Your Dream Gap Year Starts Here
Explore. Learn. Care. Create memories. Live with a welcoming host family abroad, help with childcare, and get paid while you explore the world — with everything arranged before you travel.
Trusted by au pairs since 2005 · Accredited & award-winning
Why Au Pair With Us?
We work with the best partner agencies across the globe — at a fraction of the cost of the big gap year companies, and we prioritise your experience, never hard sales.
No Rent, No Bills
Private bedroom and full board with your vetted host family — arranged before you fly.
Weekly Pay
Earn pocket money every week, with perks like paid leave and flight stipends in some destinations.
True Cultural Immersion
Language lessons, local traditions and social events — experience your host country as a native.
Support Every Step
From application to placement and throughout your stay, plus a social network of fellow au pairs.
Where Can I Au Pair?
Choose your nationality to see which of our destinations — UK, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Spain, Italy and China — you can apply for.
Quick Suitability Check
A few basics so we understand your situation — then send us your preferences!
We'll reply within one working day. Heading to the UK? You can also register directly on our UK application form.
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.
No childcare experience, but keen to travel?
Have you thought of hospitality? We can sometimes place candidates in hotels, B&Bs, resorts and family-run businesses abroad — no childcare needed. Seasonal roles, subject to availability — ask us what's open.
Can I Apply? The Essentials
The basics are similar across all destinations — check your nationality above for specifics.
- A genuine love for children + demonstrable childcare experience (2 independent references, verified on application)
- Age 18–30 for most programs (Germany 18–26 for non-EU · Canada & UK Youth Mobility up to 35)
- A nationality eligible for entry to your destination country, incl. any relevant visa
- Unmarried, with no children of your own
- Adaptable, honest & open-minded, with good communication skills
- Ideally basic language skills of your destination country — your Smartaupairs interview is in English
- Prepared to live away from home & make a real commitment to your host family
- No criminal record · fit & healthy (all medical conditions declared) · non-smoker
- Minimum 3 months availability (shorter summer stays sometimes possible in Europe)
- Sufficient savings for travel, visa, insurance & any language course
- High school diploma (or equivalent) completed or nearly completed
- Driving licence is a plus!
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!
Explore. Learn. Care. Create Memories.
Live like a local, earn as you go, and come home with stories for life.
Life Abroad, In Photos
Trains caught, markets explored, lakes swum, friendships made — this could be your year.
How It Works
From first hello to hopping on the plane — we're with you the whole way.
Get in touch
Tell us your ideal destination and dates — WhatsApp Tuuli on +44 7912 178488 or email info@smartaupairs.com.
Register & interview
Complete our online registration at your own pace, then an interview with Smartaupairs.
Meet families
Our overseas partner agency introduces you to vetted host families matching your preferences — you video-chat with your favourites.
Confirm your match
When it's a match on both sides, you sign a written agreement confirming the placement terms.
Travel & enjoy!
Book your travel, sort your visa if needed (we guide you), and join your host family.
Fees
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.
🇬🇧 UK & 🇨🇳 China
Completely FREE to apply and be placed — no deposit, no placement fee, ever. Our two flagship programmes cost you nothing.
Deposit
Payable when your application is accepted. Fully refunded if we can't offer you options — and transferable between destinations.
Placement Fee
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.
What Our Au Pairs Say About Their Smart Gap Years
"I could not recommend Tuuli, Cynthia and Smart Au Pairs more! The most attentive, kind, supportive team, who are always willing to help. My transition not only into a family's home, but also abroad was so smooth, and I have them to thank for the simplicity of it."
Kailah Y. · posted on Google
"Travelling from Australia to the UK was a daunting experience, and having Tuuli's encouragement and guidance meant that I had a stable foundation when I arrived — she ultimately made the process so easy and straightforward. Tuuli matched me with a beautiful family, with consideration of my preferences."
Emmi-lee E. · posted on Google
"Highly recommend starting your au pair journey through them, so seamless and easy!! Tuuli and Cynthia are so helpful every step of the way, I found my dream family in no time. Their check ups and community of fellow au pairs help you feel reassured, comfortable and find friends as well as your way around."
Leala S. · posted on Google
"Cynthia, the senior consultant for Smart Au Pairs, was nothing short of amazing in organisation for my matching process. She is lovely, kind and easy to communicate with. She will give you her good honest opinion to tell you how it is, making any doubts go away."
Verified au pair · posted on Google
"Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer"
Matching families & childcarers since 2005.
Ready For Your Adventure?
Your host family is out there — let's find them together.