Okay, real talk – if you’re looking for a way to live abroad without eating ramen for every meal, becoming an au pair in Iceland might just be your golden ticket. It’s honestly one of the best-kept secrets for travel lovers who don’t mind wiping a few runny noses in exchange for living in what’s basically Middle Earth.
What’s This Au Pair Thing All About?
Think of it like the ultimate house swap, but with kids involved. You (assuming you’re somewhere between 18-30 and not completely hopeless with children) move in with an Icelandic family. You help wrangle their little ones, maybe throw in some light cleaning, and boom – free room, food, and pocket money.
It’s like being adopted by a foreign family, except you actually get paid and nobody expects you to come home for every holiday. You’ll pick up the language naturally, learn what it’s really like to live there, and honestly? It beats the heck out of staying in hostels and surviving on street food.
Why Iceland Though?
Dude, have you SEEN Iceland? It’s like someone took all the best parts of a fantasy movie and made it real. We’re talking epic waterfalls that’ll make your Instagram followers weep with envy, glaciers you can actually walk on, and if you’re lucky, the Northern Lights putting on a show that’ll ruin regular sunsets for you forever.
Plus, Icelanders are genuinely some of the chillest people on the planet. Crime rates are basically non-existent, and everyone speaks English better than half the people I went to high school with. Your biggest “danger” will probably be getting too comfortable in those geothermal pools.
What’s In It for You?
Here’s what you’re looking at:
Your own cozy room (no more shared hostel bathrooms!), all meals covered, and spending money that’ll actually let you do fun stuff. You’re also getting killer experience with kids – which looks amazing on any resume – and basically a free crash course in how to live like a local.
The friendships you’ll make? Priceless. I’m talking about connections that’ll last way longer than your typical study abroad buddies.
Do You Even Qualify? Let’s See…
Before you start fantasizing about those hot springs, let’s make sure you’re actually eligible:
- Age: 18 to 30 (if you’re over 30, this ship has sailed, my friend)
- Education: High school diploma minimum – nothing fancy needed
- Kid experience: Babysat your little brother? Perfect. Worked at a summer camp? Even better
- Language: Decent English is a must. Icelandic would be cool but don’t stress – you’ll pick it up
- Clean record: They’re gonna do a background check, so hopefully you didn’t do anything too stupid in college
Finding Your Icelandic Family
This is where it gets real – picking the right family is everything. A good match means you’ll love every minute; a bad one means you’ll be counting down the days.
Your options:
- Au pair agencies: They’ll do the matchmaking for you and handle the boring paperwork stuff
- Online platforms: AuPairWorld, GreatAuPair – basically the dating apps of childcare
Pro tips for your profile:
- Be yourself! Nobody wants a fake, overly peppy au pair
- Show off why you’re awesome with kids and what makes you interesting
- Good photos are key – think “fun older sibling” not “job interview”
Once you find someone who seems cool, actually talk to them! Video calls are your friend. Ask about their daily routine, what the kids are like, and what they expect from you. You want to make sure you actually click before committing to living together.
The Paperwork Nightmare (Just Kidding, It’s Not That Bad)
Okay, nobody loves paperwork, but it’s not as soul-crushing as you might think:
- Visa application form (Iceland’s immigration website has it)
- Valid passport (check that expiration date!)
- Those awkward passport photos we all hate
- Signed agreement with your host family
- Health insurance proof (seriously, don’t skip this)
- Criminal background check
My advice? Get organized early. Make a checklist, set up a folder, and tackle it piece by piece instead of stress-scrambling at the last minute.
Actually Applying (The Fun Part)
- Fill out that visa form – it’s pretty straightforward
- Gather all your documents
- Pay the fee (check the current rate when you apply)
- Submit everything – and seriously, don’t wait until the deadline
- Track your application online and try not to refresh it every five minutes
The Interview (Don’t Panic!)
Yeah, there’s an interview, but it’s really not a big deal. They just want to make sure you’re not completely nuts and that you can handle the responsibility.
They might ask stuff like:
- Why do you want to do this?
- What’s your experience with kids?
- How’s your English? Any Icelandic?
Just be genuine and let your personality come through. If you’re nervous, practice with a friend or family member first. Remember, they want you to succeed too.
Time to Fly!
Once you get approved (fingers crossed!), it’s time for the fun part – actually going!
You’ll fly into Keflavík International Airport, which is about 45 minutes from Reykjavik. Pack smart – layers are your best friend, and waterproof everything is a must. The weather can be moody, but that’s part of the charm.
Don’t forget your passport, visa paperwork, insurance info, and your host family’s contact details. That first meeting might be a little awkward – it’s like a first date but with an entire family – but it’s also the start of something pretty amazing.
Getting Used to Your New Life
Real talk: there’s gonna be some culture shock. The language sounds like nothing you’ve ever heard, the weather can be dramatic, and you might desperately miss your favorite comfort foods. But you’ll also discover traditions that’ll blow your mind, make friends from all over the world, and learn to see life from a completely different perspective.
Survival tips:
- Learn basic Icelandic phrases (even just “hello” and “thank you” go a long way)
- Connect with other au pairs – they get what you’re going through
- Stay in touch with home, but don’t live on FaceTime
Know Your Rights (This Is Important!)
You’re not signing up to be a full-time nanny or house cleaner. You’re there for cultural exchange, which means there are limits:
- Maximum 30 hours of work per week
- Focus on childcare and light household help
- You get your own room, meals, and spending money
- Time for language classes or personal stuff is mandatory
If something feels wrong or unfair, speak up. Talk to your host family first, but if that doesn’t work, there are support networks and agencies that can help.
The Bottom Line
Being an au pair in Iceland isn’t just about changing diapers and making mac and cheese (though you’ll probably do both). It’s about growing as a person, experiencing a culture that’s completely different from your own, and having an adventure that’ll give you stories for the rest of your life.
If you can handle a little cold, embrace the unknown, and genuinely enjoy hanging out with kids, this could be the experience that changes everything. Plus, how many people can say they’ve lived in Iceland? That’s some serious bragging rights right there.
