I was an au pair in
Livingston, New Jersey from August 2012 to August 2013. Today I live in Denmark, I started studying and I am working part-time as a
recruitment-leader for Cultural Care Au Pair. I did find some great friends doing my au pair-year. I have made some friends
who I am sure will last for a life time. I met friends from all over the world –
it is amazing.
What surprised me the most, was the great relationship I got to my host family and especially the children. I have never thought that I would get so close with somebody in a year.
I could tell you about a ton of experiences I have had which just made my year, but I came to the conclusion that there’s simply too many. I will therefore tell you about what my host family and my host children meant to me during my year and what they mean to me today – 8 months since I left the United States.
I love my girls like they are my sisters. They were 7 and 10 years old at the time I was with them and you can’t imagine how much you can actually learn from children that young. I would have sleepovers with them, go with them to the movies, take them to the pool and nobody could make me laugh like the two of them. They would tell me about their religion which is different from mine, teach me how to do a front handspring and they would (believe it or not) burp louder than a grown up. They would tell me how much they loved me, even though I don’t like cheese, which they did find very strange.
I am amazed how two children have had such a great influence on my life. I often wonder how children in that age can be that smart, caring and open minded like my girls are. But I think I have found the answer: their parents.
My host parents are one of the most amazing people I have ever met. They would take me on vacations and out for dinner. I would celebrate different holidays with them and they did support me like my own parents would have done. They must have been the most understanding people I have ever met. They did always try to understand me even though they might not agree with me. The house was always a place where I could take my friends and I loved bringing friends home, because my host parents always were extremely nice to everybody and very helpful whenever we needed it.
One day, I hope to become like my host mom. She just had an ability to make me feel comfortable. She would respect me like an adult and trust me with her children. She would support me, when I applied for college in Denmark, hug me when I was sad and take me to the beach with her friends. She would go with me to the gym, advice and guide me when I was lost and cook dinner for my family when they came to visit. Today I would not only call her my host mom, but also my friend.
This summer, 2014, I am going to work at a summer camp, Camp Taconic, as a swimming instructor. My two girls are attending the camp and it was my host mom, who recommended me to the camp. I am very excited to spend my summer in America and finally see my family again – because that’s what they are – my second family. I keep in touch by Viber, Skype and Facetime.
I would recommend everybody who has an interest in children, cultural exchange and travelling to apply as an au pair. It was an experience that taught me more about myself and other people than I would have ever imagined. I have matured and become more independent. I think I have developed as a person and I definitely have my host family to thank for. They have inspired me to be open towards challenges, people and whatever life brings.
What surprised me the most, was the great relationship I got to my host family and especially the children. I have never thought that I would get so close with somebody in a year.
I could tell you about a ton of experiences I have had which just made my year, but I came to the conclusion that there’s simply too many. I will therefore tell you about what my host family and my host children meant to me during my year and what they mean to me today – 8 months since I left the United States.
I love my girls like they are my sisters. They were 7 and 10 years old at the time I was with them and you can’t imagine how much you can actually learn from children that young. I would have sleepovers with them, go with them to the movies, take them to the pool and nobody could make me laugh like the two of them. They would tell me about their religion which is different from mine, teach me how to do a front handspring and they would (believe it or not) burp louder than a grown up. They would tell me how much they loved me, even though I don’t like cheese, which they did find very strange.
I am amazed how two children have had such a great influence on my life. I often wonder how children in that age can be that smart, caring and open minded like my girls are. But I think I have found the answer: their parents.
My host parents are one of the most amazing people I have ever met. They would take me on vacations and out for dinner. I would celebrate different holidays with them and they did support me like my own parents would have done. They must have been the most understanding people I have ever met. They did always try to understand me even though they might not agree with me. The house was always a place where I could take my friends and I loved bringing friends home, because my host parents always were extremely nice to everybody and very helpful whenever we needed it.
One day, I hope to become like my host mom. She just had an ability to make me feel comfortable. She would respect me like an adult and trust me with her children. She would support me, when I applied for college in Denmark, hug me when I was sad and take me to the beach with her friends. She would go with me to the gym, advice and guide me when I was lost and cook dinner for my family when they came to visit. Today I would not only call her my host mom, but also my friend.
This summer, 2014, I am going to work at a summer camp, Camp Taconic, as a swimming instructor. My two girls are attending the camp and it was my host mom, who recommended me to the camp. I am very excited to spend my summer in America and finally see my family again – because that’s what they are – my second family. I keep in touch by Viber, Skype and Facetime.
I would recommend everybody who has an interest in children, cultural exchange and travelling to apply as an au pair. It was an experience that taught me more about myself and other people than I would have ever imagined. I have matured and become more independent. I think I have developed as a person and I definitely have my host family to thank for. They have inspired me to be open towards challenges, people and whatever life brings.
