Life Abroad, In Photos
Trains caught, markets explored, lakes swum, friendships made — this could be your year.
We work with the best partner agencies across the globe — and we prioritise your experience, never hard sales.
Private bedroom and full board with your vetted host family — arranged before you fly.
Earn pocket money every week, with perks like paid leave and flight stipends in some destinations.
Language lessons, local traditions and social events — experience your host country as a native.
From application to placement and throughout your stay, plus a social network of fellow au pairs.
Choose your nationality to see which of our destinations — UK, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Spain, Italy and China — you can apply for.
A few basics so we understand your situation — then send us your preferences!
We'll reply within one working day — or go straight to full registration.
This is a general guide only and not immigration advice. Visa rules change frequently and individual circumstances vary — we always confirm your eligibility with our destination partner agencies before you apply. Last reviewed July 2026.
Have you thought of hospitality? We also place candidates in hotels, B&Bs, resorts and family-run businesses abroad — no childcare needed.
Explore Hospitality →The basics are similar across all destinations — check each country's card above for specifics.
You'll be asked to supply: application form, 2 references, clear criminal background check, ID, a letter to your future host family, smiley photos — and for some destinations a medical check & relevant certificates. Unsure if you qualify? Just send us your CV, preferred destination(s) and dates!
Live like a local, earn as you go, and come home with stories for life.
Trains caught, markets explored, lakes swum, friendships made — this could be your year.
From first hello to hopping on the plane — we're with you the whole way.
Tell us your ideal destination and dates — WhatsApp Tuuli on +44 7912 178488 or email info@smartaupairs.com.
Complete our online registration at your own pace, then an interview with Smartaupairs.
Our overseas partner agency introduces you to vetted host families matching your preferences — you video-chat with your favourites.
When it's a match on both sides, you sign a written agreement confirming the placement terms.
Book your travel, sort your visa if needed (we guide you), and join your host family. 🎉
Our UK and China programs are completely free. Other destinations carry a small two-part fee — fully refunded if we can't offer you family options.
Payable when your application is accepted. Fully refunded if we can't offer you options — and transferable between destinations.
Payable only when you confirm your placement with your chosen family or host.
🎉 Summer Launch Offer — register before 31 August 2026 to lock in these rates. Standard rates (£75 deposit / £395 placement) apply from 1 September.
Not included: travel to your destination, visa costs, travel insurance and personal expenses.
"Smart Au Pairs was incredible all the way through my au pair experience. They were amazing when helping me find a host family and so supportive throughout the entire process. Once I was placed, they continued to check up on me… I have personally recommended the agency to many people already."
— Former Smart Au Pairs au pairMatching families & childcarers since 2005.
Your host family is out there — let's find them together.
📝 Register Now WhatsApp: +44 7912 178488 ✉️ info@smartaupairs.com