One of the best ways to learn any language is to totally immerse yourself in the country where your preferred chosen language is spoken. That’s why taking the au pair route is a preferred choice for many myself included.

Many moons ago, back in 2010, I became an au pair in the UK, this experience not only helped me learn English but also to dive into the local culture. Now, over a decade later, I've started a new adventure in Spain. Although I couldn't become an au pair again due to my age and job, here's the advice I would give to my younger self or anyone considering this route.

Steps to Becoming an Au Pair in Spain for EU and Non-EU Citizens

First thing first, let´s start with the basics. Here are the requirements you need to fulfill to become an au pair in Spain:

For EU Citizens:

Meet Basic Requirements:

Be between 18 and 30 years old.
Be unmarried and without children.
Have a clean criminal record.

Find a Host Family:

Use online platforms like AuPairWorld, GreatAuPair, or local Spanish au pair agencies to find a host family.
Ensure the family meets your preferences and conditions (location, duties, pocket money, etc.).

Prepare Documentation:

Create a contract or agreement with your host family outlining your duties, pocket money, working hours, and other conditions.
Prepare your European Health Insurance card

Travel to Spain:

As an EU citizen, you do not need a visa to enter Spain.
Ensure you have a valid passport or ID card.

Within three months of arrival, register at the local town hall (empadronamiento).
Obtain a Foreigner Identity Number (Número de Identificación de Extranjero - NIE) at the local police station.

For Non-EU Citizens:

Meet Basic Requirements:

Be between 18 and 30 years old.
Be unmarried and without children.
Have a clean criminal record.

Find a Host Family:

Use online platforms like AuPairWorld, GreatAuPair, or local Spanish au pair agencies to find a host family.
Ensure the family meets your preferences and conditions (location, duties, pocket money, etc.)

Prepare Documentation:

Create a contract or agreement with your host family outlining your duties, pocket money, working hours, and other conditions.
Obtain a letter of invitation from your host family, detailing your stay and responsibilities.

Apply for a Visa:

Apply for an Au Pair Visa at the Spanish consulate or embassy in your home country.
Submit required documents, which typically include:

Valid passport.
Visa application form.
Passport-sized photos.
Invitation letter from the host family.
Contract or agreement with the host family.
Proof of health insurance.
Proof of financial means (pocket money or financial support from the host family).
Clean criminal record certificate.
Medical certificate (in some cases).

Travel to Spain:

Once your visa is approved, you can travel to Spain.
Make sure you have all necessary documents with you.

Within 30 days of arrival, apply for a Foreigner Identity Card (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero - TIE) at the local police station.
Register at the local town hall (empadronamiento).

Mistakes to Avoid When Becoming an Au Pair in Spain

Not Agreeing on the Terms of Your Stay with Your Host Family

It's crucial to discuss, negotiate, and agree on the terms of your stay before you move. This includes working hours (generally 30 hours per week), duties, days off, pocket money (usually €70-100 per week), and other conditions. When working as an au pair, the boundaries between work and personal time can often blur. That's why it's essential to clarify details such as whether you are expected to work on weekends and when your daily shifts end from the get go to prevent any misunderstandings with your host family.

2. Location, Location, Location

While big cities like Barcelona and Madrid are tempting, you may end up speaking mostly English there. In many cases, staff in bars, restaurants, or public establishments will switch to English if they see you struggling with Spanish. Smaller towns may not sound as exciting, but they offer better opportunities to practice Spanish and immerse yourself in the local culture.

3. Making Too Many Friends from Your Home Country

It might feel comforting to connect with people from your home country, but it can hinder your Spanish learning. During my time as an au pair, I spent most of my time with other French-speaking au pairs, which was counterproductive for learning English.

4. Not Taking Spanish Classes

Depending on the age of the kids you care for, you might have plenty of free time during the day. Instead of spending that time watching Netflix, take Spanish classes to improve your written skills, grammar, and overall language proficiency. Remember, being an au pair is a unique opportunity to become a fluent Spanish speaker. Consider this: how often will you have an entire year dedicated to improving your Spanish skills? Probably not many times in your life.

5. Not Setting Personal Goals

A year abroad might sound like plenty of time, but it will fly by quickly. Setting personal goals, such as studying for the DELE Exam (Diplomas de Español como Lengua Extranjera), can help you measure your progress. This credential is valuable for your LinkedIn profile and CV, making you stand out when applying for jobs or internships in the future.

6. Ignoring Your Health Needs

During my time as an au pair, I fell seriously ill and hadn't requested my European Health Insurance card, which complicated the administrative process when having to receive care in the UK. This is even more critical for non-EU citizens. When starting your visa application, ensure you choose the best private health insurance to cover potential health issues, accidents, or other hazards.

7. Rushing the Process

Learning a new language takes time and patience. Initially, it may feel like you're not making progress because your brain is assimilating a lot of new information. Give yourself time to process and practice, and gradually you'll become confident enough to form sentences, and next thing you know you will be cracking jokes with locals and start dreaming in Spanish.