Three Completely Normal Doubts To Have Before Becoming An Au Pair Abroad: Part 1

 

 

You’ve been dreaming about this day for many years.

 

You pictured yourself boarding a plane to anywhere, making TikTok videos with the most iconic backgrounds & attending a Broadways show (or two) in New York City!

 

You also worked your butt off to ensure you meet all the program requirements such as biking, swimming and good childcare experience.

 

But still…

 

You have some doubts and questions about specific aspects…

 

LISTEN UP (and take notes):

 

 

We are here to tell you that it’s completely NORMAL to feel scared & doubtful about this new journey you are about to embark on.

After all, this is meant to be one of the biggest adventures and learning opportunities of your life.

 

Here are Three Completely Normal Doubts To Have Before Becoming An Au Pair Abroad:

 

Am I Going To Make Friends?

 

Yes, yes and another YES!

 

If you are open to making new friends, you will meet exceptional people who will shape your future.

These can be people from different backgrounds, nationalities, genders and walks of life.

 

We provide a list of names of Au Pairs who are already in the area close to where you are going.

 

This is an opportunity to contact these Au Pairs and arrange meet-ups and so much more.

 

Since we work with outstanding international partners abroad, they also arrange regular get-togethers and meet-ups with the Au Pairs.

 

If you are applying for the USA program, you may have noticed that you will be attending a FREE five-day workshop in New York City before meeting your host family.

 

During this workshop, you will meet Au Pairs from all over the world – and the awesome thing?

 

They are just as scared as you are!

 

Your host family will also help you to feel comfortable and welcome. If you are invested in creating a relationship with them, they will become like your home away from home.

 

Will I Earn Enough Money?

 

 

Au Pairing is a cultural exchange program. It’s not a real job, so you won’t earn a salary.

 

You will receive a monthly / weekly stipend.

 

You will have to be careful about how to manage your money since you obviously want to do all the activities you dreamt of doing and buy coffee at Starbucks every day.

Let’s not even talk about Sephora.

 

You can consider saving up for a big event you would like to attend. Opt for preparing your meals at home, instead of buying, and visit free cultural events.

 

Budgeting is so important as an Au Pair because you will need to pay taxes at the end of your Au Pair year in the USA.

 

We have had many Au Pairs who managed to work well with their money so that they can buy that plane ticket to Hawaii.

They might have to walk past a Forever 21 dress, but at least they will soon say “Aloha” in Hawaii 😊

 

Will I Feel Homesick?

 

 

Homesickness is an unavoidable feeling when we live abroad for a while.

 

Living in another country makes us miss our family, friends or even the food of our home country.

 

To minimize the feeling, consider going out with your friends. If they already have plans, go out on your own.

 

Travel and explore the country.

 

You are only young once, and this is YOUR time to SHINE.

 

Talk to your host family if you are feeling overwhelmed by these emotions. They might be able to give you advice.

 

Staying in touch with your friends and family via video calls and photos is a good way to minimize the feeling.

 

 

 

Becoming an Au Pair abroad is a massive change in your life.

 

Allow yourself to feel the feels.

 

It’s okay to be scared, as long as you remember that by being part of our Sisterhood, you always have a safety net and a lot of support.

 

You got this, CAP Sister – until next week!