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Original poster

Help! My student's shiney new job as Au Pair has gone <poof>

35 replies

Mammuzza · 04/08/2014 21:28

Cutting a long story short, I live in Italy, my student is Italian. She can't start her Master's this year (will be going to study something complicated about finance in Monte Carlo next ac. year) , I suggested she spend this year in the UK to improve her English (she's just passed CAE speaking, near miss on the other three papers). We looked at options. She loved the idea of Au Pairing. Found a job.... and it turned out to be a scam.

I have a thread on chat that underlines my inability to notice an obvious Nigerian Prince in his home office coat.

Anyway. She is a bit gutted, and I am trying to help start round 2 of the job search, but more carefully this time.

Which agencies are reliable and scam free ? Any recommendations ?

I've been checking out some agencies with proper addresses and tax numbers and came accross the need for a certificate from her doctor and one from the police. We live in a tiny rural area. Nobody in those roles speaks or writes English. Would a translation done by me cut the mustard ? Becuase I have no idea where she could find a notarised translator in the vicinity, in August, when lots of places are shut. I am not even sure what the certificates should say specificslly. Any tips on that score ?

And if there is anything else you think I should bear in mind, mucho gratitudo !

Cos it's a bit like the blind leading the blind at the moment.

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Original poster
Mammuzza · 05/08/2014 08:17

grandma

I have no fear of pouting selfies (she is not the pouting selfie type) but that's a good point about making sure people reading have enough to actually read and get an idea of who she is.

Today I'll have a hunt and see if there are any Italian websites/blogs walking people through the typical process. Web penetration is low here so there might not be. In which case... that'll be my project for the next six months.

It is a fabulous option to seriously improve their language skills, gives them a first step into living quasi independently (at least not at home) that is as rare as hen's teeth here, life experience and work experience. What's not to like.

I wish there were the same sorts of opportunities for boys, becuase... my kid doesn't need any help with the language (he's half and half and I was determined he was going to be bilingual) but when he is older it would be a fabby way for him to get some cultural immersion in a semi-independent fashion.

OP posts:
grandmainmypocket · 05/08/2014 01:11

Paperwork is important but if she finds work through au pair world some families might not require a medical certificate. Or others may have foreign friends who translate for them. It's good to get documentation ready (especially references) but just be aware not all families want all things. This time of year is quite busy so tell her to keep a look out.

Another thing. When advertising remind her to make herself sound as appealing as possible by including lots of information. I.e. put photos of herself - not pouting selfies. Why she wants to do it.....etc etc.

Original poster
Mammuzza · 05/08/2014 00:25

OK, I've got that all down. I'll phone her in the morning and tell her to get a move on with the paperwork.

She'll be fine on Skype, her spoken English is good. And she was amazingly on the ball when I was prepping her for her CAE oral. I can run through the likely topics of conversation with her so she doesn't get stage fright.

I am now going to google au pair plus. I only knew about the standard variety. This is steeper a learning curve than I expected when I first suggested au pairing to her Grin

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DikTrom · 04/08/2014 22:15

I expect that families will want to have au pair sorted before school begins, eg September. So she should have a good chance if she gets her skates on to find something for late August, there is quite a bit of paperwork she will need to sort out asap which may be difficult to sort if she takes another job. Also she will need to be available for interviews, ideally on Skype with camera. She can practise talking about herself, her experience looking after kids, how to deal with difficult behaviour, how to keep them occupied, what her own expectations and wishes are, etc.

DikTrom · 04/08/2014 22:09

She only needs yo find one family ... So with a little luck that should be possible. Enrol with as many Bapa agencies as possible and get the paperwork sorted asap, she can send what she has and add formal translations later ( or UK agency may offer to get them done as they make money out of every successful placement). She needs to consider where she wants to be given the sometimes very poor public transport, eg big city or not, with language school nearby or reachable with public transport, au pair or au pair plus role, how many kids, what about holidays, eg if she wants to go home for Christmas/other events better tell upfront. Bapa agencies all have to provide clear contracts so both parties are clear what the expectations are.

Original poster
Mammuzza · 04/08/2014 21:58

Right so, I think the best place to ask about certified translators might be the British consulate in Milan. It's likely to be quicker and more reliable information.

I found the British Au Pair Association and their directory, so thanks for confirming that it is legit.

I have one more question if you don't mind, is summer a quiet, or busy period for au pair hiring ? Becuase if this is a slow period she might be better off finding a job here for the rest of the summer, while getting all the paperwork sorted out and trying again in Spetember. I'm not sure how the calender goes in terms of highs and lows.

OP posts:
DikTrom · 04/08/2014 21:47

UK agencies are NOT allowed to charge the au pair, so the host family will pay the fees, not au pair (except travelling costs). I would advise to contact the British Au Pair association and use one of their members. They have quite strict rules about what the au pair can and cannot be asked to do, so she will be better protected from becoming a glorified overworked cleaner and will be helped making friends with other au pairs through special events they organise. It will not cost her anything and it will give her a place to turn to in case things don't work out, much safer IMO.

DikTrom · 04/08/2014 21:40

If you go through a reputable agency they will want certified translation. However, she could look for a host family where one of the family members are Italian and then there is no need for certified translation.

Original poster
Mammuzza · 04/08/2014 21:40

You star Grin

Is it OK if I do the translations, or do they have to be done via offical channels ?

OP posts:
DikTrom · 04/08/2014 21:38

She will need:
References from people she has been babysitting for
Copy of her identity papers
Fedina penale from the local questura usually based in the Provincial capital
Health certificate from family doctor saying she is physically healthy, if allergies/health issues they should be stated, also mentally okay.

This should not pose any problem at all.