Au Pair is a French word meaning 'on par' or 'equal to', denoting an equal terms relationship between host family and Au Pair.

According to the British Government's Home Office an Au Pair is:

…a single person without any dependents who comes to learn English and live as part of an English speaking family. An Au Pair is not a domestic servant but helps in the home with light housework and takes care of the children for up to five hours a day, with at least two days completely free per week, she will also be expected to baby-sit for two or three evenings a week. She should be able to attend language classes several times a week, and religious services if she so wishes. As well as her own room she is entitled to pocket money of at least £70 per week.

The Au Pair arrangement offers a good opportunity to learn or improve your English, to see Britain, meet the inhabitants and widen your interests and your outlook on life. Such an arrangement however also calls for a lot of tact, understanding and sympathy from the Au Pair as well as from the family.