Cultural exchange and flexible childcare - www.au-pair.lu
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Cultural exchange
and flexible childcare
www.au-pair.luHello!
Luxembourg - a small country with great cultural diversity. The best conditions to
welcome young people from all over the world and to embark together on a cultu-
ral expedition.
Host families and young adults who are Discover what has to be respected during
interested in the Luxembourg au pair pro- the exchange, find out what can make living
gramme will receive helpful information on together on a short-term basis easier and
how to prepare for the exchange and on li- which requirements have to be given by host
ving together during their stay. families and au pairs.
Let yourself be inspired so that the
exchange becomes a positive expe-
rience for all parties.
|2Content
Hello! “Language barriers?
We overcame them quickly!” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Role and tasks of the SNJ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
“Time for yourself –
Insight into the everyday life that’s what everybody needs” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
of an au pair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
“Shared experiences bring us
“Great! We have decided together closer together” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
on an au pair” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
“Assistance in the household –
“How exciting! The first a real help” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
encounter over 10,650 km away” .. . . . . . . . . . 8
“A dreamlike sight:
“That was easy!” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 the Grand Ducal palace in the snow” . . . . . 28
“The kids were so excited” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 “What a lovely party!” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
“Sharing with other au pairs “It doesn’t have to be
has helped me a lot” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 goodbye forever” .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
“Creating a weekly Testimonials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
schedule together” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Conflict management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
“Time to play and learn
from each other” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Contact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
aupair in Luxembourg | 2021 |3Role and tasks of the SNJ
The legal framework for au pair work in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg has
been in place since 2013. The framework outlines the conditions for the admission
or stay of au pairs and is intended to support and protect both the families and the
young adult during their exchange.
The tasks of the “Service national de la However, the support of the SNJ can only be
jeunesse” (SNJ) consist mainly of monitor- guaranteed if both parties meet the legal
ing compliance with these regulations and requirements and have signed the SNJ’s of-
processing and approving applications. ficial au pair agreement.
In addition, the SNJ organises in-
→ The conditions that fosessions for au pairs and offers
host families have to mediation in the event of conflicts
meet for the approval of a legal nature.
of an au pair can be
found here:
www.au-pair.lu
Documents
|4Insight into the everyday life
of an au pair
Many of the questions that host families In this brochure , you will find some tips that
and au pairs think about before, during and can help you in the preparation of the ex-
after the exchange are already regulated change.
by legal requirements or can be answered
by experience reports from families and au
pairs.
Discover what it is like to get to
know a foreign culture in your own
home and benefit from flexible
childcare.
aupair in Luxembourg | 2021 |5“Great!
We have decided together
on an au pair̕̕
Host families who are interested in the Once the family members have agreed on
au pair programme as a complementary common ideas and expectations, the task is
childcare solution should find out in ad- to find an au pair who fits the family and
vance what the conditions and legal regu- fulfils the SNJ conditions.
lations are.
Is the family really suitable → find the conditions on:
Take to host an au pair? www.au-pair.lu FAQ
the online test
on:
au-pair.lu
|6aupair in Luxembourg | 2021 |7
“How exciting!
The first encounter over
10,650 km away̕̕
Once an au pair candidate has been found, discuss these in detail. The SNJ application
telephone calls or Skype interviews are es- template can serve as a guideline, since it
sential to get to know each other better. already includes the legal requirements.
Wishes and expectations should be dis-
→ find the au pair tasks on:
cussed openly.
www.au-pair.lu Documents
The interview is also a good opportunity
to exchange information about tasks and
obligations during the au pair stay and to
|8aupair in Luxembourg | 2021 |9
“That was easy!̕̕
Once the host family and au pair have BEFORE the au pair travels. If all required
reached an agreement, the application documents are submitted correctly and
form is filled out and signed. It contains all completely, a processing time of approxi-
admission and approval applications for mately four weeks can be expected.
both the host family and the au
→ link to application form: pair, so that all parties involved The au pair must be familiar with the entry
https://guichet.public.lu/en/ci- only have to fill out this one docu- and residence regulations in Luxembourg
toyens/immigration/plus-3-mois/ ment for the SNJ. before undertaking the journey and make
ressortissant-tiers/jeune-au-pair/ the necessary preparations.
au-pair-tiers.html The application serves to secure
both parties and must be sub-
mitted to the SNJ and approved
| 10aupair in Luxembourg | 2021 | 11
“The kids
were so excited’’
Preparing welcome gifts or notes will put the Then it’s time to arrive and inform all the im-
whole family in the right mood for the upco- portant bodies such as the SNJ and health
ming meeting. insurance (Joint Social Security Centre) and
liability insurance in good time.
A warm welcome, a small gift or a few
sentences in the local language make it
easier for everyone to start the exciting time
→ find the host family obligations on:
ahead.
www.au-pair.lu FAQ
| 12aupair in Luxembourg | 2021 | 13
“Sharing with other
au pairs has helped me a lot’’
At the compulsory infosessions, the also simplify the exchange between au
newcomers are introduced to their contact pairs, promote contact between them and
persons at the SNJ and informed about can be an important help.
their rights and obligations. In addition to
providing important information,
→ You can find more information the events offer the opportunity
about events for au pairs on: to make acquaintance with other
www.au-pair.lu Agenda au pairs.
Another opportunity to get to know other
au pairs and possibly make friends are the
meeting points offered by the SNJ. These
meetings are voluntary. WhatsApp groups
| 14aupair in Luxembourg | 2021 | 15
“Creating a
weekly schedule together’’
A detailed weekly schedule containing in- Involving the au pairs in drawing up the
formation about the time and place helps plan will help prevent conflicts.
the au pairs to find their way in their new
tasks. The weekly plan should be visible for every-
one and changes or problems should be
discussed right away.
Download your weekly
calendar template on:
→ www.au-pair.lu Documents
| 16aupair in Luxembourg | 2021 | 17
“Time to play
and learn from each other’’
Free afternoons can be spent relaxing at
home with the au pair. Cooking or playing
together results in a carefree cultural ex-
change.
In order to fetch the children by car or to drive
them to leisure activities, the au pair needs
a driving licence recognised in Luxembourg
and sufficient driving experience.
| 18aupair in Luxembourg | 2021 | 19
“Language barriers?
We overcame them quickly!’’
Language connects people! To cope independently outside the family,
In the compulsory language courses, au it is compulsory to be able to speak one of
pairs not only deepen their knowledge in the national languages (French, German,
the chosen language to make life in the host Luxembourgish) or English (level A2). If an-
→ Institut of national languages (INL) family easier – by learning other language is spoken in the host family,
http://www.inll.lu/en/cours-de-langues/ together, they also exchange the au pair must also have basic knowledge
experiences and build friend- (level A1) of the family’s language.
ships. The au pair can choose
the institute and the language to be learned.
| 20aupair in Luxembourg | 2021 | 21
“Time for yourself –
that’s what everybody needs’’
The host family must provide the au pair An au pair is not allowed to work more hours
with a room of their own and respect their than required by law.
free time. This also applies to the children.
→ find the conditions for
the host family on:
www.au-pair.lu FAQ
| 22aupair in Luxembourg | 2021 | 23
“Shared experiences
bring us closer together’’
Preparing food for the children is one of the → find the au pair tasks on:
tasks of an au pair. www.au-pair.lu FAQ
If the children are involved, this is a way of
enjoying cultural exchanges in everyday life.
Socialising, having fun, learning to make
new dishes – shared experiences strength-
en the relationship between the au pair and
the host family.
| 24aupair in Luxembourg | 2021 | 25
“Assistance in the household –
a real help’’
Light household tasks that the au pair can → Link to the application form:
do are listed in the application form and
www.au-pair.lu Documents
should be discussed and determined in ad-
vance.
These include preparing school and kinder-
garten bags, washing the children’s clothes
and emptying the dishwasher.
| 26aupair in Luxembourg | 2021 | 27
“A dreamlike sight:
the Grand Ducal palace
in the snow’’
In addition to the cultural experiences in
→ find the family’s commitments on:
the family, the au pair should also be able
to discover the country and the Luxembour- www.au-pair.lu Documents
gish culture on its own and with other young
people. The basic requirements for this are
sufficient free time and financial independ-
ence.
For this reason, the au pair is entitled to at
least three free evenings and one rest day
per week, in addition to two rest days per
month and regular pocket money.
| 28aupair in Luxembourg | 2021 | 29
“What a lovely party!’’
Participation in family celebrations, excur- The au pair is part of the family for a certain
sions and holidays promotes the feeling of period of time and not just a worker.
togetherness between the host family and
the au pair.
Questions about the cultural aspects of the
au pair’s home country or organising meet-
ings with family and friends, where the au
pair can present their own home country
and culture, show your own interest in the au
pair’s cultural exchange and demonstrate
your appreciation for the au pair.
| 30aupair in Luxembourg | 2021 | 31
“It doesn’t have
to be goodbye forever’’
If contact with the au pair is maintained The end of the stay should also be well pre-
after the farewell, e.g. via Skype and te- pared for the children. Talking about the
lephone, it makes the separation easier for upcoming return journey and preparing a
the children and makes all participants feel small farewell party will help all partici-
better. pants cope with the situation.
Contact can be maintained via
Skype and telephone, making the
separation more bearable.
| 32aupair in Luxembourg | 2021 | 33
Testimonials
Alexandra
Italy
Elder
Philippines “You are not a babysitter for the kids,
you’re going to live with them.”
“Be focused, follow the guidelines
and the deals you’ve signed up.”
| 34→ www.au-pair.lu
Christina
Romania
« Pour mon anniversaire, ils m’ont offert un
cadeau et une lettre, j’étais très émue. »
Laura
Colombia
Family
Luxembourg “I can trust them and they can trust me.
Communication, that’s the key.”
„Et war déi bescht Léisung fir eis.“
aupair in Luxembourg | 2021 | 35Conflict management
The best way to manage conflicts is to avoid
them in the first place.
Clearly formulate and communicate your Stick to agreements and dates:
expectations: Explain your expectations and Allow time off for language courses and lei-
ideas early on, while searching for an au sure activities and stick to this.
pair or host family. Being honest right from
Discuss responsibilities: The au pair
the start is the only way for both parties to
shouldn’t be given full responsibility for
have a clear picture of what to expect from
the children. Bear in mind that parents are
each other.
always primarily responsible for their child-
→ You can find the Talk to each other: During the au ren.
legal requirements pair’s stay, encourage honest and
Take cultural differences into account:
online or in your open communication and regular
Young people from different cultural back-
contract documents: discussions in order to avoid mi-
grounds, even within Europe, may not be
www.au-pair.lu sunderstandings and conflicts.
used to addressing adults at eye level and
Documents
may seem very reserved during discussions.
| 36Classification of the conflict
Of course, as is the case in all families, con- “Our au pair obviously doesn’t recognise
flicts may still arise despite regular commu- what he/she needs to do or see when help is
nication and the goodwill of everyone in- needed. We have to tell him/her everything.”
volved. In such cases, the first thing to do is Au pairs are young, mostly inexperienced
clarify whether the conflict in question is due people, who are probably living far away
to cultural differences, language barriers or from their home country for the first time. You
other misunderstandings, and can be resol- need to be aware that au pairs are not trai-
ved, or if it relates to non-compliance with ned helpers.
legal regulations, thus requiring the help of
“Our au pair often arrives late to appoint-
SNJ.
ments or events! It’s just not on.” This may
“Our au pair doesn’t air his/her bedroom.” not be due to bad intentions, impoliteness
Have you ever considered that in some or a lack of respect. In many ot-
→ In the event of
countries, due to the climate conditions, it’s her countries, deadlines aren’t as
serious conflicts
not even necessary or worth airing rooms? strict and people often turn up
and/or if the safety
late. Explain to your au pair that
“Our au pair always looks away when we talk of the children or the
failing to arrive at agreed times is
to him/her.” In some cultures, it’s impolite for au pair is endange-
seen as rude and disrespectful in
young people to look people whom they re- red, the SNJ must be
Luxembourg.
spect in the eye. called in.
aupair in Luxembourg | 2021 | 37Contact
Our competent multilingual team looks forward
to answering your questions.
Please note that we will answer every message
as soon as possible.:
E-mail: aupair@snj.lu
Feel free to send us an e-mail at any time
for a quick and efficient written response.
If you have a reference or endorsement,
please mention it in all correspondence.
| 38You can find detailed information about Imprint
welcoming an au pair into your family at:
Editor: 33 Rives de Clausen
https://guichet.public.lu/en/citoyens/famille/
parents/garde-enfants/accueil-au-pair.html L-2165 Luxembourg
www.snj.lu
Further information about the legal regu-
Layout & illustrations: Human Made, hum.lu
lations and requirements that you have to
fulfil in order to come to Luxembourg as an
au pair can be found here: 2021
https://guichet.public.lu/en/citoyens/
famille/parents/garde-enfants/deve-
nir-jeune-pair-luxembourg.html
aupair in Luxembourg | 2020 | 39Take
the online test
on:
au-pair.lu Find out if the au pair programme
is right for you.
Find out what you need to
consider during the au pair
exchange and which conditions
have to be fulfilled by the host
family and the au pair.
A programme of the
978-2-919796-17-5
| 40You can also read
