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About us

Who are we?

Au Pair International is an au pair agency which places au pairs from abroad with families throughout the Netherlands. We can provide self-match placements as well as full-service mediation. We think the cultural exchange within the program is very important and we pay a lot of attention to this. We also like to be personally involved in the ups and downs of each placement. 

What can we help you with?

As a busy family with children, would you like to have more time on your hands? And would you like to learn the language and culture of a foreign au pair? Then you can contact Au Pair International for an au pair placement. Whether you bring someone in yourself, or we find the right au pair for you, we take the necessary work off your hands. We take care of the screening, the required paperwork, and with our tips and guidance, we ensure that the placement is pleasant for everyone. 
Our extensive au pair events and training program complete the experience.

Au Pair International at it's core:

Transparent

At Au Pair International we ensure to provide honest information regarding the au pair program. The many advantages but also about the challenges you may face. Of course, at times a placement may go wrong. It is precisely then, that we want to be there for you through our personal approach, so that both you and the au pair can continue with
the program with a satisfied feeling.

Furthermore, we pride ourselves on not charging any hidden fees. You can view cost specifications under the rates tab. This way you know exactly where you stand in terms of finances when you decide to work with us.

Cultural

The au pair program is a cultural exchange program, and we are happy to endorse this! We have the most fun and extensive event program of all agencies in the Netherlands, because we want your au pair to have a fantastic year here. And of course, a happy au pair is a happy host family. 

Furthermore, we are called Au Pair International for a reason: our au pairs come from different parts of the world. At our events, we are always delighted to see a motley crew of au pairs who communicate with each other in different languages
and have fun together.

Personal

Communication is key, which is why we believe a personal approach is important when it comes to contact with families and au pairs. We are a small team that attaches great importance to simple lines of communication and quick response. This results in a pleasant and often long-term collaboration. Our experienced and committed account managers understand your family situation and support you throughout the year.

The choice of quality

When you choose Au Pair International, you choose quality. We work together with your family and the au pair to provide you with the best possible experience. The au pair program has a special legal status. The rules for this program are enforced by the IND. For example, we take care of the visa application, keep the IND informed of any changes in the placement and we assist both parties with their inquires or when there are issues. When everything is well arranged, it prevents unpleasant surprises during your au pair’s stay. We are a team of professionals with the au pair program as our sole focus. This allows us to guide you optimally, in every situation.

Meet the team - Au Pair International

Are you curious who is the face behind the phone or do you want to know who works for us? Meet our team below!

Daniëlle Plantinga

Founder

Daniëlle Plantinga

Founder

After studying languages at university and then an international career at the Ministry of Justice in The Hague, I moved to the north of the country in 2009. Shortly after that, I founded Au Pair International. In my home we already participated in the au pair program with great enthusiasm as a host family and I wanted to offer this experience to other families. As the owner, I regularly spam my colleagues with all kinds of ideas about how we can further improve our services. Topics that have my special attention are of course the development of the company, our collaboration with search platform AuPairWorld, the online portal and the event program for the au pairs. Fortunately, I can often count on the support of my son Casper, who has been around since childhood as a mascot, nameplate collector and chief crowd management (with or without a megaphone).

Nienke Grootendorst

Operations manager

Nienke Grootendorst

Operations manager

As a lawyer (Leiden University), I initially worked for many years in the investigation and prosecution of serious organized crime in particular in Amsterdam and at Schiphol. As an expat, I subsequently lived with my family in the Democratic Republic of Congo and England. Both my legal background and my love for language and culture, partly inspired by my international experiences, led me to start at Au Pair International after returning to the Netherlands. Years have passed and I have acquired a lot of expertise in the field of immigration legislation and policy. I therefore often deal with IND-related matters, but I also really enjoy managing our office and monitoring the ongoing processes. In addition, I regularly and with great pleasure do intakes with host families and am easily reachable by au pairs when needed. Along with my husband, twin daughters and our son, who plays football at a professional level, I can often be found on the sports fields. Our family enjoys traveling and city trips. I also enjoy writing in my free time.

Julia Hielema

Coordinating account manager

Julia Hielema

Coordinating account manager

During my studies I completed internships at the government and at commercial companies, and I also studied and lived in Finland for six months as part of my studies in European Studies. Since 2018 I have been involved with Au Pair International. As an account manager, I am mainly in contact with au pairs and host families. I am involved in supporting, advising and guiding au pairs and host families, prior to and during the au pair year. I find it interesting to meet au pairs from all over the world, to hear their stories and follow their experiences during their time as an au pair in the Netherlands. In my spare time I spend a lot of time outdoors, I love getting some fresh air while walking with our dog. I also like to spend time with my family and friends.

Shannon Holmes

Account manager

Shannon Holmes

Account manager

I moved from England to Germany in 2012, travelling daily to the Netherlands for my studies and later for my work. I studied English Literature & Culture at the University of Groningen and, during this time, also received my license as an English teacher. Living and working in multiple countries has shaped how I approach both my professional and personal life. I love interacting with people from different backgrounds and using my experiences to bridge cultural gaps. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends both here in the Netherlands and in England. I am also a dedicated dressage rider, training daily with my horses for upcoming competitions. When I’m not at the stables, you’ll find me in the kitchen, experimenting with new recipes and surprising friends and colleagues with homemade treats (sweet treats being my speciality). I’m excited to bring my diverse experiences to my role here, and I look forward to connecting with you!

Nazan Eroğlu

Account manager

Nazan Eroğlu

Account manager

I grew up in Austria with a Kurdish heritage. In 2019, I embarked on a new adventure by moving to the Netherlands. I spent the initial years in Amsterdam before settling in a village in the province of Groningen. Since I’m travelling a lot to explore new countries and cultures, I enjoy engaging with au pairs and learning more about their cultural backgrounds. Within my position as an account manager, I guide au pairs and host families with the full au pair exchange experience. From welcoming au pairs during our events until the final farewell call at the end of the program - and this in English, German, Turkish or Spanish. As for my education, I completed a diploma in social pedagogy and studied journalism and communication at the University of Vienna. Due to my expertise in the pedagogical field, I share my knowledge with Au Pairs if they need advice or inspiration when interacting with their host children. I also have a keen interest in interior design & styling and spend my free time decorating and styling our home, continually developing my professional skills. I also love being amongst nature and exploring the greater outdoors with family and friends.

Wouter Schollema

Account manager

Wouter Schollema

Account manager

After studying history and working at Vluchtelingenwerk for several years, I ended up in a world that was completely new to me: that of au pairs. I like to get involved in complicated cases in the back office, guide the visa and residence permit process and am a listening ear for all host families and au pairs who can benefit from my assistance. As a man in a women’s stronghold, it is of course also my goal to keep everyone informed about the ups and downs in the football world. I have written a book about football and politics in Northern Ireland and can always be found at Cambuur in Leeuwarden on weekends. One day I hope to take my son and daughter into the stands. When they grow up, I especially wish them a foreign au pair experience with an agency that pursues the same services and values as Au Pair International.

Rubina Ali

Account manager

Rubina Ali

Account manager

I moved to the Netherlands in 2015 from USA. After graduating from University in California, with a degree in Business Administration, I mostly worked in Corporate Accounting. My move to the Netherlands gave me an opportunity to embark on a different path, where my previous life experiences became valuable. Growing up in different countries and experiencing life as a daughter of a diplomat, I was always amazed by the different cultures and languages I learned along the way. I have put this experience to good use during my tenure with Au Pair International and enjoy my interaction with host families and au pairs. Within my role as Account Manager, I assist and guide our clients through the process from start to finish. You will often receive a call from me towards conclusion of the program, to go over end of the program formalities. I live in a small village in the north of the country with my husband. We are currently renovating the old village community center we purchased a few years ago into our home. This huge project keeps us busy, but during my free time I love to travel, cook, read and watch movies. At times, I host cooking workshops for expats living in the Groningen area.

Mirjan Groot

Office manager

Mirjan Groot

Office manager

You may not speak to me on the phone very often, but as the office manager I am very busy behind the scenes. Amongst other important matters, I am responsible for (financial) administration, invoicing, scheduling appointments with IND, the town hall and GGD. I hold a degree in both Hotel Management from Hotel School The Hague and in Business Administration from the University of Groningen. Before starting at Au Pair International in February 2023, I was a consultant for a HR consultancy firm and I had my own shop and webshop in women’s fashion for almost twenty years. I live in Leek with my husband, my two student-children are living in Groningen. In my spare time, you might meet me hiking in outdoor clothing, or see me reading a good book (I have been a bookworm since my childhood).

Luuk Bosma

Office and events manager

Luuk Bosma

Office and events manager

As an event and office manager, I am responsible for the complete organization of events and to ensure that everything in the office is arranged from A to Z, in order for things to run smoothly. In my free time, I like to be active. You will find me at the gym, outdoors in nature, or with friends and family. Additionally, I love to travel to discover new destinations and cultures, and to collect beautiful memories. I am truly a people person and enjoy interacting with others. During my studies, I spent six months studying in Bangkok and also worked with several international colleagues. Working with a diverse, culturally rich team is very inspiring to me.

Elseline Ashraf

Operations support specialist

Elseline Ashraf

Operations support specialist

I grew up in the north of the Netherlands and was exposed to different cultures from a young age. For example, a “big sister” from Syria received tutoring from my mother, I made several trips to Ukraine, and I’m now married to a Pakistani man. Together, we lived in Germany for the past few years, where our son was born. Now that we’re back in the Netherlands, I’m happy to be working at Au Pair International. You will find me behind the scenes in the back office, where I use my background to help everything run seamlessly for our team and families. I believe that international connections enrich your life — provided they are well-organized, safe, and professional. That belief guides me in my work. In my free time, I enjoy being outdoors with my son, spending time with friends and family, cooking Pakistani dishes, and reading with great pleasure.
Jet van Bennekom

Jet van Bennekom

Emergency housing facility

Jet van Bennekom

Jet van Bennekom

Emergency housing facility

After graduating, I worked for 17 years as a teacher for pedagogical staff at the University of Applied Sciences in Den Bosch. From 1997 I worked throughout the country as an interim manager, in care / welfare but especially in childcare. In 2013 I started working for Au Pair International as an account manager. Because we had been accommodating international students for years, I had already gained the necessary intercultural experience and that experience was now much richer! Now I'm past seventy and retired. But my husband and I still assist au pairs in all kinds of acute situations when they have to leave the host family for whatever reason. In search of a new host family, the au pair can relax in our house. I hope to be able to do this for a long time to come, because it keeps us in touch with young people from all different cultures, from all over the world and we enjoy this interaction.
Rose Feng

Rose Feng

Dutch teacher and event host

Rose Feng

Rose Feng

Dutch teacher and event host

I am a freelancer at Au Pair International. Thanks to my experiences abroad and my passion for foreign languages, I can speak to you in different languages. I also understand the cultural differences that can result from cooperation between different nationalities. With great pleasure, I teach the Dutch language course to the au pairs and full of energy, I organize the au pair events. These events take place almost monthly, where emphasis is on culture and conviviality. This is why, I like to be part of the Au Pair International community.

The story behind Au Pair International

Daniëlle Plantinga founded Au Pair International in 2010 with the mission to make a difference within the au pair industry. At the time, the industry was plagued by rapidly emerging shadowy agencies. Often they did not have the highest priority to take care of families and potentially vulnerable au pairs, but mainly to earn money quickly and easily. With Au Pair International, Daniëlle wanted to establish a stable and reliable agency through an extensive system of monitoring, cultural activities and a committed team. 

An agency which would also meet with the approval of the Immigration and Naturalization Service (IND) became apparent when Au Pair International obtained the status of Recognized Sponsor soon after its establishment. This means that we meet the quality requirements set by the government for au pair agencies. In addition, we have ever since been authorized to submit applications for au pair visas and residence permits to the IND according to an accelerated procedure. 

We are extremely proud of the fact that in 2015, after an extensive selection procedure, we were the only au pair agency in the Netherlands to be named preferred partner of AuPairWorld. AuPairWorld is the global market leader in the field of online matching between host families and au pairs. AuPairWorld believes that their mission we connect, we care; in the Netherlands is best conveyed by Au Pair International. 

Au Pair International has representative offices in The Hague and Groningen. We offer our services throughout the Netherlands and our au pair events also take place throughout the country. Everyone on our diverse and international team strives daily to ensure each au pair placement is a success! 

Are you looking for a successful experience?

Au Pair International has been guiding host families for more than 14 years. In a no-obligation introductory call, we inform you on how you can make the period as a host family a success!

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Contact

📞 +31(0)70 221 13 95
📧 info@aupairinternational.nl


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