As I write this I can see myself freaking out in front of the computer, more than 5 years ago, when I decided to go to the USA as an Au Pair even though I didn’t know much about it.
I spent a buttload of time doing "research". I wanted to know everything that I needed in order to make that work. I read every blog, joined groups on Orkut (!) and befriended girls who were going through the process at the time. I was all over the place and it was too much. Most times I felt lost and overwhelmed and I wish someone had done this for me.
The truth is, you don’t need to know everything or read every testimonial. That will make you crazy. You only need to know the right places to find the right information.
Here is something I hope will help you kick start you search:
Agencies – If you go to the USA, it’s mandatory. Check if they have an office near you.
Cultural Care Au Pair
Au Pair in America
Au Pair Care
Matching websites – If you go to Europe, you can find a family and work out the documents yourself. If you would feel safer, you can also hire an agency. I found my Belgian family on Au Pair World and things worked out perfectly.
Great Au Pair
Au Pair World
Practical – Regulations, contract, insurance, requirements, etc.
http://www.aupair-world.net/index.php/au_pair_program/
Blogs – They are fun to read and full of useful information and resources!
Au Pair Mom
La jeune fille Au Pair (in English)
Blog das 30 Au Pairs (in Portuguese)
Au Pair Neurótica (in Portuguese)
Facebook Groups – You can connect with people who are in the same boat, share information, ask questions.
Nannies, Babysitters and Au Pairs in Europe
Au Pair in America
Just for fun! :)
Things Au Pairs don’t say
As you make the decision of where to go you should think about what language you want to learn, the lifestyle and culture on that particular country, how much you’ll be paid and the cost of life. Keep your mind and heart open! It's better to choose a good family in a place you haven't yet considered living than to be miserable in the oh-so-dreamy Paris (or whatever city inhabits your fantasies). Of course the contrary is also possible.
Anywaysies...
Voilà! The above are the best/most popular and useful links I’ve found during the years. I hope it will help you focus your search.
Follow your intuition and have an amazing adventure!
Have any question, suggestion or advice? Pop it in the comments bellow! Know anyone who would be interested in this post? Share it! Let's connect.
xo,
Ana
I spent a buttload of time doing "research". I wanted to know everything that I needed in order to make that work. I read every blog, joined groups on Orkut (!) and befriended girls who were going through the process at the time. I was all over the place and it was too much. Most times I felt lost and overwhelmed and I wish someone had done this for me.
The truth is, you don’t need to know everything or read every testimonial. That will make you crazy. You only need to know the right places to find the right information.
Here is something I hope will help you kick start you search:
Agencies – If you go to the USA, it’s mandatory. Check if they have an office near you.
Cultural Care Au Pair
Au Pair in America
Au Pair Care
Matching websites – If you go to Europe, you can find a family and work out the documents yourself. If you would feel safer, you can also hire an agency. I found my Belgian family on Au Pair World and things worked out perfectly.
Great Au Pair
Au Pair World
Practical – Regulations, contract, insurance, requirements, etc.
http://www.aupair-world.net/index.php/au_pair_program/
Blogs – They are fun to read and full of useful information and resources!
Au Pair Mom
La jeune fille Au Pair (in English)
Blog das 30 Au Pairs (in Portuguese)
Au Pair Neurótica (in Portuguese)
Facebook Groups – You can connect with people who are in the same boat, share information, ask questions.
Nannies, Babysitters and Au Pairs in Europe
Au Pair in America
Just for fun! :)
Things Au Pairs don’t say
As you make the decision of where to go you should think about what language you want to learn, the lifestyle and culture on that particular country, how much you’ll be paid and the cost of life. Keep your mind and heart open! It's better to choose a good family in a place you haven't yet considered living than to be miserable in the oh-so-dreamy Paris (or whatever city inhabits your fantasies). Of course the contrary is also possible.
Anywaysies...
Voilà! The above are the best/most popular and useful links I’ve found during the years. I hope it will help you focus your search.
Follow your intuition and have an amazing adventure!
Have any question, suggestion or advice? Pop it in the comments bellow! Know anyone who would be interested in this post? Share it! Let's connect.
xo,
Ana
