Celebrating 20 Years RAL Gütegemeinschaft Au Pair in Germany

On November 7, the RAL Gütegemeinschaft Au Pair in Germany celebrated the 20th anniversary of the RAL Quality Seal Au Pair. The festive event took place at the RAL German Institute for Quality Assurance and Certification in Bonn.

The celebration brought together member agencies, federal ministry representatives, and long-standing partners of the Association. All united by a commitment to quality, safety, and transparency in au pair placements!

Two Decades of Quality and Reliability

Sevda Nagel, Chair of RAL Gütegemeinschaft Au Pair

Since its founding in 2004, the Gütegemeinschaft Au Pair has been a benchmark for quality and high standards in Germany’s au pair program.

The German Family Ministry (BMFSFJ) and IJAB, the organization for international youth work and cooperation, took the initiative to found the Gütegemeinschaft Au Pair. The aim was to address the challenges that arose after the agency licensing requirement had ended. They wanted to create a reliable and certified framework for au pair agencies that families and au pairs could trust. One that ensures safety, professionalism, fairness, and transparency.

A group of German au pair agencies and associations defined clear standards for the inbound au pair program.

Member agencies continue to undergo regular audits in accordance with strict RAL standards.

International Guests and a Joyful Celebration

The celebration welcomed active members, the first auditors, and a the RAL representative who had accompanied the founding of the association.

International group of au pairs attending the celebration

A large group of international au pairs from Rwanda, Madagascar, Mozambique, India, Mongolia, Tajikistan, and Colombia joined the festivities after enjoying a scenic boat trip on the Rhine. Their presence added a special highlight to the celebration.

The IAPA International Au Pair Association, was represented by Managing Director Patricia Brunner. She had been part of the team working on the Gütegemeinschaft Au Pair standards twenty years ago.

Looking Ahead

Speakers also discussed current challenges:

• • High demand from host families against not enough au pair applicants

  • Complex and long visa procedures 

  • Big shifts regarding countries where au pairs come from 

  • High language course costs and and demand to raise the stipend  

The Gütegemeinschaft’s Board called for harmonized visa standards and the formal recognition of the au pair program as an educational and cultural exchange program. IAPA fully supports these goals.

Cordula Walter Bohlhöfer, Manager of the RAL Gütegemeinschaft Au Pair Office

Michael Zubke, Vice Chair RAL Gütegemeinschaft Au Pair

Representatives from the early days

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