maybe some are not good guy and run away.But this maybe rare,people who wanna get there are wish to make money and mostly are teenagers.If they run away and it is definitely illegal.lol,i'd more concern that whether the family would do something is pleasant.
@goddess888 (52)
• Philippines
15 Dec 11
Hi jricky1. That really depends on the family that you will be assigned to. Some can be good, some can be average. Safety of course is of primary importance. It is also your lookout to know about the household that you will be getting into. Have a plan B ready as much as possible. This means that you must have a safety net. Know your rights - that will help a lot.
