AIFS (Australia) - Darlinghurst, New South Wales

Jade O.

Where do I begin? If you’re considering becoming an Au Pair again after a difficult experience with Au Pair World in Germany, be aware that AIFS requires a reference from your previous host family. While I understand the need for verification, this requirement was only communicated to me after I had invested significant time in completing my profile and recording my application video.

Prior to this, I had provided THREE alternative references that could vouch for my character and work experience. Despite this, after my interview with the agency, the host family reference was the only one that seemed to matter. I explained that obtaining a reference from my previous host family would be challenging due to the negative experience I had, and initially, the agency appeared understanding. They assured me they would review my documents and contact my alternative references the following week.

Two weeks later, having received no update, I followed up via email, only to be informed that my documents hadn’t even been reviewed yet. This was surprising, given their initial timeline. Then, three days later, I received an email stating that without a reference from my previous host family, I could not proceed with my application. This raised several concerns for me—why wasn’t this communicated earlier? Why were my other references contacted if they ultimately wouldn’t be considered?

Since I had already invested so much time into the process, I reluctantly reached out to my former host family for a reference, despite the uncomfortable circumstances. As expected, I received no response. This left me with no choice but to withdraw my application, which was extremely disappointing.

My primary feedback for AIFS is to be transparent from the start about reference requirements, particularly for applicants who have previously worked as an Au Pair. Had I known a host family reference was mandatory, I wouldn’t have wasted my time completing an application that was ultimately never going to be considered or recording a video that no host family was ever going to see. While I understand the agency’s intent to ensure candidates do not raise red flags, it seems more reasonable to allow host families to make that determination themselves rather than automatically blocking profiles from going public.

In the end, I’m relieved that I never paid the application fee, as it likely wouldn’t have been refunded. However, the time I invested in the application is something I cannot get back. Moving forward, based on both my experience with the agency and the numerous reviews I’ve read, the only red flag I see in this situation is the agency itself.

Kate O.

We had a very disappointing experience with AIFS. The au pairs did not appear to be screened appropriately and their experiences not verified. We were extremely generous and supportive when our au pair situation did not fit. We provided the agency with clear feedback, both verbally and via email. The feedback was objective and factual. We were advised the au pair had not asked for feedback regarding the termination and we were shocked she was re-homed with a new family within days. No feedback or additional training was provided to this au pair. This will put the new family and the au pair in a difficult situation, without providing the au pair the necessary training and feedback to improve. The agency recently reached out to confirm if we still wanted to be listed as a family seeking an au pair. We politely provided this exact feedback (again), raising concern regarding being placed with an au pair who had just left another family, and not received feedback. The team at AIFS sent an extremely dismissive email, ignoring our concerns. I therefore could not recommend this agency.

CJ K.

Please be aware that this is a racially discriminatory company. My friend attended one of their offline events, and when they posted the group photo on social media, they cropped out my friend, an Asian man, who was standing at the edge. Regardless of whether you are from another minority group or white, do not think this issue does not concern you. A racially discriminatory company is likely to have other ethical shortcomings. They may prioritize making money over whether you truly succeed in their services, as it is evident they do not care about customer feedback and have not apologized to my friend.

Kevin R.

Hosting an Au Pair is a rewarding and enriching experience (and a big help!). However, it is not without it's challenges. We found there to be a steep learning curve to being a host family, and therein lies the importance of having a good agency. We have been impressed with the service that AIFS has provided to us consistently over the last 2 years. They are empathic, understanding and full of good advice.

S Z.

I am deeply disappointed with this company due to their unfair treatment of Asian students. I feel sorry for the poor Asian girl who, according to you, was unintentionally left out of a group photo. How hard is it to apologize for the mistake and do something to make it up? I will never recommend this company to anyone simply because they don’t have good values.

S J.

If you are Asian, do not use their services because this company is a racist. If you are another person of color, I also believe you should not let such values continue to spread. Every penny you let them earn will make this world worse.

Rochelle W.

We have been a host family through AIFS for 12 months now. We have had an amazing experience with them. AIFS staff work incredibly hard to match our family with an Au pair that suits our family lifestyle. They are supportive, and always respond to phone calls and emails, providing advice and support if needed. We are incredibly grateful for AIFS, and the support that their Au pairs have provided for our family. We plan to continue being a host family for AIFS Au Pairs for the foreseeable future.

Nikki

Anna and her team took the time to understand our family needs before even presenting us with applicants to ensure the best possible placement.

The continued support and service during the program is outstanding.

We highly recommend AIFS