"This Program Influenced My Career" - AuPairCare Alumni Lara's Story

Every year, thousands of young people from around the world join the au pair program with hopes of creating new connections and gaining new experiences while also improving their professional and English skills to take back home with them. In July, members of the AuPairCare team had the privilege of hearing the inspiring alumni story of former AuPairCare au pair Lara while she was visiting her former host family for the summer. During our time together, Lara told us about her year-long experience in the United States, which not only enriched her life but also transformed her career path upon returning home.

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Lara's journey as an au pair started at age 18, when, like many other students her age, she decided to take a gap year abroad. Inspired by her early babysitting experiences and love of children, she immediately knew the au pair program was the right fit for her. “When I heard about the au pair program, I thought, yes, I am going to do that and see if it would influence my career path, which in the end it did. It was good, and I am glad I did it. I really wanted to travel, and I wanted to have a second family and see the children grow up.”  

Lara’s first week in the U.S. was a mix of nerves and excitement. Once she landed in California, she was welcomed by her host family, the Sinclairs, who had never hosted an au pair before. While navigating and adjusting to a new country, language, and culture, Lara immediately became integrated with her new host family and became an active member of the household. "I think the best way to get an easy adjustment into the family is when you're always around. Even after you are off for the day and you are talking to them, it is perfect. After my first or second day, I just sat on the couch with them while they were watching TV, and I just said, "What are we watching?"  

While she was an au pair, her host family discovered that one of their girls had challenges with her right arm and required visits with an occupational therapist. For Lara, being a part of her host child's development through her occupational therapy sessions inspired her to change her career plans after her program. “Initially, when I started the program, I wanted to be a high school teacher in math or English. At the end of my program, after working with Hartleigh and seeing all the progress she made with physical therapy, it inspired me to become an occupational therapist. I am glad I did it because I love my new job. At the time we spoke to her, Lara had just graduated from her occupational therapy program in Germany and is now following her dream! Before my program year, occupational therapy was something I never thought about. “It's all thanks to Hartleigh and my experience being her au pair that I can make a difference in the lives of children back home.”  

Lara’s story is a testament to the transformative power that the au pair program carries for young people around the globe. Her story is a journey of personal growth, cultural exchange, and creating long-lasting bonds. All of these are at the heart of what it means to be a part of the au pair program.