Emily Preddy
Australian, Au Pair in Amstelveen 2024
What an incredible year and experience! THANK YOU! I can not thank HBN enough for their professionalism, support and the opportunity to take part in the Au pair program.
They are an agency that truly cares about your experience and includes activities that enable you to meet other Au pairs during your time abroad. If you’re thinking about Au Pairing in the Netherlands make sure you check out HBN! Emily from Australia
Nicky Nel
South African, Au pair in Meppel 2024
Hi my name is Nicky. I was an au pair in the Netherlands. It was one of the best years of my life. I got to experience so much from changing dippers to making new friends to traveling to so many different countries. I looked after three really energetic boys who made every moment there amazing in every fun and challenging situation. The family I was with was really incredible towards me. They helped me adjust to living there and treated me as part of the family, which I really appreciate.
HBN gave me the opportunity to experience a new country and culture in a safe environment. I would recommend that any matriculant who doesn’t know what they want to do after matric and would like to take a gap year becomes an au pair. The experience will give you opportunities and will make you more independent.
Kylie Vorster
South Africa, Au Pair in Apeldoorn, 2023-2024
Becoming an Aupair is one of the best choices you’ll make 🤍 You get to see the world Be a big sister to your host kids Learn new cultures Make a lot of friends across the world But most importantly you’ll make many memorable memories and have the time of your life!!! HBN can make this dream come true💜 Visit hbnaupair.com for more information!
Shakhnoza Kalikova
Kazakhstan, Au pair in Amsterdam 2024
Hello, My name is Eva (Shakhnoza) and I would like to share my Aupair adventure.
My journey began last year on the 16th of February when I arrived in the Netherlands to meet my dear host family with whom I stayed the whole wonderful, sometimes challenging year. I still remember my very first days, my adaptation to new things. Seeing that I’m very flexible, it wasn’t a big problem for me. Looking back I can’t believe how quickly the year flew by. How many memories and how many feelings it gave me, as a gift to remember about the fascinating, challenging and astonishing year.
It taught and changed me a lot and showed me how beautiful this world is. I’m so glad that I decided to leave my comfort zone and go on this adventure and I’m glad that on my journey HBN was always there to support me whenever I needed them. This year gave me a lovely family with two sweet little friends, four seasons of the Netherlands, traveling, friends from all over the world and many, many more memories that I’ll cherish forever.
And maybe I’ll also leave a small piece of advice for future Aupairs. Don’t be afraid to step on a new adventure, meet your lovely host family and create unforgettable memories.
“We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures “ ~ Thornton Wilder”
Amber Cornelissen
South African, Au Pair in Utrecht 2024
” Hi everybody , I’m Amber . I did au pair in the Netherlands in a beautiful city called Utrecht. I would like to say that I really enjoyed my experience in the Netherlands, every bit of it. I got the opportunity to travel around Europe and explore the dutch culture .
I had two beautiful hostkids ! They really made my year brighter with their hugs and laughter.
Also thank you to the HBN agency for always checking up during the year and planning amazing events to bond with other au pairs!
Unfortunately my time has come to an end ,but the memories will last forever.“
Jennifer Teodoro
Brazil, Au pair in Baarn 2023
“My year as an au pair with HBN in the Netherlands was truly unforgettable. HBN provided unparalleled support, making my journey smooth and enjoyable. The agency’s well-organized events allowed me to connect with fellow au pairs and explore the country. This transformative experience positively impacted my personal growth, and I formed a special bond with my host family.
I highly recommend the au pair program and HBN agency for anyone seeking a rewarding adventure abroad. Thanks to HBN, this year has been a life-changing and joyous chapter in my life.”
Clarissa van Rooyen
South Africa, Au pair in Naarden 2020
“My host family made me feel at home since the first second we saw each other in the airport. They opened their arms and their hearths for me. I had a wonderful experience of love and self-knowledge. My host mom gave birth to the loveliest baby in the world during my stay there and they really let me be part of everything related to the little one. This really made my experience even more special. I couldn’t have had a better host family. I love them. They are my family!”
On the 18th of April 2020 myself and my friend cycled to Utrecht from Naarden and back. It was in lockdown and we were up for a challenge 😅 our host parents thought we were crazy.
I think I cycled over 500km in my year as an au pair in the Netherlands.I cycled to Weesp, Muiden, Muiderberg, Ankeveen, Huizen, Laren, Amstelveen, Utrecht, Hilversum, Blaricum, Baarn, Eemnes, Amersfoort.
Some with friends and some by myself. I can’t remember everything since it was in 2020 but what a time 😂”
Danika Singleton
“Embracing a new way of life has been extremely rewarding! Not only did I learn from a new country and culture, I also learned what my priorities are and how I handle challenges.
Thank you HBN for the support along the way! To prospective au pairs I’d like to say, trust yourself and just go for it!
Groetjes!”
Jeanri Labuschagne
South Africa, Au pair in Naarden
“My year as an Au pair has been life changing, let me take you through on how I built my own Bicycle throughout my journey
Starting off with the wheels, which in this case is my wonderful host family- the people who made me part of their family,they were/are so supportive through my whole journey,they learned me a lot of lessons and help me a lot throught out this year, without them my wheels won’t kept rolling.
The Pedals and steering is definitely my support system,my new best friends when I got here I didn’t know anyone but in my 3rd week I met my best friend that lives across the street,and weeks after that I met my other 3 friends,they definitely helped me a lot with my homesickness and when days where rough,a cup of coffee and talking about everything made me feel better,it gave me a good jump start to peddal nicely on my bike
The brakes and saddle without my host family and friends I won’t be able to travel, Paris was one of my biggest wishes to visit and in the Summer vacation I got to visit the city,I was in awe when I saw the Eiffel Tower the first time,sometime throught out the day I would slow down(brake) and (sit on my saddle)
just to take everyting in,not only did my steering wheel get me to Paris,I was blessed enough to see the beautiful Cologne in Christmas time and Austria,two beautiful cities Salzburg and Hallstatt and of course the whole Netherlands.
Of course nothing would be possible without the frame of the bike . Hereby HBN was the best frame to keep everything attachted,from great events to a great team ,this experience would not been possible without them.
I can really say I had the best bike ride in the bike country,where a bike can take you anywhere. I would definitely recommend the bike ride to anyone who wants to be an Au pair,I’m happy to put my bike ” Op Slot ” like the Dutch would say.”
Megan Welgemoed
South Africa, Au pair in Rotterdam 2023
I am so grateful for the experience my Host family and HBN has given me. I got to be apart of a wonderful family, travel and have cultural experiences- not just in Holland but in Greece as well!
The events hosted by HBN were so much fun!
Thanks to HBN, I have made such beautiful connections with friends/au pairs that I will forever cherish.
I had so much fun that I have decided to au pair for another year in Europe.
Jaeda Van Der Merwe
South Africa, Au pair in Velp 2023
“Although I was very excited to start this new journey as an Au Pair, I was also quite scared, to be honest. I was scared to be starting a new journey so far away from home and from my loved ones, but with that being said, the HBN team has been so amazing throughout the whole process, from the beginning with choosing a host family that would be a good fit, to monthly check ups just to see how I was doing and how I was coping with the new surroundings, they even held events for us au pairs to get to know them and each other. HBN definitely made things feel a lot easier and made me feel like I was never alone. But my amazing experience here is not only because of the HBN team, but also because of my amazing host family.
My host family always made me feel included and like I was part of the family, and they have been there for me through tough and happy moments and have always been supportive of the things I wanted to do during my au pair year here in the Netherlands.
All in all I have had an amazing au pair experience and I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking to travel, experience new places and their different cultures, and most importantly to anyone who loves working with kids.”
Marielle Medeiros
Brazil, Au pair in Bilthoven 2023
“Hello, my name is Marielle. I’m 29 years old and coming to the Netherlands to be an au pair was the best decision that I made in 2022. I’ve been living here since July and I’m delighted about the country, culture and the people. The Netherlands has all types of fun that you can imagine. There are a lot of museums, parks, beautiful cities and also good parties, so you’ll not be bored at all. Being part of the family is a deep immersion in the culture and is adding a lot to my character and life experience.
So if you are open minded, looking for new experiences and life changing, you definitely should come to the Netherlands.
PS: Be ready for a lot of bike rides and rainy days but along the way you will learn to enjoy it!”
Destiny Voz
South Africa, Au pair in Naarden 2022
“My au pair year – in 2021 my au pair year started in Laren, a small town close to Amsterdam. I had a great family and looked after 3 little dutchies. They kept me on my toes. We loved going to the outdoor parks and playing board games on rainy days. I’ve met amazing au pairs all around and got to share our stories and advice to keep us going throughout the year.
HBN was an amazing support in the difficult times, not only supportive, but they arranged 3 nice events for au pair to get connected with each other. I’ve traveled with my host family to Switzerland and got to experience the most beautiful country on earth. Soon after it was Belgium, Austria and Paris. I’ve grown so much in my time abroad that I would do it over again. It’s a learning curve and patience with your host and host children.”
Mariska Van Niekerk
South Africa, Au pair in Bloemendaal 2022
“When I first decided that I wanted to be an au pair, I never thought in a million years that my life would change this much, this fast. I left my family and friends in South Africa to pursue a lifelong dream, and it’s the best decision I’ve ever made. Sure, I missed my family a lot, but the experience is just so great, that I can’t imagine being back home if I can be here in the Netherlands experiencing all of this.Being an au pair is more than just a job or providing good child care for a family, it’s learning about yourself, what you can do and how you can grow, returning home as a different person because of all you’ve experienced.
This is truly a great experience, not only because you get to tour and see a different country and explore their cultures and history, but you also meet Au pairs from other countries from across the world and make friends for life. It’s nice having people who understand what you’re going through and who can support each other.
I also know that I’m really lucky to have gotten such an incredible host family. I made the best decision when I picked them to be my host family. I just love them; they’re such great kids and have the best parents. They all made me feel at home from the first day. I know that saying goodbye at the end of all of this, is truly going to be heartbreaking.”
Thank you HBN for making dreams come true!”
Loraine van Zyl
South Africa, Au pair in Rotterdam 2022
“I am filled with so much love and gratitude as my year in The Netherlands comes to an end. Being an au pair here has enriched my life in so many ways, which is greatly due to my amazing host family. I would recommend this experience to anyone who wants to indulge in Dutch culture, form irreplaceable relationships and enjoy challenging themselves.”
Paola Diaz
Brazil, Au Pair in Aerdenhout , 2019-2020
During my au pair year in the Netherlands, I had an incredibly happy experience. I enjoyed every moment and made lifelong friendships along the way. Being an au pair allowed me to explore various countries in Europe, which was an amazing opportunity.
However, the most significant aspect of my time as an au pair was the wonderful relationship I developed with the children. They remain incredibly important to me even to this day. It was, certainly, one of the best experiences of my life.
Camila Ranzuglia
Brazil, Au Pair in Bussum 2020-2021
Sune Fourie
South Africa, Au pair in Bentveld 2020
“In general I had an amazing experience as an au pair in the Netherlands.
I matched with a great host family. They treated me extremely well and the kids stole my heart.
I would recommend HBN if you are looking for an au pair agency to work with.
They are professional but at the same time friendly and helpful.”
Rona Jacobs
South Africa, Au pair in Den Haag 2020
“Au Pairing in The Netherlands was an
amazing experience for me. I got to love my host family, especially the girls!
As an au pair you have the opportunity to learn from a new culture, travel and
make friends from all around the world. HBN has been very supportive throughout
my journey, thank you for that! I miss The Netherlands and my host family
already!”
Hanic Hendricks
South Africa, Au pair in Naarden 2020
“The
experience for me in Holland was nothing short of a completely surprising and
exciting year. The year started with meeting strangers in a new country and
living with them to become fully integrated into their day to day routine.
Sisterhood was formed as well and what I
consider to be some unbreakable bonds in a land that I can now call my second
home due to a once in a lifetime experience. The past year gave me a lot,
connections with host parents and kids as well as me finding what I consider to
be rare but lasting friendships that I am still up to date keeping strong .
I would definitely recommend HBN as one of
the best au pair agencies that I have come in contact with .
This being said thanks to the efforts and
hardwork that the HBN ladies do in order to match not just families with the
suitable au pair but matching au pairs with families that care and are open to
having a stranger come into their lives and become part of the family over a
duration of 12 months .
As for Emeline, I would like to think that
this will not be the last contact I have with your agency as this is truly a
sisterhood for life but that somewhere in future our paths may cross in life.
Thanks for all you have
done and great success with all your future endeavours.”
Barbara Pacheco
Brazil, Au pair in Haarlem 2019
“I had the best year as an Au Pair in the
Netherlands, I could learn Dutch, had great moments with my lovely host family,
and met lots of people from all over the world. I had so much fun with my
friends experiencing the Dutch culture and I saw beautiful places! It was an
unforgettable experience!”
Iryna Pokhyla
Ukraine, Au pair in Heemstede 2019
“What can I say about my Au Pair experience? It was an amazing year, full of joy and bright memories! I found new family, new friends, discovered Europe and even more – I have discovered myself.
I was an Au Pair of two active, smart and funny Dutch boys. You know, being AuPair is a kind of being a mum. This is how I feel about those guys. They are deep in my heart as well as my host mum and dad!
I can’t even count how many friends I made and now they are all over the world! And we still keep in touch and plan our next meetings.
Besides the Netherlands I’ve visited and discovered 8 more countries, some of them I’ve been to more than once.
I’ve done my first European solo-backpacking during my two-week vacation.
I fell in love with the Dutch language and started to speak a bit.
Stroopwafels, bikes, nature, canals, museums… should I mention all of these? Definitely, I would have gone again if I’d had a chance!”
Leticia Francisco
Brazil, Au Pair in Aerdenhout 2019
“I had such a wonderful year as an au pair in NL. I was surrounded by love with my host kids, my friends and having a great support with HBN, what was essential to feel secure enough far away from home”
Francine Tescarolli
Brazil, Au Pair in Heemstede 2017
“I had the most amazing year! My relationship with my host family has been great since the beginning and this is very important for an au pair because we spend most part of our time with them. They are all kind and the kids are lovely, they were always open to listen to me and were always trying to help me with everything that they could. They are really special to me and I’ll miss them so much. This year was an adventure, a big one, and every different experience taught me something new and I am thankful for all of them. I couldn’t have had a better experience and a better host family. I love them and they will always have a big place in my heart, and I only could find them because of HBN. HBN supported me from the beginning with every little step and this is the kind of thing that made me feel comfortable and confident about my choice. HBN created many opportunities to meet us in person (something that is really nice because it made me feel that I wasn’t just another au pair) and to make me feel that I could count on them for sure because they would always be there to help me.
I will never forget about my year! Being away from family and friends it’s never easy, but it can be a great experience if you have people around you who care about you!”
Cailin Loft
South Africa, Au Pair in Bentveld 2017
I would just like to thank you for this opportunity and to say goodbye! I know I still have a few weeks left but I just want to reply to the previous email. I have received the HBN certificate.
In reply to the review of my host family: My relationship with my host family was very special. I truly feel as though I was a part of this family and I think that I will always be a part of it. My host mom was there for me constantly and offered me support and advice in all situations. She taught me so many things that I will never forget. My host dad always made an effort to include me in all family situations and gave me so much advice. The kids were my absolute joy, they welcomed me and trusted me and taught me so many things. I was very lucky to be a part of this family.
I liked that I was able to learn so many new things in a comfortable space. I never felt as though I was just here to look after the kids, I felt as though I was always considered as an important part of the family. I enjoy that my host family taught me so much about Dutch culture and helped me learn the language. I love that I will always be a part of the family and will always be welcome. I enjoy that my host parents gave me the freedom to find my own footing and to figure out my own way of doing things while still applying to the way they like to have things done. I love that they took me on family holidays with them and got to experience different cultures with them. I don’t really feel as though there was anything missing in the relationship.
I found it really easy to adapt to their customs. They always took the time to explain the traditions and customs to me. They always included me in family events such as Sinterklaas and Christmas. They helped me a lot with learning how to speak Dutch, if I didn’t understand something they always explained or translated. They also took a lot of time getting to learn about my cultures and traditions, which I really appreciate.
I would describe my experience with my host family as one that is unforgettable. I feel as though I gained a family and I will never forget them.
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Amanda Polizinani
Brazil, Au Pair in Aerdenhout 2017
“I could summarize my year as an au pair in The Netherlands in a sentence: Everything is advance and transformation.
When I manage to make a 2 years old Dutch girl understand me speaking in English, when I conquer the genuine heart of two kids – that I am completely in love, when bad weather becomes a joke, when I travel completely alone to a new country and make this adventure the best I can and then I am received with a beautiful smile from a 4 years old dutch boy looking forward to share his news with me.
Transformation is what I am now, a happy and fulfilled person. Glad to be where I am, and especially with a new vision about the world, the possibilities and full of plans. And part of this new person I owe to my host parents, Marloes and Reinout, who with love and patience taught me and made my year very special and full of love.
It’s not easy, but it’s worth it when you smile and are open to the chances that life gives you!”
Alua Azevedo
Brazil, Au Pair in Heemstede/Aerdenhout 2016-2017
“Before making my decision of becoming an Au pair in the Netherlands I read many descriptions/testimonials and among them I found two that really impressed me: “the Au pair is an extra you (host mom)” and “we want to have an Au pair because as we cannot show the world to our children, we want to bring the world to our house”. By reading this I was sure that I was going to be embraced/adopted by the host family. And so it was. My expectations were high and they were exceeded. Going to the Netherlands through HBN was the best decision I could ever make. I was always supported simply by the fact that HBN cares about families and Au pairs. They have a personal kind of approach, we (Au pairs and HBN team) get to know each other in person and they are always there for you.
My host family made me feel at home since the first second we saw each other in the airport. They opened their arms and their hearths for me. I had a wonderful experience of love and self-knowledge. My host mom gave birth to the loveliest baby in the world during my stay there and they really let me be part of everything related to the little one. This really made my experience even more special. I couldn’t have had a better host family. I love them. They are my family!”
Lehanie Scheepers
South Africa, Au Pair in Haarlem 2017
“My personal experience in The Netherlands is that au pairing has been my best decision yet. You move in with a family , take care of their children, need to make new friends and adjust to a completely different environment and culture. All these things contribute towards your experience, and mine has been amazing.
Thanks to my host family who have helped me learn so many things and help adjust made everything a lot easier. Huisje Boompje Nanny made it possible for me to make friends easier and feel at ease with the culture shock and at times not knowing what to do.
Au pairing is not only a gap year, as seen by most, but it’s a year of personal growth, making lifelong friends, getting to experience a new and different culture from your own and get to become a part of a beautiful family. It’s truly something I would recommend to anyone and everyone who ever stumbles upon an opportunity like this themselves.”