HouseoOrange South Africa Au Pairs
We would like to welcome you to the website of House-o-Orange South Africa, an outbound agency that specialises in placing quality South African & Namibian Au pairs all around the world! House-o-Orange South Africa is located just opposite the beach in Melkbosstrand, South Africa and was founded in 2010. As an agency we recruit and train top quality Au pairs in order to provide the perfect match between host family and Au pair. We focus on recruiting native/fluent English-speaking candidates who can cycle and swim confidently and who has a strong passion when it comes to working with children.
You might already know us by name; House-o-Orange Au Pairs was started in 2000 and is 1 of the most respected Au Pair agencies in The Netherlands. We are long term members of the International Au Pair Association IAPA (www.iapa.org). As an outbound agency, we offer programs such as the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Germany, Au pair USA, Camp USA and China.
We are a full-service agency who strive to deliver an outstanding service to all our Au pairs.
We will assist you from the start of your journey right up until the end. We work hand in hand with a fantastic group of individuals at our head office as well as partners, in order to ensure quality support to all throughout. House-o-Orange South Africa provides training in both Cape Town and Johannesburg prior to departure in order for you to feel well-equipped and informed before your year abroad kicks off!
Our team is not only professional but also very experienced and excited to assist you in any way possible! Do you have questions or are you looking to become an au pair?
Our OFFICE ADDRESS is:
16 Die Bad Pad
Melkbosstrand, 7441
Cape Town
Office hours:
Mon – Thu : 08.30 – 17.00
Friday only: 08.30 – 16.00
We are closed on weekends and public holidays.
Kindly call us on +27 – 21 553 3638 or e-mail us to start the process today! We would ❤︎ to hear from you.
House-o-Orange Au Pairs
16 Die Bad Pad
Melkbosstrand, 7441
Cape Town
Phone: +27 – 21 553 3638
Email: info@house-o-orange.co.za
Step 1 : Sign up
Step 2 : Get documents
Step 3 : Interview
Step 4 : Match making
Step 5 : Departure
2 : Get documents – Once we have received your inquiry, all documentation to start the process will be sent to you via email. These documents will build your profile and showcase you as a potential Au pair. All documents will be discussed with you
3 : Interview – Once we have received your application form, you will be informed as to whether you have been accepted into the program. Once accepted, an interview date will be confirmed with you. During the COVID-19 period, interviews will be held via WhatsApp videocall and will last about an hour. Interviews can be held Monday’s – Friday’s between 10am-4pm. Once you have successfully completed your interview with one of our staff members, your profile will be entered into the matching pool.
4 : Match making – A lot of effort goes into the match making process. We focus on finding the perfect fit for each candidate and family. You will be informed of an interview request once a family shows interest in interviewing with you. Once the interview has been completed, the family will decide whether they would like to offer you the position. Based on their decision, you will then have the opportunity to accept should you feel that they are the right fit for you.
5 : Departure – Once your match has been confirmed, the official steps to prepare for your departure will follow. These steps will include attending your visa appointment, completing the required medical tests and most importantly, packing your bags for the journey of a lifetime! HOO will guide you every step of the way in order to ensure an enjoyable departure.
Experiences from Au Pairs who worked via House-o-Orange Au Pairs
Shammoline
Tell us about your experience as an au pair in the Netherlands
Why did you decide to become an Au pair?
I chose to become an Au Pair because I wanted to travel and learn more about the different cultures all around the world and I like working with kids as well. So, becoming an Au Pair was the perfect opportunity for me to have all of that.
How has your experience been?
My experience from day one was absolutely wonderful until my last day. My host family was very welcoming. They made me feel like I was part of the family. They showed me around the little town/ village called Voorburg, located in the Hague. I took care of two beautiful girls, that felt like my two little sisters. I got familiar with their routines very quickly
What do you like best about being an Au pair?
You meet new people that will be part of your life forever. You get an extra family. You try new and different cuisines.
How much different is the Dutch culture from your own?
I must say the Dutch are very direct people and it I think for most South Africans it can be challenging to get used to it especially if you don’t have the right mindset. Also, the thing that was very interesting for me was that people travel even with their bicycle, literally everywhere! Public transport is extremely convenient here.
What has this experience taught you up until now?
Living in the Netherlands has truly opened my eyes as it’s so different compared to South Africa. I’ve developed so much as a person and have grown so much. During my experience I also had the opportunity to learn Dutch which I really enjoyed (very similar to Afrikaans!)
Are you happy with House-O-Orange as an agency and would you recommend them?
Yes! House-o-Orange truly helps their Au Pairs every step of the way! I think if it wasn’t for them, I would never have found my perfect host family. I would recommend HOO and this whole Au Pair experience to anyone who wants to travel and see the world!
Experiences from Au Pairs who worked via House-o-Orange Au Pairs
Bianca
Tell us about your experience as an au pair in Germany
Why did you decide to become an Au pair?
I chose to become an Au pair as I’m at my happiest when I can inspire those around me. Becoming an Au pair gives me the opportunity to do so, whilst learning new things on a daily basis. I love seeing the development that takes place in children, especially knowing you played a role in that development. I became an Au pair because I wanted to become a role model for the little ones in my care.
What do you like best about being an Au pair?
That warm feeling I receive in my heart when seeing the joy my host children experience on a daily basis, through their eyes. Nothing makes me happier than a happy child!
How welcoming and interesting has it been living with your host family?
I enjoy every second living with my host family! The parents make a lot of effort to include me in their family life and always ensure that I am just as happy abroad as what I would have been back home. I thoroughly enjoy learning more about their traditions, culture and ways of living.
How much different is the German culture from your own?
I have enjoyed learning every bit of the German culture since arriving in Germany, even though its completely the opposite from what I am used to back home. The language has been a little difficult however it makes me happy knowing that I’m right where I’m supposed to be.
What has this experience taught you up until now?
It’s not always easy being an Au pair, however it’s what you make of your experience. Your life changes within a blink of an eye which can be the most rewarding experience if you allow it to be. My way of doing and thinking about things changed completely the moment I adapted.
Are you happy with House-O-Orange as an agency and would you recommend them?
Without a doubt! I couldn’t have asked for a better agency to Au pair through. They make an extreme amount of effort to contact you each month in order to ensure that all is going well with you and to offer assistance with anything you require. I would definitely recommend them as they have your interests at heart and made this whole journey a stress-free one.
Experiences from Au Pairs who worked via House-o-Orange Au Pairs
Meghan
Tell us about your experience as an au pair in China
Why did you decide to become an Au pair?
I wanted to become an Au Pair to be able to travel overseas and to learn about new cultures.
What do you like best about being an Au pair?
I best liked being an Au Pair because I was able to travel and learn new cultures while being paid. Also learning loads of new people including becoming part of my host family’s lives.
How welcoming and interesting has it been living with your host family?
My host family was very accommodating. They were well aware of the culture differences and really did their part to help me adapt to their culture. They taught me about their culture and if I did something incorrect, they took the time to help me right. They were also very open about learning about South Africa and our ways. We had nights where I made my favourite South African dishes for them to try, and they LOVED it!
How much different is the Chinese culture from your own?
The culture is very different from my own, which was to be expected. Interesting and wonderful are definitely 2 words that I still use to describe the Chinese culture. They are people who stand together, they love teaching “Westerners” about their culture, and personally the food was amazing (much different from the basic Chinese restaurants we have in SA.)
What has this experience taught you up until now?
The experience taught me to respect people from different cultures, not all people are the same and that is OK! I still carry this with me every day.
What was it like to experience the country and its surroundings? How did you overcome the language barrier?
I absolutely loved China. Adapting to any new city/environment can be challenging. Personally, if you are open to change, like an Au Pair should be, adapting will be easier. The same goes for the language; there are definitely barriers, but if you are open to learning the language the process of learning it will become easier. The agency in China has language classes twice a week where they have a Mandarin teacher. She was absolutely amazing and so helpful, I could speak & understand basic Mandarin within 3 months
Are you happy with House-O-Orange as an agency and would you recommend them?
I am very happy with House-o-Orange and the support I received. I would definitely recommend this program to anyone interested in learning more about the Chinese culture and its people!
Experiences from Au Pairs who worked via House-o-Orange Au Pairs
Daniel
Tell us about your experience as an au pair in Belgium
Why did you decide to become an Au pair?
I saw snow for the very first time! It was beautiful. After 2 days though the cold gets you and its best to snuggle on the couch with lots of blankets and hot chocolate!
I have shared a lot of my culture by making dishes for dinner and my host mom has been so nice as to get us a braai! The kids also like Afrikaans music that I often play. My family is Canadian so I have not really experienced Belgium culture from a household perspective, but I have experienced Belgium culture when going to the Grand place by having a waffle and getting pastries and just enjoying the infrastructure and people that work at the shops.
Why did you decide to become an au pair?
I became an Au Pair because I love working with children and I wanted to see Europe and this was the perfect opportunity for me to enjoy both.
What have you loved most about being an au pair?
Being part of the children’s lives and spending time with them. I have a lot of fun with the kids, they make me smile and laugh all the time. I really enjoy watching them grow into little adults. Their favourite activity is arts and crafts although we do a lot of role playing for example: I am the lava monster and they are the superheroes and we have an epic pillow-fight battle. When they get back from school we talk about their day and how it was while having dinner together. We do stories before bedtime and they just love that.
What has the experience taught you up to now?
I have definitely grown as an adult by having a lot of responsibilities and learning how to manage them all. I feel like their big brother and I fit in very well with the family. I generally enjoy the food in Belgium and am excited for when things open up a bit more so I can travel! My host mom has been very helpful, kind and nice with me thus far.
Would you recommend House o Orange Au Pairs?
I am very happy and I was very well prepared by House-O-Orange. I would definitely recommend House-O-Orange.
Experiences from Au Pairs who worked via House-o-Orange Au Pairs
Merentia
Tell us about your experience as an au pair in France
Why did you decide to become an Au pair?
I wanted to become an au pair because it gives me the opportunity to work with children while travelling all across Europe! This is my third year with House-o-Orange Au Pairs as I’ve previously participated in the Netherlands and Belgium program too!
What do you like best about being an Au pair?
What I like best about being an Au Pair is making lifelong friends and forming a lifelong friendships with your host families in all the different countries.
What does your typical day consist of?
My day-to-day life in France consist of taking the kids to school and picking them up, making breakfast and sometimes dinner. During the day, I have free time which I use to visit some nice places in Paris and its surrounding areas! It is extremely easy to travel with public transport during your time off.
How welcoming and interesting has it been living with your host family?
My host family was super nice and made me feel at home from the second I arrived at their home! It has been very interesting living in France. Learning about their culture and their way of living. I’m very lucky and I get to experience some Moroccan culture as well with my host family!
How much different is the French culture from your own?
The French culture is very different than my own but it is so interesting and fun to learn about and experience! It is really a once in a lifetime opportunity and I would 100% recommend it!
What has this experience taught you up until now?
This experience has taught me a lot of important life lessons. It has taught me to do what I want and not wait for anyone else to go and do what you want/love! I have grown as a person and learned how to live life to the fullest!
Are you happy with House-O-Orange as an agency and would you recommend them?
House-o-Orange has 24/7 support when you need it! I could always count on them to help me in any situation. I’m very lucky to work with House-o-Orange and I’m so happy with the support and help I receive from their lovely team! I would 100% recommend them as an agency and any of their au pair programs! It has been an amazing opportunity and I would like to encourage everyone who is thinking of becoming an au pair to just do it! You will never regret making the choice to experience all that Europe has to offer!
Experiences from Au Pairs who worked via House-o-Orange Au Pairs
Juli-Ann
Tell us about your experience as an au pair in the USA
Why did you decide to become an Au pair?
I chose to become an Au pair because I’ve always had a very caring and nurturing personality. I’ve also always wanted to travel while seeing the world. I started doing research a few years ago which is when I came across the House-o-Orange webpage. Caring and spending time with children while experiencing a more diverse world, is everything I’ve wished for.
What do you like best about being an Au pair?
The thing I like most about being an Au pair is that it pushes you outside of your comfort zone. It challenges you and shows you how rewarding it is to have such a positive influence on your host family’s life.
What has this experience taught you up until now?
This experience has taught me to be more open minded about towards other people’s perspectives and beliefs while at the same time setting your own boundaries and limits.
Are you happy with House-O-Orange as an agency and would you recommend them?
Throughout the 3 years that I’ve worked with HOO (I Au paired in the Netherlands through them as well,) I couldn’t possibly think of a time I wasn’t extremely grateful for the amazing agency they have been for me. From the start to the end of my journey, the staff have always been super friendly, helpful and professional. They put so much effort into every candidate they send abroad which makes it so much easier for the Au pairs to enjoy their experience from the start. I have already recommended HOO to a few girls who have also all had a great experience with them. It’s by far the best agency to work through and any girl I’ve made friends with or have been in contact with who worked through them, was/is equally as happy with the agency as I am!
Contact us
Our office hours are:
Mon - Thu : 08.30-17.00
Friday only : 08.30-16.00
Elandi Lochner – Senior Manager
manager@house-o-orange.co.za
021 553 3638
Stephanie Oosthuizen – Program Manager
info@house-o-orange.co.za
021 553 3638
