Well, I should know all the girls know all about it but I still think we need to point the goods of being an Au Pair to encourage the girls who didn't start this amazing experience yet. First of all, you gotta know that this is gonna be the time of your life. This is an unique oportunity that will be unforgetable. Besides you have the chance to really live the american culture and learn lots of responsibilities, it opens your mind and you'll never be the same after this. It all depends of you and the choices you make to yourself. Think you've got everything on your hand. Your level of english, your ability to solve problems and your skills to make everything work just right, it all depends of you! Let's start talking about the life with your hostfamily. It's very easy to put effort to make everything work well for both parts. You must know you're living with them and they feel responsable for you during your stay in their house. So, its nice of you to let them know about your social life, your friends and places you like to go. It doesn't mean they are nosy or curious about your private life, they just want to make sure you're safe and in good company. Another thing that I would like to mention is that since you live in the same house, you also have house duties to do. It's not your obligation but it's nice to be helpful and contribute to keep the house organized and clean. The comunication is the best thing between Au Pair and Host Family. On your year as an Au Pair make plans to do things you havent done before. Save your money and do weekend trips. Go to places, explore the city, take a new class, start a new sport, live it!!! Talk to the host family about your days off and vacation as soon as they can plan it, so you know where you wanna go and you have time plan a fun vacation for yourself!!! Don't forget to find other Au Pairs in your area, contact all of them before you plan a trip. Maybe you find some good company! You'll have an amazing time if you want it!!! Improve your english, take classes, have fun with the kids you work with, travel as much as you can, share your culture with the americans and let them teach you about their culture. I also wants to mention about the salary. I know I've heard a lot of complains about the ammount of money we make BUT remember you don't have any bills to pay and if you were a nanny and have to be responsable for all the bills, you would have the same life. I'm not the best person to talk about saving, but I know you girls can do it! :)
Well, that's my first message for you girls who are current Au Pairs and for you who wants to be an Au Pair. Wish you all good luck and hope you have a wonderful time!!!Tata
