I am originally from Finland, and as most of you know - Finland as a country is not that big. Other Finnish au pairs - they were quite non-existent when I was an au pair myself.. or that is at least how it felt! I was the only Finnish au pair in the entire state of Utah at the time, which of course enabled me really to establish a world-wide network from my other au pair friends! My neighbor was German, my best friend Swedish, my classmate Peruvian, my travel-buddies Brazilian and Colombian, my new friends American... the best part about my au pair experience was definitely widening my network and having connections all over the world!
I am still in touch with some of my connections, and this is one tip I want to give to all of you current au pairs: do not let go of these connections! Embrace the international network you have and take full use of it! There is always someone who knows one... and at least you have a place to stay wherever you go in the world! Luckily in today's day and age it is so easy to stay in touch!
Best,
Mari
