AU PAIRING IN THE NETHERLANDS
So, you are interested in being an au pair in the Netherlands? Through this introduction we will inform you all about the different social and cultural possibilities in the Netherlands.
About the Netherlands
The Dutch aren't bogged in their clichés, even though bikes, dykes, windmills and blazing flower fields are pretty much the norm outside the major cities. Do as the locals do - grab a bike and explore. It's a very big small country, so being an au pair in the Netherlands has more benefits that orginaly meets the eye. One of the chief pleasures of the place is its lively contrast between its open-mindedness and the buttoned-up stiffness.
The Netherlands is often called Holland, which is formally incorrect as North and South Holland are merely two of its twelve provinces. The Netherlands is a densely populated country and is popular for its traditional windmills, tulips, cheese, clogs (wooden shoes), delftware and gouda pottery, for its bicycles, and in addition, traditional values and civil virtues such as its classic social tolerance.
The Netherlands enjoys a moderate maritime climate, with cool summers and mild winters, although if you are in search of a white Christmas, chances are you will experience it in the Netherlands.
Being an au pair in the Netherlands
In the Netherlands almost everyone speaks English and/or German at least as a second language. The families looking for an au pair generally are families where both arents work during the day, or families where the mother simply wants or needs help with the child(ren) and the household.
Your duties as an au pair will include helping with the child(ren) and light housekeeping during the week. In return, the family will provide food, lodging and pocket-money. Besides working you will have enough free time for studying and exploring the country as well as the rest of Europe.
During your stay in the Netherlands, it is very important to learn the language. The family you are living with will give you the opportunity to go to college or university, during the day or evening. There are many high level evening schools or courses which teach different languages.
In the Netherlands you can do many things in your free time, here are some ideas …
- You can visit museum such as Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum (Amsterdam / Rembrandt and Mondriaan) or Rubens Museum (Antwerpen), the house of Ann Frank in Amsterdam, different zoo's across the Netherlands and Belgium.
- And what about going to the Efteling (voted best theme-park in the world 2001 and 2003) in the south of the Netherlands, or the many other theme-parks in Belgium, the Netherlands or even Germany.
- Visit the beautiful cities of Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, Maastricht, Utrecht, Groningen, Brussels, Antwerp and many more. In The Netherlands as well as in Belgium you will be surprised by the lovely beaches during summer. The Benelux and Germany also have a beautiful country-side which you can explore it by train, bus, car, bicycle and even by foot, skating, or balloon! Because of the location of these countries, you can do almost any outdoor (and indoor) sport you can imagine.
What are your working conditions?
You must be prepared to work 30 hours a week and to do some light housekeeping. You will have two full days off per week.
What are the requirements?
• Aged between 19 and 25 years
• Experience with children
• A vaild South African passport (or in the process of applying for one)
• A Police Clearance Certificate
• Applicant's must agree to commit to a full year (12 months)
• Be single and have no dependants (never been married/divorced)
• Completed your secondary education (matric certificate / school leavers certificate)
Costs of the programme:
- R350 Registration
- R1,500 Interview fee
- R1,500 Deposit upon acceptance
- R2,550 Final payment upon placement
- ± R1, 600 ($200) Refundable goodfaith deposit, due before departure
What's included:
- Air ticket
- Medical insurance
- Pocket money of € 300,00+ per month
- Your visa, which is arranged in Holland
- Language school
- Au pair events with cultural experiences
- Au pair training course of 1 day
- Emergency phone number, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- Free IYTC-NAPO au pair card
- Free room and board
- Mobile phone
Please CONTACT US for more information and on how to apply for this amazing programme, which is enriched in culture.
More about the Netherlands
The Netherlands is situated in northern Europe, it borders Germany on the East, Belgium to the South and the North Sea, obviously to the North. It's a very flat country where part of it lies below sea level, but the windmills, dikes and pumping stations ensure that the low lying land does not become flooded. It is only 36.000 square km (about the same size as the Free State) with approximately 14 million people and is sub-divided into twelve provinces. The capital is Amsterdam. Amsterdam is well known for its tolerance of drugs and nightlife.
Climate
Winter lasts from October to March and it is very cold with frozen lakes, canals etc. It seldom snows in the Netherlands. Spring, which begins in March and lasts until June, which is very colourful as flowers (mainly tulips) begin to blossom. During the summer months from June to September the temperature is approximately 23 degrees. The days are longer with the sun only setting between 10 and 11p.m. From September onwards temperatures drop rapidly. This time of year is known for its winds and rains.
Language
The main language spoken is Dutch, which is closely related to Afrikaans. Some families do speak some English, French and German.
Transport
In Holland you have to cycle! Each family owns bicycles. This is the most popular means of transport, as well as the cheapest. The public transport is very safe and punctual, the trains and bus routes link every town with each other. Tram and metro networks can be found in the four major cities. Various youth fares are available at Netherlands Railways. If you have to use a taxi they are very expensive.
Family Life
The way parents raise their children generally differs from the South African way. Parents would never use corporal punishment to discipline their children, and no matter how much the children get out of hand, never raise a hand to them as you most probably will be kicked off the programme. The families live close together and find it important to do things together with their children, especially on weekends. Because space is so cramped you will find you will not have a big garden (you will be very lucky to have a Garden at all, especially if you live in a big city), and your room will probably also be small.
Social Life
People usually make appointments to meet each other at home, although Holland has a vibrant nightlife. There are many cafe's, restaurants, cinemas, art galleries and other places of interest, such as a wide range of museums, theatres and concert halls. Breakfast is very much a family affair with the whole family present, where you will usually eat freshly baked rolls, with cheeses, cold meats and an assortment of jams. The only hot meal in the day is usually served at noon or 7 p.m., depending on what time of the day the whole family is at home. When the family has eaten together during the day, then supper is again similar to breakfast. There are several well known fast food chains (MacDonalds) as well as a wide variety of Dutch and international restaurants.
Money Systems
€ - EURO (Approximately 1€ = ZAR12)
