a whole new world
There will be many new things to experience in your new home and country. Hopefully your host family will give you at least a couple of days to explore your surroundings. Some au pairs are thrown right into work, which might be difficult, considering jet lag and being in an entirely new location. At the very least, your family should make you feel welcome, and give you a tour of the surrounding area, so that you feel more at home.
If this is your first time abroad, you may be either totally overwhelmed or completely thrilled to be somewhere else. You may also be a bit ambivalent, as you realize that the place may not be as exciting as you imagined it to be. And after all, you are there to work, which may also be a bit of a struggle at first. Whatever your initial reaction is to your new home, try to keep your senses. Enjoy the newness, but don’t let your first impressions (especially if they are negative) completely dictate what your au pair year will be like.
Getting into a daily routine and getting plenty of rest will help you begin life in your new country on a firm foundation. Don’t feel compelled to see and do everything in your new area right away. Pace yourself as you visit new places and try new things. Keep in mind that you will be there - if all goes well - for an entire year, and possibly longer. So there is no need to rush to see and experience everything the area offers in the first few days or weeks. You don’t want to burn yourself out.
Likewise, you should baby-step your way through your new job. Understanding host parents will not expect you to work full-time right away. They should give you some time to get to know them and their children, gradually easing you into your work schedule. Adjustment is needed on all sides, and everyone will benefit from getting to know each other before being forced to spend a crazy amount of time together.
