Common European Degrees

Europe has a rich tradition of providing high-quality university and vocational training to its young people. Apex PROaupair’s candidates are professionals who may have completed a degree in one of the following professions:

Pediatric Nurse
Kinderkrankenpflegerin

A German Kinderkrankenpflegerin has completed a three-year degree that specializes in the care of infants, including newborns, pre-mature babies, multiples and infants with special needs. Pediatric nurses tend to have completed practical training in hospital maternity wards, nurseries and in neo-natal intensive care units.

Early Childhood Educator/Teacher
Erzieherin

A German Erzieherin has completed a three to five-year degree followed by a year of on-the-job training focusing on the following subjects: psychology, language development, child development, literature, arts, music, health, and physical education. An Erzieherin is likely to have 1,200 hours of practical training and 2,880 hours of theoretical training.

Special Needs Care Provider
Heilerziehungspfleger

A German Heilerziehungspfleger has completed a three-year advanced degree in assisting, caring, educating, and helping children and adults with special care requirements. They provide personal and hygiene assistance including toileting, bathing, lifting, feeding (including feeding tubes), and other daily support needs. They work with patients in either a hospital or home setting.

Occupational Therapist
Ergotherapeut

A German Ergotherapeut has three years of vocational training or a four-year Bachelor’s Degree. They have special training in working with children and adults who have a physical, mental or cognitive disorder. Occupational therapists focus on adapting to the environment and teaching skills with the goal of increasing their patient’s participation in daily activities. An Ergotherapeut is likely to have 2,700 hours of theoretical training and 1,700 hours of practical training.

Physical Therapist
Physiotherapeut

A German Physiotherapeut has three years of vocational training. They provide support to individuals who have physical disabilities. They are focused on helping their patients reduce pain and improve or restore mobility. A Physiotherapeut is likely to have 2,900 hours of theoretical training and 1,600 hours of practical training.

Speech Therapist
Logopäde

A German Logopäde has three years of vocational training. They work with patients of all ages to assist them with speech development and to improve their communication skills. A Logopäde is likely to have 1,700 hours of theoretical training and 2,100 hours of practical training.

Social Worker
Sozialpädagoge

A German Sozialpädagoge has a four-year Bachelor’s Degree. The field of social work utilizes social theories to understand human problems, help improve people's lives, and improve society as a whole. Many who work in this field specialize in particular areas such as helping children, assisting those with life-threatening problems, or aiding people in overcoming addictions.

Social Assistant
Sozialassistent

A German Sozialassistent has completed a two-year degree (equivalent to an Associate’s Degree in the U.S.) This is the pre-requisite training for pursuing education careers such as being a preschool/kindergarten teacher. They learn how to work, help and care for children, young adults, adults, the elderly, and people with disabilities.

Childcare Provider
Kinderpflegerin

A German Kinderpflegerin has completed a two to three-year training at a vocational school specializing in childcare. The curriculum includes practical experience in both the classroom and in-home childcare.