Au Pair Jobs in Chile

If you have found this page, you have most-likely become interested in traveling to the diverse South American nature-haven of Chile. Whether journeying through the driest desert on the planet, the wide-open southern glacial fields, or the volcanoes and majestic soaring peaks; this country is a nature-lover’s dream and will keep anyone entertained for as long as they want to stay. One of the best opportunities for travelers in Chile is employment as an au pair.

Even with all of its natural beauty, the people of Chile are what make the country so pristine. There is no better way to experience the localities and culture of Chile than becoming an au pair and living with a local Chilean family. And you’re not alone; there are plenty of expatriate au pairs living in Chile and plenty more positions to be filled! Let this be your guide through everything you need to know as an au pair in Chile.

Where to Start Your Au Pair Job Search

Fortunately, if you’re looking to become an au pair in Chile, you shouldn’t have a difficult time with your job search. There are plenty of opportunities to become an au pair by using online job boards and agencies who are willing to help you with your search. Below, you will see a list of the best resources on the web for finding an au pair placement in Chile.

• Chile Inside: One of the best overviews of life as an au pair in Chile. Find potential host families, book Spanish language lessons (not required by all families), see photos from other au pair’s in Chile, and even read several testimonials from expatriates who have done the same thing before.
• Travel Works: Another great resource for getting your search started with different information that you can’t find on other sites. Get a great taste of what life is like in Chile and understand how you’ll fit into that.
• her sites you might browse for au pair jobs in Chile include Nannies Abroad, EasyAuPair, and Au Pair International, as well as program listings here on Go Overseas.

Choosing a Host Family

One of the most difficult parts about becoming an au pair in Chile is making a decision about which family to live with during your stay. This is a crucial part of the process as the family you will live with will be the most memorable part of your stay. Your host family can affect your perception of the country, the food you try, the things you see, and even the money you make. There are some things you need to know to help you best choose your host family in Chile.

Through conversations with several families before arriving, you’ll probably start to like one more than the others. That’s great! Get to know that family as well as you possibly can in-advance. Ask them everything you wish to know and discuss expectations of the placement. Figure out what best suits you and the family and talk through differences. The important thing is to be sure neither you or the family is hesitant before your arrival.

Understand Your Placement

Speak to the whole family on Skype to gain an impression of each family member. Ask them what their favorite hobbies are and what they like to do in their leisure time. Becoming close to the family is the goal and there’s no better way to do that than being open with them from the start.

Also, don’t be afraid to consult with your family and friends about their opinions of the family you are contemplating choosing. Nobody knows you better than those who are closest to you. Once you have made your choice, continue to stay in constant contact with the entire family until you arrive.

It’s important to fully understand what your placement will be like before you arrive. Ask them: Are language classes provided? Do you have to have a Driver’s License? Do the children you’ll be watching have any notable behavioral issues? These are the types of questions you will need to resolve before arriving.

Visa Requirements

You will need to research visa restrictions in Chile prior to arriving. Perhaps, you will have to apply for a visa in-advance; it all depends where you come from. Nationals of the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the UK need only a valid passport to enter Chile for up to 90 days. If you travel with a passport issued from one of these countries you do not need to obtain a visa prior to entering the country.

Au Pair Salary in Chile

Salaries of au pairs around the world differ greatly depending on the cost of living in the given country. In Chile, your salary can differ even from family to family. However, it’s reasonable to assume you’ll make between 150,000 and 200,000 Chilean pesos (CLP) per month (approximately $250-$330). You’ll, generally, work between 30 and 40 hours per week, too, including babysitting on evenings and weekends. This is something you need to discuss with your host family before arriving.

Length of Job

Programs tend to have a duration of between six months and one full year, however, in Chile, it’s possible to do a shorter stint as an au pair. You must commit, at least, three months to the family.

There are plenty of ways to maximize your Chilean au pair experience. Before you go, it will be to your benefit if you understand the country as well as you can. This means learning the cost of life in Chile, the type of lifestyle they live, and the busiest and most beautiful cities in the country. To live like a Chilean is to enjoy the best of all the country has to offer, so don’t miss the opportunity to make the most of your time abroad as an au pair.

Cost of Living

The cost of living in the capital, Santiago, can be just as much as living in any other capital city in South America. However, living outside of Santiago is substantially less.

Type of Housing

Most families offer a single, private room in their home. This is something you need to confirm with your host family before arriving.

Most Popular Cities to Au Pair

Being an au pair in Chile will likely land you in Santiago or somewhere within the vicinity of the capital. However, opportunities to au pair are available all over the country.

Anything Else?

Travel health insurance for Chile is mandatory. Most of the agencies that offer help with your placement. Expatriate groups in Chile connect through a variety of expat-only Facebook pages; those are a great place to start your search for language meetups, happy hour meet-ups, or a platform to answer any of your travel-related questions.

Becoming an au pair in Chile is a slow adventure, but it will make you appreciate all the small things that can’t be appreciated in today’s fast-paced world. Loaded with just as much culture as diverse nature, you’ll surely experience more than you can bargain for in Chile. The adventure has just begun!