As an au pair, you’ll be living with a host family, which can be both a rewarding and challenging experience. In this blog post, I’ll share my personal story and give you a glimpse into the reality of living with a host family.
When I decided to become an au pair, I knew that I would be living with a host family, but I didn’t fully grasp what that would mean until I arrived. I was greeted by a warm and welcoming family who showed me around the house and introduced me to their two young children. I was excited to start my new adventure and eager to get to know my host family better.
At first, living with my host family was a lot of fun. I enjoyed spending time with the children, playing games, and going on outings. I also appreciated the opportunity to practice my language skills and learn more about the local culture. However, as time went on, I started to notice some challenges that came with living with a host family.
One of the biggest challenges was the lack of privacy. As an au pair, you’re essentially a member of the family, which means that you’ll be living in close quarters with them. This can be challenging if you’re used to having your own space and independence. I found myself feeling homesick and missing my own family and friends back home.
Another challenge was the communication barrier. While my host family spoke some English, it wasn’t their native language, and there were often misunderstandings and miscommunications. This could be frustrating at times, and I had to learn to be patient and understanding.
Despite these challenges, I learned a lot from living with my host family. I gained a greater understanding of the local culture and developed my language skills. I also learned a lot about myself, including my strengths and weaknesses, and developed greater empathy and understanding for others.
Looking back on my experience, I’m grateful for the opportunity to have lived with a host family. It wasn’t always easy, but it was definitely a valuable learning experience. If you’re considering becoming an au pair, I would encourage you to embrace the challenges and opportunities that come with living with a host family. It may not always be easy, but it will be a rewarding and unforgettable experience that will stay with you for years to come.
