Thinking of Becoming an Au Pair in the Netherlands? Read This First
If you’ve signed up to become an au pair in the Netherlands - or are thinking about it - welcome!
Au pairing in the Netherlands offers the thrill of a new culture and international adventure, while still feeling safe, intimate, and like a home away from home.
You’ll live with a Dutch host family, gain valuable childcare experience, and explore one of Europe’s most charming, well-organized, and welcoming countries.
The Dutch au pair program is all about cultural exchange. You’re not just working - you’re living within another culture, learning firsthand how families here really live.
Here’s more of why we - and so many of our au pairs - love the Netherlands so much.
One of the Safest and Happiest Countries in the World
The Netherlands consistently ranks as one of the safest and happiest countries globally - something many au pairs notice as soon as they arrive.
Cities are clean, public transport is reliable, and communities feel welcoming and relaxed. Walking home at night, biking through quiet neighbourhoods, or exploring new towns alone generally feels comfortable and safe.
This sense of security makes it an ideal place for young people living abroad for the first time, and gives family and friends at home some peace of mind.
Host families are typically very welcoming, and many au pairs quickly say that the Netherlands begins to feel like home much sooner than they expected.
A Rich Culture With Beauty Everywhere
The Netherlands may be small, but culturally it’s incredibly rich.
You’ll quickly recognize the classic Dutch scenes you’ve probably seen in photos: narrow canal houses, blue and white tiles, flower markets, charming brick streets, and countryside windmills slowly turning in the breeze.
Spring brings the famous tulip fields, especially near Lisse and the Keukenhof Gardens, where rows of bright colours stretch across the landscape.
In winter, Christmas markets glow with lights, bakeries fill the air with the smell of warm stroopwafels, and cozy pubs hum with laughter.
There is always something new to explore.
Bikes Are a Way of Life
If there’s one thing that defines life in the Netherlands, it’s cycling.
Parents bike with children in cargo bikes, students cycle to university, and many au pairs bike children to school, parks, or activities.
The entire country is designed for it, with dedicated bike lanes, bike traffic lights, and bike parking everywhere.
Most au pairs quickly fall in love with this lifestyle and the independence it provides. Morning bike rides with the kids, cycling along canals, and stopping at cafés or parks along the way quickly become part of everyday life.
Amsterdam Feels Like a Movie Set
No matter where you are based it’s important to visit Amsterdam, and it’s easy to understand why the city attracts people from all over the world.
With its historic canal houses, cobbled bridges, flower stalls, and houseboats drifting along the water, Amsterdam feels almost cinematic.
On your days off you might:
Walk along the canals with coffee in hand
Visit the Rijksmuseum or Van Gogh Museum
Relax in Vondelpark with friends
Explore vintage shops in De Negen Straatjes (The Nine Streets)
Take a sunset canal cruise
Markets, street food, music festivals, and cozy cafés are everywhere, and the international atmosphere means you’ll hear dozens of languages in a single afternoon.
Day Trips Around the Netherlands
Since the country is so compact, you can often reach beautiful towns and cities within an hour or so by train. Public transport is reliable and simple to use, making day trips with friends, fellow au pairs, or solo very doable.
Here are some destinations we recommend exploring:
Utrecht
Often considered one of the most charming cities in the Netherlands, Utrecht is famous for its unique canals lined with cafés and restaurants right at the water’s edge. The city has a lively, youthful atmosphere thanks to its large student population.
• Climb the Dom Tower for incredible views
• Sit canal-side with coffee or lunch
• Wander cozy historic streets and boutique shops
Rotterdam
Rotterdam offers something completely different from the historic Dutch cities. After being rebuilt following World War II, it became known for its striking modern architecture and creative culture.
• Visit the famous Cube Houses
• Explore the Markthal food hall
• Discover modern art galleries and rooftop bars
• Enjoy the city’s vibrant international food scene
The Hague (Den Haag)
The Hague is both elegant and relaxed. It’s the political heart of the Netherlands, home to the Dutch government and royal palace, but it also has a laid-back coastal vibe.
• Explore the historic city centre and museums
• Visit the Peace Palace
• Take the tram to nearby Scheveningen Beach for beach clubs, seafood restaurants, and sunset views over the North Sea
Delft
Delft feels like stepping into a postcard. Known for its blue-and-white Delft pottery and charming canals, it’s one of the most picturesque towns in the country.
• Wander the beautiful market square
• Visit Delft pottery studios
• Enjoy peaceful cafés along the canals
Haarlem
Haarlem is perfect for a slower day trip. The historic centre is full of cobbled streets, boutique shops, and cozy cafés - all without the crowds of Amsterdam.
• Visit the Grote Markt square
• Browse weekend markets and vintage shops
• Bike out to nearby sand dunes and beaches
The Food Scene Is Surprisingly Diverse
While the Netherlands has traditional treats like stroopwafels, bitterballen, and poffertjes, the food scene is far more international than many people expect. Because the country is so multicultural, you’ll find restaurants serving cuisine from all over the world - Indonesian, Turkish, Italian, Middle Eastern, and more. Cities like Amsterdam and Rotterdam have incredible food markets, street food stalls, and casual dining spots perfect for meeting friends.
A Great Place to Meet People
The Netherlands is one of the most international countries in Europe. Students, professionals, au pairs, and travelers from all over the world live here.
Our agency, together with our partner agency in the Netherlands, helps au pairs settle in by arranging meetups and events, and connecting them with other au pairs in the area.
As an au pair, you’ll likely meet people from dozens of different countries. Many quickly build a diverse circle of friends - fellow au pairs, international students, and locals alike - creating a vibrant social network during their stay.
Travel Across Europe Is Easy
Living in the Netherlands puts you right in the centre of Europe! Many au pairs spend their free weekends exploring cities across Europe since budget airlines and high-speed trains make weekend travel surprisingly easy.
For example, from Amsterdam you can reach:
Paris in about 3 hours by train
Brussels in under 2 hours
London in just over 1 hour by plane
The Dutch Au Pair Program Is Officially Regulated
One unique aspect of au pairing in the Netherlands is that the program is officially regulated by the Dutch government. Au pairs enter under a cultural exchange program overseen by the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND).
Because of this, host families work with registered agencies in the Netherlands who sponsor the au pair visa and ensure all program rules are followed.
Host families take on a number of responsibilities to welcome an au pair. They work with their agency to help organize important aspects of the program, including:
Visa sponsorship through the IND
Health insurance
Support registering with local authorities
Dutch language lessons
Public transport passes or travel support
Often helping with a phone or data plan
Because of these responsibilities, Dutch host families tend to be very intentional when choosing an au pair. They are looking for a loyal individual who genuinely wants to experience the Netherlands and become part of their family through a meaningful cultural exchange.
For au pairs, this structured system helps ensure the program stays balanced, safe, and well supported. It also means that au pairs should take the role seriously - providing reliable childcare, contributing positively to the family’s daily life, and honouring the full duration of their agreed placement.
What Au Pair Life Looks Like
The Dutch au pair program focuses on cultural exchange rather than full-time work.
Au pairs can work up to 30 hours per week and no more than 8 hours per day. In return, you receive:
Free rent in a private room
Meals and groceries provided by your host family
Monthly pocket money of €300–€400
Typical responsibilities may include:
Getting the children ready for school
School drop-offs or pick-ups (often by bike)
Preparing snacks or simple meals
Helping with homework
Planning activities and games
Children’s laundry
Light tidying of shared spaces
A big part of the role is engaging with the children — playing, exploring, baking, doing crafts, reading stories, or heading to the park together. This is your chance to create memorable experiences and be an active part of their daily lives.
What Kind of Au Pair Thrives in the Netherlands
The au pairs who do especially well here tend to enjoy a balance of family time and independence.
Dutch families often appreciate au pairs who enjoy being part of family life - sharing meals, chatting about the day, and participating in everyday moments together. Many au pairs describe the experience as gaining a ‘home away from home’.
At the same time, successful au pairs are proactive about building their own social life.
This might look like:
Meeting other au pairs for coffee
Attending local events or meetups
Exploring nearby cities on weekends
Biking to the local cafés or market
Joining a language class, course, or gym
Families also appreciate au pairs who bring energy and creativity when spending time with the children - planning games, outdoor activities, crafts, fun learning moments, and opportunities to practice English.
Practical Tips for Being a Great Au Pair
One tip we love is to prepare a “go bag”, so you’re always ready for trips outside the house with the kids. Typical items include snacks, water, wet wipes, a first-aid kit, sunscreen, and a toy or colouring book. Choose a backpack so your arms are free for safety.
It’s also helpful to keep a drawer or box with activity supplies - markers, coloured paper, glue, stickers, and simple craft kits - that you add to over time, along with a list of activity ideas on your phone for when you need some inspiration.
Parents and children love when au pairs bring energy, enthusiasm, and new ideas. They also love when they share their culture, skills, or traditions, helping the family learn about where they come from. Take it from our au pair, Lisa, who arrived to the Netherlands with maple syrup and Canadian stuffed animals for the kids - way to make an impression!
Final Thoughts
Au pairing in the Netherlands is a beautiful balance of independence, cultural exchange, and everyday adventure.
You’ll bike through historic streets, watch sunsets over the North Sea, explore new cities on weekends, and build meaningful connections with your host family.
You’ll experience Dutch life not as a tourist - but as someone truly living there.
And throughout the journey, you’ll have support from Aurora and our local agency that wants to see you thrive.
If you’ve chosen the Netherlands, you’ve made a wonderful choice. If you’re still deciding, let’s continue the conversation — email us at hello@aurorapairs.com!
