Scotia Personnel Ltd

Introduction

As an au pair you will take part in the everyday life of a Norwegian family. This is a wonderful opportunity to experience a different culture and to broaden your horizons. Norway has an incredible nature to offer. High mountains, pine forests, lakes, fjords and a beautiful coastline. The population consists only of 4.5 million people, scattered around the country’s 324.000 km2.

People mostly live in towns and villages, but remember there are not many big cities in Norway. The transportation system however, is highly developed. Norway has one of the highest standards of living in the world.

The family unit is very important in Norway. Families are generally small. Most families own their own home or apartment. Over one third also own or share a cabin in the mountains or by the sea. Spending time in these cabins is a favourite family activity. Among Norwegian children and teenagers it is common to be a member of a sports club, school band and/or different youth organisations. We recommend the au pairs to join in some of these activities, as it is a great way to meet.

What are your tasks as an au pair?

• As an au pair you will live as a member of the family
• Look after the children
• Help with household duties
• Works 5 hours per day to maximum 30 hours per week
• You are entitled to one day off per week

Who may apply

• If you are between 18-30 years of age
• If you have good child care experience
• If you have good knowledge of English
• If you are motivated for a stay in a different culture, away from your home, family and friends
• Most families prefer non-smokers.

What do you receive as an au pair?

• You will receive free room and board and pocket money amounting to NOK 4000,- per month.
• In Norway an au pair-job is looked upon as normal work, hence taxes must be paid. The tax percentage is estimated by the value of food, accommodation and your monthly salary.
• At the end of your stay you are also entitled to vacation money.

Language course

Norwegian is the official language and you will be expected to learn Norwegian during your stay. You have the opportunity to take Norwegian classes or other courses that you find suitable in your spare time. The host pays for the course up to NOK6000/Year.

Meeting other au pairs

Our partner arranges monthly meetings in Oslo and two times a year in Stavanger and Bergen and you will get further information about this. After arrival in Norway you will receive a list of names of other au pairs and it is recommend that you use it in order to meet other au pairs.

Travel expenses

You must pay your own travel to and from Oslo. Remember to bring money with you in order to cover at least the first week’s expenses, and be aware that Norway is an expensive country for most foreigners.

Regulations for entry

You cannot apply for a work permit before you have been invited by a host family and received a signed contract from them.

After entry

Within the first week of your stay in Norway, you have to register at the local police station in order to receive your final residence permit.

Application process

Candidates must provide the following documentation written in English or Norwegian:

• Completed application forms
• 1 passport photo
• At least 2 personal recommendations, at least one should be about your child care experience
• 1 medical report
• 1 criminal record
• Copy of passport
• Education diplomas if any
• 1 personal letter addressed to your future host family (should include why you want to become an au pair
• Some pictures of you, your family, friends and with children you have looked after.

When do I apply?

You should apply at least 4 months before you want to come to Norway. The matching process may in some cases be shorter than this. We always try to place you according to your desired date of arrival.

Length of Stay

The minimum stay as an au pair is six months. The maximum stay is two years (you will need to extend your work permit after 12 months). The majority of families prefer to have an au pair for 9-12 months. We place au pairs throughout the year, but most au pairs arrive in the summer/early autumn. The host families are located all over Norway. We recommend that you are as flexible as possible with regard to area of placement.