Au Pair World is a website where you can find an au pair or a host family without the help of an agency.

Can I use Au Pair World for free?

If you're a host family looking for an au pair, you'll have to invest some money, because as a host family you need a premium account to get in touch with au pairs. This account comes with 3 different terms. The longer the contract term, the lower the monthly fee you have to pay.
If you sign up as an au pair because you're looking for a family for your stay, using the site is completely free.

Au Pair World

How does Au Pair World work and how do I find the right family/the right au pair?

The Au Pair World system is easy to understand. Unlike most "au pair" or "host family placement" sites, no agency is involved in the matching. Both families and au pairs can contact each other directly.
I was an au pair myself and found my host family through Au Pair World. I'd like to tell you how I found them and how I went about the search.
When you register as an au pair, the first thing you have to do is create a profile with information that matters to host families. You also write an introduction about yourself and upload photos. All this information helps host families get to know the au pair a little and decide whether they want to get in closer contact.
Families have a profile too, with information for au pairs.
There's also a filter where you can specify countries and how long you want to work as an au pair.
One tip I'd really like to give you: don't look for the place you like best, look for the family that fits you best!!!
I started my search almost a year before I began as an au pair. That sounds very early, but it meant I had plenty of choice, since most families didn't have an au pair for that period yet, and I also had time to get to know the family beforehand.
After I messaged a few families who seemed nice, I found mine quickly. I noticed right away that it was a good fit and that I had no worries.
I think it's very important to listen to your heart during the search. It's a job where you work with children, and you have to do it with passion. If you find a family where you think everything fits, don't hesitate, go for it!