7 Ways To Ace Your Year As An Au Pair Abroad!

 

You have a dream to be the best Au Pair that your host family has ever had…

 

Although you love children, you are still a bit unsure how to deal with the rest

– homesickness, language barriers and religious differences.

 

Keep on reading – we got ya back, Sister!

 

 

1.) Do your research:

 

It is of utmost importance to research the country you are going to Au Pair in!

 

Why?

 

It will make the adjustment much easier. You will know what to expect – and, you can save yourself from embarrassing situations.

 

Example:

 

In America, handshakes and hugs are a common way of greeting.

In places such as Germany, a handshake is common, and it only becomes more common to hug once you know the person better.

In Italy, it is usually customary for people to greet by kissing a person on each cheek.

 

 

2.) Ask Questions – a lot of them:

 

Never be afraid to ask questions.

 

By asking questions, you are ensuring emotional and educational growth. Isn’t that exactly what we want from the Au Pair experience?

When someone makes you feel dumb for asking a question, YOU are not at fault; they are!

 

 

3.) Don’t be a Negative Nelly when it comes to religion:

 

Your host family may have a different religion than you.

 

You have decided to become an Au Pair Abroad because you want to experience a different culture.

Your host family will not be all judgy towards your religion and beliefs, and you shouldn’t be either.

 

 

4.) Become a foodie:

 

Different types of food are eaten all around the world. Some of these foods may be similar to the food you eat at home, and some of them may be very different.

 

Food can be a very bonding experience.

 

You can share traditional South African / Namibian meals with your host family, and you can eat their traditional meals.

Food is an important part of many people’s lives, so you need to be as open-minded as possible.

There are foods that you are not going to like, and that is okay. Try something once or twice and if you don’t like it, tell your host family not to cook it for you again

(do this in a polite and well-meaning way as you don’t want to offend them).

 

 

5.) Embrace the new language:

 

Language can be a big adjustment when you are moving to a new country.

Even though English is a widely spoken language in the world, you may at times still feel lost because of the language barrier.

Your host family will be able to speak English, and many other people will be able to speak English, but sometimes in social situations, people will tend to speak their native language.

 

You will quickly adjust to the language, and people will definitely try and include you as much as possible, but there will be times where you feel a bit lost.

This is normal, and this is part of the adjustment. You will be doing a language course, so you will pick up the language through the course, but it is also important for you to try and speak the language as much as possible with local people.

 

“Practice is the best and only way to pick up a new language.”

 

You are going on a cultural exchange, so make the most of the experience and immerse yourself in learning a new language.

 

A few months before you go, we suggest downloading a free language app on your phone. Every night you can practice a bit of the language so that you know some of the basics before you depart! 

 

This way it won’t be too much of a culture shock when you land in your host country.

 

 

 

6.) Be Streetwise:

 

Just because you are moving to a ‘developed’ country, it doesn’t mean there are no problems and no crime.

 

The best way to keep safe is to be in constant communication with your host family.

 

They need to know where you are going and what time you will be home. It is also important to be in contact with your friends and try not to go out alone, try and always be with at least one friend.

It is always best to have someone looking out for you. If you are going drinking, always be safe and sensible.

Do not drink so much that you do not know where you are or who you are with. Anything can happen to you.

Always keep an eye on your drink, only accept drinks that come from a closed bottle or can and do not let anyone hold your drink while you go to the bathroom.

 

 

7.) You’ll have bad days:

 

Moving to a new country for an entire year can be an emotional adjustment.

In the beginning, it is hard to adjust to life away from home and there will be times where you feel homesick and a bit blue.

 

Try to keep perspective.

 

You are on a beautiful adventure and a year fly by in the blink of an eye. Make the most of the experience, meet as many people as you can, see as many places as you can and experience as much as possible.

 

 

Being an Au Pair Abroad is a challenging, but incredibly rewarding opportunity for a young woman to explore and immerse herself in a new culture!

 

 

Email us today to make your dreams come true!