From Canada to the UK – start your au pair journey!

Although Canada and the UK have a lot in common – like the English language and some shared traditions – there are still some key differences you’ll notice as an au pair.

British families often follow more structured routines and tend to be a bit more formal in daily life and communication. As a Canadian, you might be used to a more relaxed vibe at home. You may also find British customs around mealtimes, holidays, and daily schedules surprisingly different.

And don’t forget – the UK is cooler and rainier than most parts of Canada, so pack your umbrella! ☔

👉 Want to know what to expect? Check out our Guide for Canadian Au Pairs in the UK (below)

Register as au pair right here and create an account on Nina.care. Select “au pair” and you’re good to go!

👫 18-30 years old
💬 Intermediate level of English
🚫 Unmarried and no children
🎓 Finished high school
🌎 You love children and are ready for an adventure of up to 24 months!

Okay, we don’t like to brag or anything, but we often hear that we are super involved and know what’s up with the legislation laws. It’s an exciting adventure and we guide you in every step

The minimum monthly pocket money in the UK is £360, however, au pairs with Nina.care will receive at least £480 each month from their host family. 

The vibes can always be off in your new house or you disagree with a family member. This is why you discuss a notice agreement. This is usually 1 or 2 months. Actually, this almost never happens because you get to know your host family and children beforehand, so you know about their family life. If you don’t like your host family, we’ll go look for another host family!

Yes! Au pairs are entitled to a certain amount of paid holiday depending on the country they are in. You should check with your host family for the best week to go. Traveling is a wonderful opportunity to see some of the best scenery your host country or neighboring countries have to offer and a great way to meet other like-minded young people. You can check the rules regarding holiday leave per country right here.

In the UK, communication is often more formal and polite than what you’re used to in Canada. Brits tend to say “please,” “thank you,” and “sorry” frequently, and may seem a bit reserved at first.

As a Canadian, you’re probably used to a friendly and laid-back tone, but also a bit more openness in conversations—even with strangers. That difference in style might make the UK feel more structured at first, but don’t worry: once you get used to the rhythm, you’ll find British politeness charming and their dry humour surprisingly fun.

This cultural shift can affect how quickly you feel comfortable—but it’s all part of the adventure!

British families often have more traditional routines and expectations. As a Canadian au pair, you might be given clear working hours, specific tasks, and be expected to maintain a more professional attitude in your interactions with the family.

In Canada, family life is often a bit more relaxed, and you’re probably used to a more informal, flexible vibe at home. So it might feel different at first – but many au pairs come to appreciate the structure and clarity that British families provide.

Just remember: every host family is unique, and open communication goes a long way!

The UK has a cooler, wetter climate than most parts of Canada—especially in autumn and winter. Because of that, family life and children’s activities often take place indoors, and outdoor plans may depend on the weather.

If you’re used to Canada’s snowy winters and active outdoor lifestyle—whether it’s skating, skiing, or hiking—you might find the British climate a bit milder but also a bit greyer. Still, the UK offers its own charm: cozy afternoons, beautiful green countryside, and new seasonal traditions to discover.

Just pack layers—and a good umbrella!

Au pair work in the UK is often more structured than what you might be used to. British families typically set clear guidelines around your working hours, responsibilities, and personal boundaries. You may also be expected to keep a more professional tone in your role.

In Canada, au pair or nanny roles are often a bit more relaxed, with a “jump in and help” attitude and a more informal, family-like dynamic. So the UK style might feel more formal at first—but it also brings clarity and well-defined expectations, which many au pairs find helpful.

Even though both Canada and the UK speak English, there are plenty of differences in accents and vocabulary. The UK has a wide range of regional accents—some of which might take time to get used to. You’ll also come across British terms you might not hear in Canada, like “nappy” for diaper or “boot” for the trunk of a car.

As a Canadian, your accent is usually easy for Brits to understand, but you might need to adjust to some unfamiliar expressions. It’s all part of the fun—and soon you’ll be picking up British phrases without even noticing!

Public transport in the UK is well-developed, especially in cities and suburbs. As a Canadian au pair, you likely won’t need to drive—buses, trains, and the Tube can get you almost anywhere. However, in more rural areas, having a driver’s license can be helpful.

Unlike in Canada, where driving is on the right, the UK drives on the left side of the road. It might feel strange at first, but many au pairs get the hang of it quickly if driving becomes part of their role.

In the UK, Christmas is celebrated in the winter with cozy indoor traditions—think roast dinners, mulled drinks, festive lights, and evenings by the fire. British culture also loves its tea, Sunday roasts, and classic holiday rituals.

As a Canadian, you’re likely used to a snowy or chilly Christmas too, so the seasonal vibe may feel familiar. Still, you’ll notice new customs, foods, and traditions that make a British Christmas unique.

It’s a great time to experience true UK culture—and become part of your host family’s holiday season!

In the UK, it can take a bit more time to build close relationships, as people tend to be more reserved at first. But don’t worry—once you break the ice, Brits are warm, loyal friends.

Living in or near a city helps: there are often au pair meetups, local clubs, and cultural events where you can connect with others. As a Canadian, you might be used to more casual friendliness, so it’s good to know that building social connections in the UK sometimes takes a bit more effort.

The key? Be open, get involved, and don’t be afraid to take the first step—you’ll feel at home before you know it.

You’d be surprised how much feels like home in the UK.

Start your day with a flat white from Grind, Blank Street, or indie cafés that could easily pass for a Toronto coffee spot. You’ll find maple syrup in most supermarkets, and yes – that familiar red Tim Hortons cup even shows up in a few UK cities.

Missing comfort food? Poutine (or at least a version of it) turns up at food markets, and brunch cafés serve avo toast like it’s Queen Street West. Bill’s has that cozy, Canadian brunch vibe, and spots like Timberyard or Ozone Coffee Roasters wouldn’t feel out of place in Montreal or Vancouver.

Throw in some hockey highlights on TV, a good brew in hand, and polite small talk with strangers – and suddenly, the UK doesn’t feel so far from home.

The UK might be a great fit if you enjoy structure, cooler weather, and clear boundaries between work and personal time. It’s also just a short trip from mainland Europe, making weekend getaways and holiday travel super easy.

If you’re used to Canada’s mix of nature, friendliness, and four distinct seasons, you’ll likely feel at home in the UK—just with more castles and afternoon tea!

For a Canadian au pair looking for a meaningful European experience, the UK offers the perfect balance of tradition, travel, and cultural exchange.