Hear From an Au Pair: What to Expect Your First Weeks in the U.S.

How will I meet people? Will my host kids like me? Americans speak fast! Will I understand everything?

I know you have millions of questions about how the first few days in your new home will be " so did I. With so many new changes at once you'll need some time to adjust, but the transition will be easier than you think!

Arriving At AuPairCare Academy

Au Pair Academy is great; we even made a list of the things you will love about it! Even though you have childcare experience you'll still learn valuable things at AuPairCare Academy like how to communicate with Americans and their style of caregiving.

Meeting Your Host Family

During your first week, your host parents will teach you some of their routines and schedules, familiarize you with the neighborhood, and you will begin to learn about your host kids. Don't worry if you don't understand everything right away - Your host family is aware that there is a lot of information to process and some adjustment time is needed for both of you. Try to spend as much time as you can getting to know each other, and don't forget to use your pre-departure project as a starting point!

One of the best parts of this program is cultural exchange, so your host family will be happy to help you to work on your English while you teach them some words in your language too. Communication is key to a successful placement, so don't hesitate to ask questions!

Meeting Your Area Director

Your local Area Director will visit you the first week at your new home. She will also talk to you about other au pairs in your area and the monthly activities organized by AuPairCare. Your Area Director will also provide you a list of colleges and other educational institutions where you can take your courses. She is going to be your contact person and is there to help and provide you with any additional information, like setting up an au pair schedule; you may need during your year in the United States.

There will be a lot to learn and take in during your first few days, but your host family and Area Director are there to help. You will soon settle in and be ready to experience the most amazing year of your life. Be patient, Rome was not built in a day!

Rocio B. is currently an Intern and formerly an Au Pair with AuPairCare. She's from Spain and had amazing program years in California and Connecticut.