Consider the life of your au pairs. Here you are, a stranger in an even stranger land. You might have a reasonable grasp of the language (or you might not) and before you know it you're thrust into the midst of a completely new family complete with its own dynamics. Worse still you are charged with the unenviable task of helping keep somebody else's children on the straight and narrow.
It is not an attractive proposition to say the least, but it is the choice made by thousands of women - and sometimes men - who decide to finance their travels by working as an au pair.
This can present challenges for all parties concerned. For the family, they are bringing in a complete stranger into their home. Even if they have chosen to employ the individual through an approved agency, there are still significant issues of trust and familiarity that need to be overcome before the two parties can develop an efficient working relationship. They have to try and lay down rules that not only dictate when new au pairs will be working and when not, but also help them feel welcome and part of the family group.
Meanwhile the challenges for au pairs are equally severe. Imagine the horror of spending your time stuck with the family from hell. It is not a nice prospect, but it is a very real possibility. For this reason you should always remember that an interview is not only a trial of you and your suitability, but also of them. While you may well be eager to find a job, you shouldn't let that consideration outweigh everything else. Make the right decision and your time as part of this family can be enjoyable and profoundly rewarding. Get it wrong and it could quickly become a living nightmare complete with children from hell and the most dreadful and demanding employers you can possibly imagine.
When you consider all the pitfalls au pairs face it can be tempting to ditch the idea altogether, but don't be put off. It is a good way to finance your travels after university or indeed at any other time. It can also help you develop a much more rounded view of the country and its culture. Friendships built now can last for the rest of your life. The important thing is to go in with your eyes open and make the most of the opportunities that come your way.
Author Resource:-
Dominic Donaldson is a freelance journalist. Find out more about Au Pairs and the services offered from Busy Bee Au Pairs.
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