Au Pair · Apprenticeship · Volunteer Year
OpenHearts Au Pair supports ambitious young people who are looking for an au pair placement, an apprenticeship or a voluntary social year in Germany. We match you with suitable host families and companies, guide your application and support you throughout the entire visa process.
About OpenHearts Au Pair
We guide motivated young people who want to live in Germany as an au pair, start an apprenticeship or complete a voluntary social year. We match suitable profiles, prepare applications and stand by your side throughout the entire visa process.
Our work starts with your goals – not with a form. Together we look at which programme suits you, practise conversations with host families and companies, and stay in touch after you arrive.
Advice in German, English and Maninka – clear, honest and without pressure.
One dedicated contact person from the first message until you arrive in Germany.
Our programmes
Whether it's childcare, vocational training or social engagement: together we check which programme fits your age, your experience and your goals – and what the road to arrival looks like.
You live with a host family, look after the children and attend a language course. That is how you get to know the language, everyday life and culture in Germany from the inside.
A dual apprenticeship combines practical work in a company with vocational school. You earn your own money from day one and gain a recognised qualification.
In a voluntary social year you work in a nursery, care home, hospital or youth work – and find out which social profession suits you.
How we support you
Five clear steps so you always know where you stand. Every step is prepared, discussed and decided together – never over your head.
01
We listen: what do you want to learn, where do you want to live, what do you bring with you? Online, free and without obligation.
02
We create your profile and look for host families or placements that match your goals, your experience and your level of German.
03
You receive concrete suggestions, we practise the video interview and prepare all documents together with you.
04
We put together the documents for the embassy, discuss the appointments and prepare you for your arrival.
05
Language course, the first days with the family or in the company: your contact person stays reachable, even after you arrive.
Your question
Are you unsure whether the timing is right? Write to us – we'll tell you honestly what is possible now.
Ask your questionRequirements
For au pair you are between 18 and 26 years old and want to spend a year living with children.
Basic knowledge between A1 and B1 helps at the start – we plan a language course together.
Babysitting, younger siblings, an internship or training: practical experience is a big plus.
You are ready to come to Germany for six to eighteen months (au pair: twelve months).
Certificates, references and an extended police clearance certificate – we tell you exactly what is needed.
You bring curiosity about everyday life, language and family life in Germany – and about new perspectives.
You don't meet every point? Get in touch anyway – there is often a way we can find together.
Voices
Examples from participants we were allowed to accompany on their way.
I was very nervous about the visa. OpenHearts explained every step to me – in the end I had not only my visa but also a family in Hamburg.
My application was too weak at first. We revised it together – three months later I had two job interviews.
The preparation made my start easy. I now know that I want to work in care later on.
Questions and answers
Your question isn't here? Send it to us in the form – we answer personally.
The first consultation is free. If we work together, we agree on a transparent placement fee during the first conversation and put it in writing. There are no hidden costs.
From the first consultation to arrival it usually takes four to nine months. Au pair is often faster than an apprenticeship because no recognition of qualifications is needed.
For au pair, basic knowledge at A1 to B1 level is enough; for an apprenticeship, companies usually expect B1. We plan the language course together with you and discuss the costs openly.
You cover the visa fees, the flight and the language course yourself. We help you plan the costs realistically and show you possible sources of support.
Yes. You receive profiles, we hold video interviews and you only decide once you are truly sure.
Then we talk with you and the family or placement. A change is possible – we won't leave you on your own.
Application and contact
A short form is enough to start. We usually reply within two working days with an honest assessment and the next steps – free and without obligation.