Aupairlink
WIND CONNECTIONS AGENCY
LICENSED BY SECO IN SWITZERLAND
RECOGNIZED INTERNATIONALLY BY IAPA
WIND CONNECTIONS Agency
Wind Connections is an agency recognized by SECO (State Secretariat for Economic Affairs) since 2002 and in Liechtenstein by the Office of National Economy 'Amt für Volkswirtschaft' since 2008. We are full voting member of the International Au Pair Association (IAPA) since 2016.
We place the best candidates to help you look after your children at home. If you are looking for an Au Pair, you are on the right internet site. If you are looking for a Nanny, please visit www.nannylink.ch
AU PAIR PROGRAM
The Au pair program is an International cultural exchange that gives the possibility to young people to spend time abroad, share culture and traditions, learn a new language and gain experience, while helping a host family with duties related to childcare.
FAMILY seeking an AU PAIR?
Would you like to have more flexibility and more time to pursue your personal interests and career objectives? Would you like to find an experienced, reliable, and motivated candidate to help with duties related to childcare? Our Au pair program is an excellent solution for families living in Switzerland! Wind Connections is a placement agency founded and registered in 2002. In Switzerland, we are licensed by the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs-SECO. We also have a license to place candidates in Liechtenstein. We work with more than seventy partner agencies around the world to help you find the right solution. We are members of the International Au Pair Association (IAPA). Visit the FAMILY section of this site for more information.
AU PAIR seeking a host family in SWITZERLAND or LIECHTENSTEIN?
Do you have experience working with children? Do you like to travel l? Would you like to learn a new language? Are you at least 18 years old? If so, becoming an Au Pair could be a rewarding experience for you! Our agency, Wind Connections, is an officially licensed placement agency, and we'll be happy to help you find the right host family in Switzerland or Liechtenstein. We are members of the International Au Pair Association (IAPA). Visit the AU PAIR section of this site for more information.
SWISS AU PAIR seeking a host family ABROAD?
Are you Swiss and aged between 18 and 30? Do you have experience working with children? Do you like to travel? Would you like to learn a new language? If you answer yes to these questions, being an Au Pair abroad could be a rewarding experience for you! Our agency, Wind Connections, is an officially licensed placement agency and we'll be happy to help you find the right family in different countries around the world. We are members of the International Au Pair Association (IAPA). Visit the GO ABROAD section of this site for more information.
Family
Wind Connections is a placement agency licensed by SECO since 2002.
Our experience and professional approach is a guaranty of quality to offer the best au pair and nanny solution.
WHO IS WIND CONNECTIONS AGENCY?
Wind Connections is a licensed Agency with a professional approach to find the best candidate for each family. We help both candidates and families find the right match so they can develop an optimal work relationship. We know how important it is to trust people who work and live with you, so our placement solution emphasizes thorough knowledge of both parties to maximize the chances of success. That is why interviews for candidates and families are obligatory. To improve our placement services, we work with over seventy well-established partner agencies around the world.
WHY WORK WITH WIND CONNECTIONS AGENCY?
- Wind Connections is a licensed agency in Switzerland since 2002 and in Liechtenstein since 2008. We are authorized to place both European and non-European candidates. We are also members of IAPA (International Au Pair Association).
- We offer professional service at every stage of the process:
- We offer interviews to candidates and families to better understand mutual needs and expectations in order to optimize the chances of success for all.
- We treat information with competence and confidentiality.
- We help families simplify the administrative process.
- We offer our help to Au Pair candidates to facilitate their integration into their new environment.
- We can assist you in French, English or German.
- Our Au Pair candidates are selected because they have good experience working with children and are motivated by cultural exchange and learning a new language.
- And also... We're here for you! We're not just here to guide you, we're here to support you throughout your experience with your chosen candidate. We hope you have a positive experience with us!
WHO CAN EMPLOY AN AUPAIR?
Families speaking the official regional language, with a minimum of one child (younger than 16 years old) can employ an Au Pair. The Au pair will help you look after the children and do light household duties. The work program can include a maximum of 30 hours a week divided on 5 or 6 days and needs to be supported 50% of the work time. You should provide room and board. The Au pair net salary may vary per canton. It is in general between CHF 600 to CHF 800 per month.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO EMPLOY AN AUPAIR?
Registration fee: CHF 160 (+ CHF 40 outside canton Zürich). It includes a family interview and administrative tasks to document the family’s profile. This amount is nonrefundable but is valid as long as you need an au pair.
Recruitment and Placement fee: CHF 1'490. It includes the recruitment, selection, and placement of the right candidate. We guide you through the hiring process and prepare the complete file to obtain the necessary authorizations to obtain an entry visa (mandatory for people from third countries) and a residence/work permit for each Au pair. We also provide support for the Au Pair and family throughout the duration of the contract. Our agency collaborates with partner agencies who are responsible for interviewing au pairs in their home country, checking references and completing au pairs' files. A supplement for selected agencies may apply (maximum 350 CHF).
Entry visa: This is necessary for non-European candidates. Fees paid by the host family to Swiss authorities are usually between CHF 400 and CHF 600 (please count ca. 6 to 8 weeks to get all approvals).
Registration in community / work permits: Registration fees vary from one commune to another (from CHF 20). The biometric version of the work permit will have an additional cost, paid for by the family.
Au Pair salary: The monthly net salary varies from CHF 600 to CHF 800.
Vacation: Four weeks of paid vacation for one completed year of work. If the Au pair is below 20 years old, one additional week of vacation is obligatory.
Language school: The host family pays 100% of language classes for the Au pair (120 hours per year).
Health Insurance: The basic health insurance is mandatory for your Au Pair. The host family must cover at least 50% of the costs.
Accident insurance (UVG): The accident insurance is mandatory for your Au Pair. You can deduct 100% of the non-professional insurance from the salary.
Taxes, social charges (AHV/IV/EO/ALV), pension fund (BVG): The Au pair salary is taxable and subject to social charges. Based on the annual gross salary, you may also need to organize a pension fund. You can deduct from the gross salary 100 % of the taxes as well as 50% of the social charges and pension fund.
Private room and board: It is mandatory to provide a room and food for your au pair, even during vacation time.
Airplane ticket: The regulation varies in each canton. Flight cost is not included in the agency fee.
WHEN IS THE RIGHT TIME TO RECRUIT AN AU PAIR?
Any time! We recruit all year round. Please fill in the FAMILY registration form.
Au Pair
Wind Connections is a Swiss agency, licensed since 2002
We are recognized by IAPA (International Au Pair Association), which is a guarantee of quality for Au Pairs, Nannies and their host family.
WHO IS WIND CONNECTIONS AGENCY?
Wind Connections is a licensed Agency with a professional approach to find the best candidate for each family. We help both candidates and families find the right match so they can develop an optimal work relationship. We know how important it is to trust people who work and live with you, so our placement solution emphasizes thorough knowledge of both parties to maximize the chances of success. That is why interviews for candidates and families are obligatory. To improve our placement services, we work with over seventy well-established partner agencies around the world. We do not charge fees to Au pairs coming to work in Switzerland or Liechtenstein (host families pay our fees).
WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT FROM OUR AGENCY?
- Wind Connections has been a licensed agency in Switzerland since 2002 and in Liechtenstein since 2008. We are also IAPA (International Au Pair Association) members.
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We offer a professional service every step of the way:
- We offer interviews to candidates and families to better understand mutual needs and expectations in order to optimize the chances of success for all.
- We treat information with competence and confidentiality.
- We help families simplify the administrative process.
- We offer our help to Au Pair candidates to facilitate their integration into their new environment.
- We can assist you in French, English or German.
- Our families are selected because they are motivated by cultural exchange and agree to respect the standards of the Au Pair program.
- And also... We're here for you! It's not just about guiding you, it's about accompanying you throughout your experience in Switzerland. We hope that you will have a positive experience with us!
WHO CAN APPLY TO OUR AGENCY FOR THIS POSITION?
Our agency recruits mainly in European Union countries. Each Au pair must have relevant experience working with children and excellent references.
Other qualifications are :
- No criminal record
- Good health certificate
- Good language skills
- Available for one year
- Unmarried and childless
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Age limit
- Au Pair EU/EFTA : from 18 to 30 years old
- Au Pair Third Countries: from 18 to 25 years old
WHAT DOES A LIVE-IN AUPAIR DO?
- You work with your host family for a period of 12 months. European candidates have the possibility to extend their contract a second year.
- Your host family will provide a private room and food.
- You work 30 hours a week to help the family with childcare duties and light housework. You may also be asked to babysit one to two evenings per week.
- You go to school to learn a new language and during your free time, you can enjoy your favorite hobby, do sports, travel and meet new friends!
IN RETURN, THE FAMILY EMPLOYING YOU WILL:
- Pay our agency fees related to your placement in their family and all charges to obtain your official visa and/or work permit.
- Provide room and board.
- Pay a net salary, in general between 600 CHF to 800 CHF per month. The salary can vary per canton.
- Pay 4 weeks of vacation per year. If you are under 20 years of age, you will get 5 weeks.
- Pay your language lessons in an official school (minimum 120 hours per year).
- Pay at least 50% of your health insurance, and organize the accident insurance for the duration of your stay.
- Contribute 50% of social security contributions (AVS)
- Pay for public transportation when related to work and language lessons.
- Many families will also contribute to flight costs (not mandatory in all cantons).
WHAT ARE THE SELECTION CRITERIA FOR AN AUPAIR JOB?
Each candidate must pass an initial interview to assess:
Your education, interests and experience working with children, as well as important personal qualities for the position (honesty, reliability, self-confidence, patience, emotional maturity, the ability to communicate and listen, a sense of responsibility, flexibility and creativity).
WHEN CAN YOU APPLY FOR AN AUPAIR JOB?
Any time of the year! Please complete the Au pair registration form. It is a free service for candidates coming to work in Switzerland.
Go Abroad
Wind Connections is a Swiss agency, licensed since 2002.
We are recognized by IAPA (International Au Pair Association), which is a guarantee of quality for international placements.
WIND CONNECTIONS AGENCY INFORMATION
Wind Connections is a licensed agency in Switzerland since 2002 and in Liechtenstein since 2008. We work with over 70 partner agencies worldwide. The GO ABROAD program offers au pair candidates living in Switzerland the chance to gain experience in a foreign country.
WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT FROM OUR AGENCY?
- Wind Connections is an officially licensed agency (SECO).
- Wind Connections is a member of the IAPA (International Au Pair Association).
- We offer a professional service every step of the way.
- We work with agencies recognized in their countries.
- We treat all information with competence and confidentiality.
WHO CAN APPLY TO GO ABROAD?
- Au pair candidates with Swiss citizenship.
- Au pair candidates living in Switzerland
- Age between 18 and 30
- Experience working with children, with excellent references
- No criminal record
- Good health
- Good knowledge of languages
- Single / no children
- In some countries, a driver's license may be required.
WHAT DOES WORKING AS AN AU PAIR INVOLVE?
- You live and work with the host family for a period of 3 to 12 months (depending on the country). Most agencies prefer long-term employment, but some summer or seasonal jobs are available. It is usually possible to extend an au pair stay.
- You work from 20 to 40 hours a week (depending on the country), looking after the children and helping the family with simple household tasks.
- The host family provides you with a private room and food for the duration of your stay. They also pay you a basic wage for your work.
- Some host families contribute to travel expenses, language school, health insurance, etc. Each country has different regulations on this, so it's best to consult us for details.
- Many families travel with you, so you may have the chance to discover other countries.
- During your free time, you can enjoy your favorite hobbies, practice a sport, learn a new language or travel and meet new friends!
WHAT SUPPORT IS AVAILABLE ABROAD?
- We carefully select our partner agencies and trust their ability and professionalism to find a good host family in their country.
- Each partner agency must provide a welcome document and offer the opportunity to meet other au pairs. Sometimes, there is also the possibility of local group visits. Some agencies also offer a 24-hour emergency service.
- Our agency will always be there for you. We can be reached at any time if you have any questions or comments.
WHEN CAN I REGISTER?
- At any time of the year! Please complete the GO ABROAD registration form on our website.
INFORMATION PRE-MATCH
Wind Connections Agency
Wind Connections has been accredited in Switzerland by SECO (State Secretariat for Economic Affairs) since 2002, and in Liechtenstein by the Office of National Economy 'Amt für Volkswirtschaft' since 2008. We have been a member of the IAPA (International Au Pair Association) since 2016. Our website AUPAIRLINK represents the agency's Au pair services.
AUPAIRWORLD PRE-MATCH
We are happy to collaborate with AuPairWorld, a well-established internet platform where many families and Au pairs find their best match.
The Pre-Match concept is easy:
Step 1: Swiss Host Family finds an Au pair on AuPairWorld
Step 2: Host Family completes the Pre-Match registration form on our web site
Step 3: We will get back to you with the guidance that you need.
Our Pre-match services are offered at a competitive price of CHF 580 for European Union candidates and CHF 690 for non-European Union candidates. Please note that not all cantons have contingents for the permits of non-EU Aupair candidates.
Our services include:
- Video meeting with the family and the Au pair to answer questions, assess expectations and ensure that program standards are met.
- Preparation of the work contract and processing of the visa application (if required/limited to certain cantons) and work/residence permit with the Swiss authorities.
- Accompaniment of the host family in the important steps to prepare for the Au pair's arrival (e.g. language school enrolment, insurance, social security, etc.).
- Integration of the Au pair into the Wind Connections network and invitation to attend agency meetings.
- Support and advice for host families and the Au pair throughout the duration of the contract.
Agency
WIND CONNECTIONS AGENCY
Wind Connections is an employment agency recognized by SECO (State Secretariat for Economic Affairs) since 2002 and in Liechtenstein by the Office of National Economy 'Amt für Volkswirtschaft' since 2008. We have been a member of the International Au Pair Association (IAPA) since 2016.
We offer placements for candidates in Switzerland, and we place Swiss Au pairs abroad (GO ABROAD program).
Our AUPAIRLINK website represents the agency's Au pair services. Our NANNYLINK website represents the agency's Nanny services.
We offer a professional approach to finding the right person for each family. We work with over 70 partner agencies worldwide to help you find the right match. Our recruiters and partner agencies conduct initial interviews in their home countries and check references.
We interview each candidate to assess their interests and aptitudes, as well as their motivation and experience in working with children. We meet with families to better understand their needs and expectations.
Thanks to our in-depth knowledge of candidates and families, we propose the best placement solutions to maximize everyone's chances of success. We guide families through the various official and administrative tasks, and support candidates to facilitate their integration into their new environment.
Wind Connections treats all information with competence and confidentiality.
Andrée Wind, founder and partner of Wind Connections, studied and graduated from the University of Sherbrooke. She holds dual Canadian-Swiss nationality. Before arriving in Switzerland, she gained international experience in America, Europe and Asia through her work at Procter & Gamble. She was a member of the executive committee of the Swiss-Canadian Chamber of Commerce from 2008 to 2023. She can assist you in French, English and German.
We're always interested in your opinion or suggestions, so please don't hesitate to contact us!
