You
finished your application, you made it through the matching process and the
tedious visa process is over and done with. But Oh My! How did it suddenly
become time to start packing?!? It feels like it was just yesterday I was
at the information meeting. Well, we like to say time flies when you are having
fun. The au pair process will swing by a lot faster than you think and before
you know it you will be getting off the plane in New York. One of the most
common questions that we get here at the office is what should I pack.
This is always hard to answer, since it really depends from state to state. But
our most common answer is not to pack too much. You WILL buy a lot in the USA
over the year and you WILL have to bring that home as well. So the best is to
pack the basics or things you wouldn’t be heartbroken to leave when it’s time
to head home. This is especially a good idea for winter jackets.
Here are
some other one liners from our office staff about what to remember:
Madde: “Only pack for the season you are
going to, then you can buy what you need in the USA for the coming seasons!”
Magda: “For the love of god, don’t forget
your DS-2019!!!!”
Anni: “All you really need is your
credit card… ”
Jenny: “Just don’t pack too much…. Au
Pairs always regret that!”
Amy: “A diary is the best keepsake once
you get back home, I would recommend to bring on of those”
Amanda: “One of those external
chargers that you can just plug your phone in are amazing on the flight over ”
Linnea: “A year’s supply of kex chocolate…
”
Victoria: “Make sure to bring a present for
your host family…. And also, don’t forget those favorite jeans!”
Ps. The picture is cute, but you are NOT allowed to bring your dog! Ds.
