Spending the summer as an au pair is a great way to really get to know another culture while earning money to enjoy it. You get to stay in place and see the inner workings of the culture in the form of not only the family that hires you, but the families they socialise with. It can be a fantastic way to immerse yourself in another language. Best of all, you can find au pair jobs anywhere in the world from Austria to Australia to Abu Dhabi. But no matter where you go, there are a few tricks to the trade.
- Learn about the family’s parenting philosophy. They are not hiring you because they think you know best. Parents today can be quite passionate about how they raise their children. Assume nothing. Ask them who their favourite parenting experts are and what parenting books they like best. Find out how they feel about sleep, food and dealing with naughty behaviour. Are they into free range parenting? Attachment parenting? Are they strict or flexible? Whatever their beliefs are, the au pair’s job is to follow the parents’ approach.
- When in doubt about anything, ask. The parent knows you are new to the household, country and culture. That’s part of your appeal. So don’t hesitate to ask about anything from table manners to social norms to religious customs. Ask respectfully and cheerfully, and you will not offend anyone. They know you are there to learn as well as work. (And if they don’t, get out of that situation!)
- Keep your private life off the clock. Do not text friends or visit social networking sites during working hours. Don’t talk too much about your dating life or drama with your friends back home. The exception is if you have a question about a social situation in the country and need to confirm a situation is safe and socially acceptable. You do get to be a whole human being, but make sure you are one with good boundaries. Don’t assume that your employer approves of Irish social norms around dating, for example. First get to know your employer better by chatting about your education, work experience, and family.
- Keep two journals. It’s a good idea to keep a journal for yourself of this adventure living abroad, but you will wow the parents if you also keep a journal of their children’s activities and behaviour with you. If part of your remit is talking to the children in English, make note of their progress. Jot down when they master new skills or say something funny. Parents want to know you take an interest in their children beyond simply keeping them alive for specified hours.
Your summer abroad as an au pair will be an unforgettable experience for you and your little charges. It’s a fantastic working holiday. No, you won’t be going out partying, but you will gain real insight into another culture. You’ll see so much beyond the tourist trail. One last tip: Arrange to have your personal items shipped, and talk to the family about your arrangements to ensure everything is convenient for them.
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