Hey guys and gals!
I know it's been a while since my last post but I've been so busy running around and preparing for my move to France, (OMG!!!!) that I haven't had time to breathe. Now that I have officially received my visa, I can take a little chill pill and focus on packing my bags. With only a few days left in the U.S. I've been doing some thinking about starting this new chapter in my life and what prompted me to become an Au Pair. As I said in my last post, there are many options to finding ways to making living abroad affordable. Becoming an Au Pair is one of the best for young people who have limited resources and money, but want to live like a local in any given place. So I'm going to give you all ten great reasons to become an Au Pair.
1. Free Living Accommodations
Need I say more?
For those of you who don't know, an Au Pair is the equivalent of a live-in nanny. As an Au Pair you will have the privilege of living in your employer's house rent free. Living rent free not only saves you lots of money in your new country, but it saves the time and frustration you may have trying to find a flat and possibly roommate(s). Generally your family will provide you your own room and possibly a bathroom for your comfort. Most of the time they only expect you to keep your space tidy on a regular basis which is a more than fair trade off for your living space.
2. Getting Paid to take care of Children
If you have experience taking care of children you know that it can be both rewarding and challenging. If you are ready to take on the responsibility of caring for children full time, you might find that you become just as attached to the children as they become to you. Since you are usually younger than their parents they will look to you as a big sister or brother and love to play with you. If you are in a country where you don't speak the language, talking to the children can be a great way to learn without feeling embarrassed about your speaking. Though you may not be paid a lot for your services, taking care of kids can be a lot more fun and a great alternative to working for minimum wage at your local fast food restaurant.
3. Learn a new Language Quickly
If you decide to settle in a place where you would like to take on the challenge of learning a new language, becoming an Au Pair is a fantastic option. When I studied in France a few years ago I noticed that the people at my French school who learned language the fastest were exposed to it at home. Living with a family gives you a chance to constantly practice and become comfortable with your new language. No matter your skill level in your new language, if you live with a family you will be forced to learn and you will be speaking like a pro before you know it.
4. Living in a New Place
When you become an Au Pair you will most likely live in a place completely different from your home. This can be a little daunting at first but you will eventually learn to love the highs and lows of your new home. Living in a new place will be an adventure as you will have to adapt your needs and wants based on your immediate surroundings. After a while of living in a place that used to be unfamiliar, you may find that you have a new appreciation for your old and new home and you leave a little part of yourself everywhere you go.
5. Making New Friends
As an Au Pair your life is not limited to just children, school, and family, you will also have a few days off to enjoy yourself. This is a great time to go out and make new friends. As your new city/town is unfamiliar to you, there are many opportunities to attend local events such as festivals, art exhibits, and sports events in which you have opportunities to meet people. Many times you can meet other foreigners like yourself and find that you are more alike than different. Making new friends is one of the best parts of being an Au Pair and can make transitioning into a new life slightly easier.
6. Eat Authentic Food
Eating is probably the best part of traveling anywhere as there is so much to try. Living with your family gives you great insight on the food culture of your country and how to prepare specialities or traditional meals. Eating the local food will also help you to become more open to trying new things and expanding your pallet. Going to restaurants also helps you to try more expensive food that you may not get at home with your host family.
7. Getting a Home Away From Home
Becoming an Au Pair helps you to integrate into the life and culture of a place very quickly. If you have never been away from your family for a long period of time, having a host family in your new country can help to create a support system so that you do not feel so isolated and lonely in your new place and give you the feeling of home.
8. Personal Growth
The best part of your experience as an Au Pair will be the amount of personal growth that you receive. Whether you spend 6 months or a year in your new home you will find that you have changed tremendously. You may find yourself feeling like you have gained a new perspective on life, that your host family feels no different from your real family, you are more confident or all of these things combined. Having an experience as an Au Pair opens you up to endless possibilities if only you are willing to take the first step.
