Au Pair - good or bad idea? (Au Pair)

Member Name: doogle102

Product:	Au Pair
Date:	28/02/01 (378 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Cheap way to get to the USA; looks geat on a CV; Make friends for life

Disadvantages: Can be a bad experience;

Whilst in the last year of my A-Levels i decided that i needed to take a year out before going to university. I wasn't exactly sure what i wanted to do but i knew that i to go abroad. In the school careers office i found some information on an agency called EF Au Pair. They were offering the chance to go to America as an Au Pair for 12 months with the option of a months travel after the completion of your work. It sounded great so i filled in the form and waited for a reply.

A few weeks later i received a phone call inviting me to an orientation meeting. All i had to do is turn up with a completed apllication form. At the meeting we were told about the project from an area rep and had the chance to ask questions of two former Au Pairs. We did group exercises and were given an Au Pair hand book which contained information about the program and the USA. We then had an interview where your application form was discussed. I was given a conditional offer as i had not passed my driving test yet. Once i had passed my driving test things really started to happen. I had to have a criminal record check and medical. Send off for my J-1 visa. Fill out forms for insurance purposes. Then i had to sit back and wait.

I had not heard anything for a few weeks and was worried that maybe the London office had not changed my phone number on their records, so i phoned. It turned out that a family had been trying to contact. One night i received a phonecall from my prospective employer. He told me all about the kids, his job, his separation from the children's mother and said he would like to offer me the position. I was delighted.

On the 11th November i left England bound for JFK airport, New York. It is alegal requirement that all au pairs attend 'au pair school' prior to meeting there families. This was a 5 day course that took place. We talked about the laws of the US, childcare, hygeine and safety. You name it we discussed it. At the end of
the week it was time to leave our new friends and head off to our host families. I boarded to a flight to Philadelphia and thats where my year began.

I was met at the airport by my host father and the two children and a bunch of flowers. It was a bit awkward but it was really exciting at the same time. I think that was the only day the children behaved.

I arrived in Delaware to a quaint little house (not all Americans have huge houses) which looked more like a cottage.
I was thrown in at the deep end abit because i only had one day off before i was left alone with the children.

A typical day:
7am - Wake up and get self dressed
7.30 - Wake 2 boys up and dress youngest
7.45 - Try and drag the oldest out of bed
7.50 - Prepare breakfast
8.00 - Mad rush to ensure all homework is packed in school bag
8.15 - Walk to School bus stop and send oldest boy to school
8.30 - 3.00 - Kerp youngest entertained, make lunch, tidy house, do laundry, plan evening meal.
3.30 - collect oldest from bus stop
3.45 - make snack
4.30 - Try and convince oldest to do homework
6.00 - Prepare dinner
7.00 - Tidy up in preparation for the arrival of dad.
8.00 - Wash youngest, and force oldest to wash
9.00 - Children off to bed (doesn't usually happen but thats the plan).


That was when the father was on a day shift. If he was on a night shift, it was basically the same thing but with more responsibilties.

My children were challenging and very hard to control. Before me they had had 2 au pairs - one lasted a week, the other 3 weeks. So i was determined to beat this record.

There were many tough days, and i almost left a few times. But i am glad i stayed because raising children is never easy at the best of time but when they are not yours it is even harder.

EF Au Pair ensured that you were in contact with your Local Childcare Co-ordinator at least once a month. This gave
you the oppurtunity to talk about any problems you were having and to meet other au pairs from the area. You were also given the address and phone number of all local au pairs so you could have some friends. I made friends with English and Swedish au pairs, which kept you sane at times.

It is very important that in your spare time you get out of the house and see what the area has to offer. We were lucky to have a town next to ours that housed the University campus. And what does that mean lots of bars. The drinking laws in the US are VERY strict, you have to be able to prove that you are 21+ (ie passport). At the time i was only 18 but a few bars let minors in as long as they did not occupy certain areas. We also found other ways of getting into bars (can't say how its illegal).

The agency arranged day trips once a month. many of these activities were suggested by the au pairs themselves. Day trips i went on included: Cow Town rodeo (yes folks a real rodeo), skiing in the Pocanos mountains, Six Flags theme park, Hershey's theme park, Halloween party, dinner and show (a buffet meal and a performance of 'Oklahoma' - very good), glow-in-the-dark bowling.

As part of your program requirements you must also undertake 90 hours of study during the year. This can be any course although certain things are not permitted on your insurance. You have to be able to prove that you've been trying to learn about the american way of life. I did Self defense classes for 2 hours a week. It ws great and it got out some of that pent up energy.

All in all, i had a great year. I made friends for life, not just au pairs but local people. Its a great way to see a different country, but you really have to enjoy working with children.

Good Points:
1. See a foreign country
2. Doesn't cost that much
3. Looks great on a CV

Bad Points:
1. You may not get a perfect family (but you can change if things are
not working out).
2. You may have to chase the agency up because sometimes they don't do things as quickly as they should.

Wage/Pocket Money:
$142 per week (in 1997)

Requirements:
1. Between the ages of 18 - 24
2. Have been in full time education until the age of 18 years.
3. No criminal record
4. Full driving license is preferred (but enquire if don't have one)

Cost:
I was on this program in 1996, and prices quoted are approximately accurate for that time.
Admin. Fee - £40
Deposit - £350 (this was refundable once the full 12 months were completed and the 90 hours of study had been done)
Medical - Varies
Criminal record check - £20
Visa

What don't you have to pay for?
Flights, accomodation, food, $500 of tuition fees.
You may have to pay for your telephone bills or petrol depending on your family (i didn't).

For more info EF have a website:
http://www.ef.com/GB/

If anyone wants any info feel free and i'll email them with it.

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