Summer Au Pair: The Perfect Short-Term Adventure
Looking for a short-term stay? Discover what being a summer au pair means, the benefits for families and students, and how to find your perfect match.
Sophie Martin
Sophie helps families plan international placements and timelines.
11 02 2026
5 min read

A summer au pair stay is a fantastic variation of the classic au pair program. It typically lasts between one and three months, aligning with the long school summer holidays. It's the perfect solution for families needing holiday childcare and for young people wanting a short but immersive cultural experience.
How is it Different?
The main difference is the duration. While a standard au pair stay often lasts 6-12 months, a summer au pair joins a family specifically for the summer break. This makes it ideal for university students who want to travel and work abroad during their semester holidays without taking a gap year.
Benefits for Everyone
For Families: You get reliable childcare during the weeks when schools are closed but you might still have to work.
For Au Pairs: You get to live abroad, improve a language, and experience a new culture without a long-term commitment.
For Both: It serves as a great 'trial run' to see if the au pair lifestyle is right for you before committing to a longer stay in the future.
Where Can You Go?
Demand for summer au pairs is particularly high in Southern Europe—especially in Spain, Italy, and France—where summer holidays are long and families often look for help at home or at their holiday residences.
Tips for Success
Be Specific: Update your profile availability to exactly match your summer break dates.
Apply Early: Many families start looking for summer help as early as January or February.
Check Regulations: Even for short stays, visa rules may apply depending on your nationality and destination.
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