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 / Au Pair Stories
The au pair placement is a unique experience for young people from all over the world. The same is true for families, who even host more than one au pair from different countries. Here, au pairs and host families tell about their unforgettable experiences. Wij hopen dat onze au pair volgende zomer terugkomt! Voor Ilse en Steven, gastouders uit België, was het een leuke ervaring een au pair thuis te ontvangen. Lucy, uit de USA, hebben ze onmiddelijk als hun eigen tienerdochter beschouwd.
Le premier jeune au pair à aller chez la famille de Christine était un jeune autrichien. Les suivants firent également apprendre l'allemand aux enfants de la famille francaise. Tant et si bien que maintenant, les enfants fréquentent une école franco-allemande. C’est une histoire qui a commencé par hasard, qui n’est pas terminée et qui se poursuit ...
This is our shortest experience report, but very impressive: Evelina, an au pair from Jokkmokk, Northern Sweden, started her experience in Finland on her birthday. Find out what happened when she met her "new family".
Laure from France is planning to work as an au pair in Germany: she likes the culture and wishes to brush up her German. However, how is she supposed to find a matching host family? Laure know what to do. She writes her story in French. J’avais quelques attentes avant de partir, mais elles ont largement été comblées voire ... Valeria: It's a give-and-take experience! Valeria has decided to share with us her point of view on au pair placement. Even though sometimes one must take into account negative experiences as well, Valeria believes that a mutual exchange is by far the best way to learn and grow. Valeria writes in Italian. Hosting an au pair – it's worth it! The first time was not easy for anybody in the beginning. However, host mum Carmen and her family later became really fond of au pair Anna from Austria. In the meantime, the family has hosted three more au pairs.
Claires start off as an au pair in Australia did not really meet her expectations. However, she would not want to do without her experience with her three host families. She finds the family of her dreams on her second au pair placement in France. Here she finds out that being an au pair is definitely worth it. Claire writes her story in German.
Living in the UK countryside with five children: “No one wants to be our au pair.” That was the experience of host father Angus. He was then happy to discover Aupair World and could not resist the temptation of sending us his au pair story – being an author himself. We like it very much!
Au pair Marina from Germany truly enjoyed her stay in Ireland. She proved that showing initiative is what counts. Marina improved her language skills while going shopping and in her daily life. She appreciated helping her host family in their daily routine, although it wasn't always easy. Marina writes in German.
Their first experience with an au pair was disappointing. But Carine's family, from France, decided not to give up and in the end they were proved right: their second try was a great success! Carine writes in French. Cette année, pour la première fois nous avons tenté l’aventure des jeunes filles au pair. ...
Host mum Camilla from Italy tells us about her unforgettable au pairs and the wonderful rapport her family quickly developed with them. A bond being so strong that she sometimes feels as if she had many different daughters from all over Europe! Camilla writes her story in Italian.
Jolinda: An au-pair? A great solution! Jolinda, host mum in the Netherlands, was quite concerned when her child was born: she quickly realized that finding a good child care solution would actually be quite tricky. However, the family finally came up with a great idea: they would host an au pair! Jolinda writes in Dutch.
Host mom Tiina from Finland is utterly enthusiastic about her Spanish au pair girl. The children liked her from the start. It was a genuine cultural exchange. They also enjoyed the au pair's parents' visit in Finland.
Miriam from Germany spent one year in Finland as an au pair. Besides learning a lot about her host country, she learnt much about herself. Miriam writes in German.
According to Ursula from South Africa, becoming an au pair is bound with a lot of preparation in the first place. Her experience was worth it indeed. She really enjoyed her stay in the Netherlands and is therefore applying for a new placement. Ursula writes about her experience in form of an interview in English.
Being an au pair for the first time means gaining new experiences. Helena from Gernany not only improved her knowledge the French language and culture; but she also put her skills as surrogate mother to the test, and she also made new friends, amongst others her host parents. Helena writes in German. Ich bin Studentin an der Universität Siegen. Dort studiere ich Lehramt für die Fächer Deutsch, ...
Teresa and her family live in Spain. For the first time they invited an au pair and welcomed Kaja from Slovenia. It was a success for both sides and a great cultural exchange! Teresa writes in Spanish. Au Pair Hellen: Now I'm fluent in German! Au pair Hellen from Kenia showed great courage and a big heart. When she arrived in Germany, her host country, she had to wait for a second attempt, before finding the right host family. In the end, though, she grew so fond of them, that she remained by their side even after a very unfortunate event and without getting paid. Today Hellen is fluent in German.
At first they had lots of doubts, but with the arrival of the first au pair all of their doubts were gone. Mari and her family have grown fond of each one of their au pairs and now Mari's son can't wait to meet the new one. Mari writes in Spanish. Nuestra familia empezó con la idea de tener au pair el día que mi hijo comenzó a estudiar en el ...
Monica's family, from Italy, has had different experiences with each one of their au pairs. “We hosted girls from Australia and the USA. Living with people coming from such different backgrounds was not only positive for us but also for our children.” Monica writes in Italian.
Host mum Kate from Scotland appreciates all of her au pairs from different countries. She came to the conclusion that an au pair stay is a great experience for all parties concerned – au pairs, host parents and children.
According to host mum Antje from Germany, the first weeks with the very first au pair were not easy. However, by making an effort on both sides, things quickly began to run smoothly. That's why Antje is now searching her fourth au pair. Antje writes in German.
Au pair Melania from Italy tells us about her first experience as an au pair. It all started one evening two years ago, by chance, while she was sitting in front of her computer. She let her instinct guide her in the choice of the right family. Now she confesses that she is proud to have found a second family! Melania writes in Italian.
Au Pair Ana Alicia from Spain did not get a job in her country. However, she found herself an alternative: becoming an au pair in Ireland. Within a short time, her command of English improved so much that she got a job offer in Ireland. Ana Alicia wrote her story in English.
Five au pairs, most of whom stayed longer than planned. Host family H. from Ireland and their five au pairs are still in good contact. The family is now searching for their sixth au pair to take care of their three sons. Host dad Michael wrote his story in English.
Like a fairy tale, but in real life: A host family in Mexico invited a German au pair. She had to look after their 9 children. Au pair Anna convinced due to her great kindness and her passion for baking. In the end, this story involves a happy ending and a delicious wedding cake for everyone!
Host mum Gema tells us about her last au pair: The young lady has taken good care of her two kids for five weeks and was well integrated into their family life. As five weeks are quite short, Gema wants to host her next au pair for a longer period of time. Gema writes in Spanish.
Barbara finished her studies in the USA. After having spent months on her job search, her sister inspired her to go to Europe as an au pair. What a great idea! Right now, Barbara is staying in Munich as an au pair, taking care of a 2-year-old boy.
Marina from Germany spent seven weeks as an au pair in Corsica. She lived in a lonely mountain village and was never short of work taking care of two children. Her French improved a lot due to the vivid conversations she had with her host parents. Marina wrote her au pair story in German.
Experience report (4) from our Summer-Special: Host mum Ciara from Ireland has three boys. Her family has been getting au pairs for the past five years. So Ciara can give some helpful tips for au pairs and host families. Ciara writes in English.
Au pair story (3) of our Summer-Special: Translator Salome from Georgia went to Karlsruhe/Germany for a year. This is where she started to speak and think in German fluently. Hats off for your knowledge of German, Salome!
Au pair story (2) of our Summer-Special: Tamara from Chile went to the USA for six months. This is where she did not only learn English, but also how to actively solve conflicts: with a great deal of frankness and a good sense of communication. Tamara wrote her story in Spanish.
This is the first au pair story of our Summer-Special: “Send us your story and win”: Cindy from France wished to become an au pair ever since she was twelve years old. In October 2009, she went to Scotland for one year. Her placement was a full success! Cindy wrote her au pair story in French. Être fille au pair, c’était un rêve pour moi depuis l’âge de douze ans. Partir ... Maria:"It's like an exchange of habits" Maria from Valencia (Spain) went to the UK as an au pair for five months. She had a great time with her host family near Birmingham: “It is one of the best experiences life gave to me so far.”
Host mum Beate from Germany has released her children into the care of au pairs already several times. She embraces this kind of multicultural upbringing of her children. Her conclusion: "Sometimes I wish our children will never grow up, so we can host au pairs for many years to come!" (in German)
Host mother Paola from Italy starts her first au pair experience: although things did not really go how she expected, Paola is happy with her first experience and cannot wait to welcome a new au pair into her family!
Franziska K. from Germany spent six months as an au pair in Ireland, Castlebar. She looked after three children and became really fond of her host family. Sometimes she had a lot of things to do. However, Franziska took it as a challenge.
Silke from the Netherlands spent six months as an au pair in Australia. She had an interesting time and gained rich experience living with a host family in Brisbane. She explored the country and swam with dolphins. The best: her family treated her as if she was their own daughter. Host mum Lena Maria: behavioural rules help! Host mum Lena Maria from Germany has two girls (9 and 12 years old). As she is offered a full-time position, she gives the adventure au pair a try. In the beginning, things do not go smoothly, but Lena Maria quickly learns from that. She does not throw in the towel, and lo and behold, with clear behavioural rules, things work out well with the new au pair. One family and nine au pairs Family Browne from Cambridge has had nine au pairs. In their experience report you can read about the normal ups and downs. The family also provides tips for au pairs and host families.
Host mum Sabine from Germany manages the life of her big family of seven children. For seven years she has been using Aupair World to find au pairs, and with many of them she is still in contact today.
Seven months as an au pair in London. For Brigitte from Germany it was the best time of her life.
In 2009, Henriette from Berlin went as an au pair to Australia. She enjoyed the time with her host family in Newport Beach that much that she extended her stay beyond the initially planned three months. Back in Germany, she felt wanderlust which she calmed by staying in steady contact with her host family and her girl friends down under. Now, Henriette is planning a trip to Australia in 2012. She is already looking forward to seeing her host parents and children again soon.
Constanze from Germany describes her au pair experience like „six months of paradise“. Her host family residing on the island „La Réunion“ was a real stroke of luck to her. They had precisely agreed on expectations and duties before Constanze's arrival. She even had time for paragliding, hiking and holidays on Mauritius.
Monika has responded to our appeal of the question of the week from 4 April 2011. We had asked our au pairs to tell us their experiences with homesickness. Monika has already been twice as an au pair in Ireland. Her tips may help you overcome your homesickness. Ich war bereits zweimal Sommer Au Pair in Irland und weiß, dass ich nach ungefähr 6 Wochen ...
Francesca M.'s family from Italy has already had different experiences with au pairs. It is important to the family that host families and au pairs show each other understanding. They always try to be like the real family for their au pairs.
Au Pair Rita H. had a great time with her host family in Ireland, which she did not leave to chance. She had contributed much to assure that her stay was successful. However, even the most wonderful paradise may have small faults. In her report, Rita provides practical tips how to solve problems that might occur. Bereits früh war mir klar, dass ich nach der Matura erst einmal ins Ausland möchte. Nach einigen ...
The first au pair to come to Katrin N. and her family from Germany was a stroke of luck. Justine from France was a great big sister, the family agrees unanimously.
Mélanie from France had a unique experience during her time as an au pair near Alaska. She saw a breathtaking landscape, had a warmhearted host family and made new friends. One thing is for sure: she will go back!
At first, it was only a dream, but it quickly turned into reality. Josefin from Sweden went as a summer au pair to Spain, Valencia. Her conclusion: ”Being an au pair is the best thing I’ve ever done in my life.”
Rita A. from Brazil worked as an au pair in Belgium. She learnt to speak French and many other new things like regional Christmas traditions or the taste of "escargots". Besides, she had the opportunity to travel around Europe.
Tatiana from Russia is spending two years as an au pair in the USA. Her time abroad has such a great influence on her that she sometimes even thinks in English. “I can say for sure that it is the most amazing thing that has ever happened in my life.” In the following, you can read more about her experiences.
Once an au pair herself, Susanne from Germany has been a host mum on Aupair World for eleven years. She could write a book about her experiences as an au pair and as a host mum. Here is a detailed and exciting report written by Susanne who is currently searching her seventeenth au pair.
Huizi from Wuhan (China) worked as an au pair in the Netherlands. From the moment of her arrival she loved the big family of seven. During her 12-month stay she also took the country and its language to her heart.
After learning English and French, Marina wanted to learn another foreign language. She decided to go to Germany as an au pair girl – a difficult way with some obstacles. But once arrived in Germany, Marina had one of the best times of her life with a bi-lingual host family.
Barbara from Italy had lived as an au pair in Germany for one year. Today, she is still in contact with her host family in Munich. Barbara says: “It was like in a real family!”
In summer 2007, Alice from England spent two months as an au pair in the German town Rotenburg an der Fulda. “My au pair experiences have made me meet wonderful people, see different cultures, and practise my foreign languages. Don’t be shy – go for it, you’ve got nothing to lose!”
Karine has had two au pairs so far. To her, they have been much more than just a helping hand with the children and housework. They have positively enriched her and her family's life. You can read about it in the following story. pre.cjk { font-family: "DejaVu Sans",monospace; }p { margin-bottom: 0.21cm; }
With her host family in Germany, Kasia from Poland did not only learn the German language but also how to take on resposibilities. The Regenbogen Family including their new born baby Jule and family dog Fee became dear to her heart. She remained loyal to Germany - her great love.
Starting in August 2009, Teresa from Germany spent one year as an au pair in Holland, a great year with new friends and lovely experiences. But during that year she learnt to frankly talk about problems and constructively resolve conflicts, too.
Initially Ilona from Austria intended to spend one year as an au pair in an English- or Spanish-speaking country. But finally she realigned and applied as a summer au pair. She then was contacted by a nice Greek family and at that moment she found the host family she had been dreaming of.
Host mum Elisabeth S. from Austria grew up with many au pairs and was an au pair herself. Now, she is looking for her third au pair girl. Elisabeth: “As we have already had two very nice au pairs in our family (both found via Aupair World), I would like to write about our experiences.”
Francesca's family lives in Venice and has had au pairs for six years. Many of her previous au pairs are still considered as family members. Her tip: Start your search early enough! The host family and the au pair can get to know each other better and maybe meet personally in advance.
Unfortunately, Sabine from Germany did not have such a good time. She struggled with homesickness and the Basque language. That is why she only spent five weeks in Spain, near San Sebastián, instead of staying half a year as originally intended. Find out why she nevertheless does not regret her experience.
A unique and great experience – this is what Audrey thinks about her stay as an au pair in Great Britain. Read her story here. En août 2008, je suis partie de Suisse pour aller en Angleterre, dans le comté de l'Hampshire. ...
Alexandra has found her au pairs on Aupair World for almost four years. Many ties of friendship have arisen out of it. In the following, read about the ups and downs she has experienced with her au pairs.
Alexandra spent five weeks as a summer au pair in Nizza. It was a light bulb moment for her as she had a great time full of happiness at the Côte d’Azur. That's why she is again searching for a new family on Aupair World, but this time for a much longer stay. Sinje has grown up with many au pairs Sinje from Hessen, Germany grew up with au pairs from various countries. Her conclusion: "The time with au pairs was wonderful and we have all learnt a lot." Here you can read about Sinje's and her sisters' experiences with 12 au pairs!
In summer 2009, Katarzyna worked as an au pair on the Île d’Yeu in France. She took care of 5 children from 8 months to 9 years old. In the following, you can read about her experiences during her stay on this small French island. She wrote her report in her mother tongue, which is Polish. „Francuska przygoda” Właściwie nie wiem dlaczego zdecydowałam się zostać ...
In July 2009, Annika left Germany to start au pairing in Northern Europe. For one year, she lived with a Finnish family in a village situated about 200 kilometres northeast of Helsinki. Find out what she experienced during her au pair year in Finland. She wrote her story in German.
From August 2009 until June 2010, Louise from Sweden lived as an au pair on the other side of the world - in Auckland, New Zealand. In the following, you can read about her experiences during her stay far away from home. Her au pair story is written in English.
From August 2009 until July 2010, Franziska lived as an au pair in Oslo, Norway. In the following, you can read about her experiences during her stay in Northern Europe. Franziska is German, so her experience report is written in German.
From April until July 2010, Julie lived as an au pair on the island Lidigö near Stockholm, Sweden. In the following, you can read about her experiences during her stay in Northern Europe. Julie's au pair experience report is written in German.
From September 2001 until July 2002, Ann-Kristin lived as an au pair in Chicago, USA. In the following, you can read about her experiences during her stay abroad. Her experience report is written in German. Mein Jahr als Au Pair in den USA Es stand für mich immer fest, dass ich nach dem Abitur für eine ...
From August 2006 until July 2007, Joanna lived as an au pair in Frankfurt on the Main, Germany. In the following, you can read about the experiences she has made during her stay in the German metropolis of stock exchange. Joanna's experience report is written in Polish. Dlaczego Niemcy? Tak naprawdę to zdecydowałam się na Niemcy, ponieważ nie chciałam za ... Help others by sharing your experience We are always glad to receive experience reports from all over the world, written in different languages by au pairs and host families. Be brave: by sending in your experience report, you are doing a good deed. Whoever puts down his experience in writing, helps other persons, as well.
The editorial staff of Aupair World reserves the right to shorten and linguistically adapt the incoming stories. Of course we ensure that the meaning remains the same. |
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