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Another way to settle in a country is by working as an "au pair". An au pair is in charge of taking care of the children. He or she will get food and accommodation provided by the family free of charge, and a small allowance in addition (pocket money).

Au pairs are not professional child minders and will not be a qualified nanny. Although there are no set conditions to become an au pair in Lima, females between 19 and 30 are commonly preferred. Experience with children is likely to be demanded, as well as a conversational level of Spanish.

A live-in au pair salary is around $100-$150 per month.

Au Pair Responsibilities

Basic application criteria vary from agency to agency and families, but there are a few typical requirements:

• Speak the language, at least enough to understand and converse with kids,
• Be sure they get up on time; dress them; make sure they get dressed themselves,
• Take them to school/nursery/activity classes...
• Play with them,
• Be in charge of their meals,
• Tidy up their rooms,
• Be free to baby-sit them if needed, sometimes in the evenings.
• Be able to commit to at least a 3 month placement

In addition to these requirements, it is common for families to ask for non-smoking, possession of driver's license, responsible and non-drinkers females. Some agencies may also require time spent tutoring or a good physical and mental condition evidenced by a Physician's Report.

Family Responsibilities

The family has to welcome the au pair in thinking that she is not just an employee, but an important part of the family.

• The au pair must have her own bedroom
• The au pair will work a maximum of 25-30 hours per week and she should have minimum 2 days off during the week (ensuring the au-pair has her agreed free time and days off)
• That they understand that having an au pair doesn't mean having someone who is going to do the housework, the dishes, etc. However au pairs may be asked to help with light housework, especially related to the children, as agreed upon in the contract
• It may be of benefit to register the au pair at the family doctor
• The family should pay an allowance, with the amount written into the contract (usually about $100-$150 per month)

Where to look for a position

Most families find a babysitter by word-of-mouth, letting friends and family know that they are looking. Parents may also try posting on bulletin boards at community centres, grocery stores, or expat hang-outs.
Another great online resource is to post on expat classified's, like on EasyExpat's babysitter search.

If you want to register online as an au pair or as a family, you can contact:

• IAPA (International Au Pair Association)
• IAPO (International Au Pair Organisation)

Or you can also consult international webpages such as:

• AuPair Search  
• GreatAuPair (serving 140+ countries)
• Au Pair World
• WorkAway.info

Usually agencies will ask for registration fees from the family, the au pair or both.