Our psychologists ensure a thoughtful match with a family that truly fits you. We work with our own local South African agent, who has extensive experience as an au pair herself (also in the Netherlands). She prepares you thoroughly for your arrival and makes sure all your documents are in order. When you land in the Netherlands, you’ll be warmly welcomed. Our psychologists remain available throughout your entire year for any questions or support. We also organise fun events so you can make new friends quickly and feel completely at home during this unforgettable adventure.
An au pair is a young person aged 18–25 who lives with a Dutch host family for one year to help with the daily care of the children. You support the family with routines such as playing, school drop-offs and pick-ups, preparing meals, and evening or bedtime routines. You also take care of light household tasks related to the children, such as preparing lunchboxes, tidying up, cooking, and looking after their clothes and rooms.
In the Netherlands, you work a maximum of 30 hours per week as an au pair, spread over 5 days, with at least one free weekend each week. The program is meant for cultural exchange, not regular employment. In return for your help, you receive pocket money, room and board, and you become part of the family’s daily life. You also receive an allowance for phone expenses so you can stay in touch with your family and the host family.
At Holland Host Families, we want you to truly experience the Netherlands. That’s why we provide you with a Museum Card and an NS Weekend Free Travel card (free weekend travel + weekday discounts), making it easy to explore cities, museums, and sights. The au pair program is a unique opportunity to get to know the Netherlands from the inside, meet new people, travel, and grow personally — all while feeling at home in a new country.
At Holland Host Families, we make sure your au pair year in the Netherlands is safe, meaningful, and unforgettable! We work closely with au pairs from South Africa — intentionally — because we know the culture well and see how beautifully it aligns with Dutch family life. If you speak Afrikaans, you’ll notice how quickly you pick up Dutch. We collaborate with a local agent in South Africa who helps you with all preparations for your visa application. She has extensive experience as an au pair herself (including in the Netherlands) and helps you prepare realistically and practically for everyday life here.
To truly experience the Netherlands, we organise a welcome session and a cultural outing each season (paid for by your host family), where you can meet other au pairs and learn more about Dutch culture. We also offer additional events and workshops you can join at a reduced rate. Throughout your stay, you can always rely on our team of psychologists and child-development professionals. Whether you have questions about childcare, cultural differences, situations within the family, or simply need someone to talk to — we’re here for you, and always reachable by phone in case of emergencies. Together, we’ll make sure your time in the Netherlands becomes an unforgettable experience.
Als au pair heb je tijd en mogelijkheden om Nederland écht te ontdekken: van Amsterdam tot de tulpenvelden of het Anne Frank Huis. Met de museumjaarkaart en gratis reizen in het weekend (en korting doordeweeks) kun je gemakkelijk op pad en het land leren kennen als local.
Je staat er niet alleen voor: je wordt begeleid door ons team én door een lokale agent in Zuid-Afrika tijdens de voorbereiding. Tijdens je jaar in Nederland kun je altijd bij ons terecht voor advies, vragen over opvoeding, cultuurverschillen of praktische zaken. We zijn 24/7 telefonisch bereikbaar in geval van nood.
You love being around children and enjoy playing with them, doing school or sports pick-ups, and helping with meals and bedtime.
You want to discover the Netherlands, travel, meet new people, and truly experience a year abroad.
You feel comfortable in a family environment, take responsibility, and adjust easily to new situations.