Career inspiration and job guidance can come from many sources: friends, co-workers and even parents can provide a personal view of their work life.
Such is the case of Julia, a current au pair living and working in San Antonio. Au pair is from the French words meaning "on par" or equal with the family, pronounced "ohh pair".
Julia comes from Germany. She is sponsored by “AuPairCare”, an international agency that connects au pairs with host families needing live in childcare services.
For more details about the company see the website:
Julia has the daily responsibility of taking care of a pre-school child and she is here in Texas on a twelve-month work assignment. This arrangement allows her to travel and live with her host family as she provides up to 45 hours of childcare services during the week. It is more than just childcare, it is a cultural exchange as well.
Julia’s mother, Barbara (is from Germany) was also an au pair 30 years ago and during that time she worked in Paris, France and London, England.
I had a chance to ask them both about their experience in this unique job.
1. What made you decide to become an au pair?
Julia: “I wanted to get to know another culture. I wanted to meet new people from different countries, to improve my English knowledge and because I love working and spending time with kids.”
Barbara: “ After my studies as a secretary for foreign languages…I wanted to learn to speak these languages more fluently.”
2. Can you share a good memory or experience that you had?
Julia: “ …after a few days with my new host family, my 4 ½ year old host girl told me that she loves me…the previous au pair had spent two years with the little girl and it was a challenge for me to get the know the family and the area and my daily schedule. Every day I felt more comfortable and I really like what I’m doing. My host family takes me to a lot of places and I am enjoying Texas.”
Barbara: “ Although, I felt quite homesick during the first few weeks it was a wonderful experience for me. I learned much about the French and British culture. And I reached my aim to speak both languages fluently!”
3. What advice would you give to someone who is considering this job?
Julia: “...you should love kids, it is more than working as a babysitter for a few hours. You should also realize that you won’t see your family and friends for a year. You should also be reliable, out-going, friendly and interested in meeting people from all over the world. I’m so glad that I decided to take this ‘adventure’."
Barbara: “…you should adore children, be open minded, be easy going and be interested in learning a lot of the foreign culture and language. You then will have unforgettable moments that make you smile even after more than 30 years."
To learn more about AuPairCare see the website for details on au pairs, their training and experience and how to become a host family. You can contact a program advisor by phone 800 428 7247.
Au pairs bring a special bond that expands the culture and language for the whole family.
Do you have a unique work experience to share? Just fill in the comment section.
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