Top Tips for Finding Au Pair Language Courses in Ireland

If you’re looking for a new life experience, then seeking a job as an au pair in Ireland can be a great way to do just that. Not only will you learn about a new culture, experiencing it first-hand, but you can also improve your language skills, and meet new people along the way. As a host family supporting your au pair to learn and improve a language will make it a much more enriching experience. Not only will finding an au pair language course make the experience more fun, it’s also a great educational opportunity and can help everyone to get the most out of this time. In this article, we share some of the best tips for finding au pair language courses in Ireland.

Do au pairs have to attend a language course?

While not compulsory in Ireland, it is highly recommended as it’s so beneficial. Ever been at a party and your friends are chatting, but you can’t hear what’s being said? You feel like you’re missing out on the fun? Attending a language course is a great way to enhance the experience and to fully take part in the uniqueness of this opportunity. There are a lot of different language courses available to au pairs. They can be found both in-person and online, and they can be taken at various levels. The level of the course will depend on the starting level and competency in the language influencing whether a beginner or advanced course is selected. In addition to this, there are also courses that are specifically designed for Au Pairs. These courses tend to be very practical, focusing on real-life situations that Au Pairs may experience.

Who pays for the language course?

 When it comes to paying for the language course, usually it is the Au Pair that covers the cost unless otherwise agreed that there will be a contribution from the host family. Doing your research is very important, so be sure to do some research before you decide on a course. A lot of the larger language schools in Ireland will offer a wide range of courses, so be sure to find out what they can offer you. If you do your research first, you should be able to judge if a course is for you or not. Be sure to also check how the course is structured, how often it meets and when it runs as the course will need to fit around au pair duties. You will also need to look at what materials are needed, and how much the course costs.

The advantages of language courses for au pairs

The experience of au pairing can be a significantly important learning experience for both the Au Pair and the family. Everyone benefits. For an Au Pair, learning or improving your language skills will help you to fully feel at home with your host family. For the family, it helps for them to know that you’re feeling included and are enjoying the experience. Apart from that, a language course is a great way for new Au Pairs to meet more people outside of their host family, meeting those living in the same area, who will also be learning the language. Often a language school will also have a programme of events and activities for students to get involved with.

How to find a language course as an au pair

The best way to do this is to contact language schools directly and ask them if they have any courses designed specifically for Au Pairs. Some schools may not have Au Pair language courses, but if they offer general language courses, they may be able to help you. It’s worth mentioning that there are some private language schools that offer courses for Au Pairs, but these are quite rare, so it’s best to make direct contact with all language schools in your area. 

Language Schools in Ireland:

(Source: https://www.acels.ie/schools)

From the SureSitter team, we wish you every success in finding the course that works for you whether starting or continuing your Au Pairing experience. Au pairing is an excellent option. If hosting, you’re opening your options to create more space and time in your life. If au pairing, you are giving yourself the opportunity to learn and engage in a new language and culture through an experience that is uniquely yours. We hope our blog has been a help in supporting and guiding your search.