Now by telling you to ‘take advantage’ of your host family, I’m not telling you to use and abuse them. Far from it! What I am suggesting is that you take the opportunity to learn from your host family. Learn? From them? What? This might sound a bit strange, and you’re probably thinking that there [...]
While blogging might be a great way to journal about the joys and frustrations you’re experiencing as an au pair, having a live, public blog about life with your host family is something you should think twice about. Host families – even the coolest, most easygoing of host families – would probably rather not have [...]
Continue reading about blogging about your host family – maybe not such a hot idea
When you’re on a limited au pair budget, Christmas might get a bit tight. There are probably certain people you’ll really want to get gifts for, such as family back home, close friends, and maybe a boyfriend, if you’re doing the cross-cultural dating thing. It’s also likely that you’ll be spending more money this month, [...]
Continue reading about gifts for your host family – to buy or not to buy?
For au pairs who are fortunate enough to have an amazing host family that they get along with, the possibility of problems surfacing during their au pair year is likely the furthest thing from their minds. But reality dictates that even the best of relationships experience turbulence at one time or another. When issues occur, [...]
Continue reading about when troubles with the host family arise…
When you reach your destination, it may or may not be “love at first sight” with your new family. Some au pairs and their host families click right away, while establishing a close connection takes longer for others. Don’t be disappointed if you don’t immediately feel at home in your new surroundings. It may take [...]
If you’re the rebellious, adventuresome sort who would rather do things her (or his…) own way, then you’ll likely opt for scouting out potential host families on your own. This was the route I took – and although it turned out ok, the added support of an agency would have been nice. Had my host [...]
Continue reading about finding the right family – going it alone
Once you’ve made the decision to work as an au pair and narrowed down where you want to go (perhaps you’re even considering more than one place), it’s time to start the search for a host family. This can be tough, but really doesn’t have to be. There are many agencies out there who will [...]
Continue reading about finding the right family – with an agency
