| Hosting an au pair can carry hidden
costs |
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Long-distance
calls
By the time your au pair arrives, you probably have had several
long-distance phone conversations with her. But what about long-distance
phone calls she wants to make to family and friends back home?
"It has to be dealt with, because if au pairs
think they can call internationally and talk with mom and dad every
other week, it's going to start adding up," Liebermann says.
She suggests setting clear expectations in advance
so that no one is surprised when the telephone bill arrives.
Vacations
Au pairs are entitled to two weeks of vacation per year. You'll
pay their weekly stipends during those two weeks, but you don't
necessarily need to pay for their vacations. However, if your family
takes a vacation and you want her to go along to help with the children,
you'll be expected to pay her way. That could mean significant additional
expenses for airfare, hotel, meals and related entertainment expenses.
Computer and
Internet access
It's not a requirement that you buy your au pair a computer of her
own, but many families do. Fighting for computer time can be a problem
if there are a limited number of computers in the home and many
people who need access at the same time.
"The computer provides au pairs with access to
the outside world, and since they are away from their home country,
it is an important lifeline to current events, family and friends,"
Wolfe says.
Medical expenses
Although most au pairs have basic health-care coverage, they may
have a significant deductible or no coverage for prescription medications.
One family ended up paying for their au pair's $135 prescription
to get over a sinus infection because her insurance didn't cover
it.
Most host families are happy to host an au pair and
willing to pay the additional expenses because they view her as
a family member. It's important, however, that you understand the
costs upfront. No one wants to be surprised with unexpected expenses.
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