Be it a gap year or exciting opportunity to brush up on your language skills abroad, au-pair programme seems to be a life-changing experience. I had a chance to meet Adrianna at a career fair and got immediately hooked by her story. Spend your summer in a slightly different way and immerse yourself in a new language and culture-become an au-pair!
How did it all start? Where did the idea come from?
I didn’t want to follow the same well-trodden path as my peers – finish studies and get involved with a big enterprise. So I started looking for opportunities abroad, and a friend of mine told me about au-pair program. It sounded perfect for me at that moment in my life. I was curious about the world. The agency helped me with finding a family, and 5 days after my graduation I flew to Switzerland.
How should one look for au-pair offers? Do you advise using an agency or searching via websites and social media groups?
I checked a few websites on the internet and chose one that I felt was the most compelling. It was a rather spontaneous decision without asking about opinions or reading plenty of feedbacks.
What aspects should be taken into account once looking for a host family?
Essentially you should check where the family lives. I spent some months on a farm! I was fully aware of my host location but I didn’t expect the area to be so remote. I am satisfied with my experience because I have an adventurous spirit and I am open to new and extreme conditions, but not everyone may like it. So check where you will be staying, ask for photos, read about the place and scout out for information. Besides, think about how many children you can take care of. Your comfort is important, don’t take too much on yourself than you can handle. Fix your working hours and days off with the host family. Find out more about the hosts, for instance where do they work. Remember that this trip will be developmental and you will go there to grow.
How long have you been searching for the right host family?
Around 3 months. I know girls who have been looking for their families around a year, it really depends on your luck and your requirements.
What to avoid and pay attention in contact with the agency and the family?
Ask the agency if the family was verified by them if they had au-pairs before or not, and whether you can contact those au-pairs who were working before with the family you are interested in. While skyping with the family pay attention to the relations, yours with the hosts and parents between children. Think whether you can feel comfortable with them. You should feel like they are your own family, ask about the household, time schedule, school, a car, cooking, etc.
What are the language requirements? Is it possible to find a position with a beginner or A1 language level proficiency?
Everything depends on the family. It is essential to know the language on a basic level. I knew English and a bit of German. My kids spoke Swiss! We communicated in German, English, Polish, Swiss and with gestures.
Why did you choose Switzerland?
I love the mountains. That was the main reason. I lived almost at the top of the mountain with beautiful views. Just breath-taking scenery.
What is the most memorable flashback from your au-pair stay?
I will never forget this experience nor regret that I decided to take a gap year. I remember my course of German there. I met amazing life-long friends and learnt a lot. I travelled there by cable car – the mountains around gave me an incredible sensation, it was so inspirational before my lessons and very empowering after.
How many children did you have under your safe keeping?
I looked after 3 children, 1 girl and 2 boys. The girl was 8, the boys were 6 and 10.
What was the most difficult thing for you throughout your experience?
The language barrier. Sometimes it was very difficult to communicate, especially because I had impulsive and energetic children. The situations required to be solved immediately and I couldn't do it in my preferred way.
What has surprised you the most in the Swiss lifestyle?
People are easy-going, calm and they are never in a hurry. Maybe because they are well-organized, even trains and buses travel on time, e.g. even if the train is few mins delayed, the bus will wait for the people to change. There's an excellent train system throughout the country. I also admired their high-quality healthcare. In the pharmacy, you could find medicines for almost everything. I absolutely fell in love with Swiss cheese, chocolate and milk (my hosts owned cows and milk was typical for the breakfast). Last but not least, I have to mention sports! Majority of the people I have met practice some sport. You can hike, cycle, do water-sports, go skiing or snowboarding. Everything is easily accessible.
What was your impression of your host family? Did you get on well?
My host mom was very nice and loving. I could speak with her about everything. She was a single parent. We liked each other from the beginning. Whenever I had some difficulties with the children she was on my side and didn’t let me feel like I don’t have authority.
Did you notice any distinct differences in children upbringing between Poland and Switzerland?
Parents don’t cosset their children so much. They don’t get gifts so often. Instead they play in the woods and spend a lot of time outdoors. I also love the education system in Switzerland. Children perform diverse activities and are facilitated with creative ways of learning. The marvellous surrounding also comes in handy for keeping children occupied.
What is better – traveling at age range between 18 to 25 or older?
I think everybody has their own path to follow. I know girls of different ages who were in need of a change in their lives. Age did not bother them to try this program. It’s never too late. If you are older you will be like a bigger authority for the children. It is fun and you should enjoy this experience to the fullest if you have an opportunity to go. There’s no wrong choice.
And what about acquaintance and friends. How did you manage loneliness? Did you meet other au-pairs in the area?
Oh. I could talk about this on and on. I lived in a quite small village where I couldn't find peers. Fortunately, there was a small city close by and I found there a few people who were very kind and helpful. I had a very active life there and in fact, I think I didn't experience loneliness. I kept in touch with my family via Skype in the evenings. I didn’t meet au-pairs in my area, but I loved to travel so I met some in other cities. I took a train in my free time and arranged a meeting with two au-pairs. I met a Czech girl in Luzern and Hungarian girl in Zurich. I talked also with few more girls by WhatsApp and Skype. So these are some ways of support if you feel lonely.
I have heard about two alternatives to au-pair: a nanny or babysitter abroad. These two vacancies usually do not include lodging with the family or language course. Nanny is usually a full-time child caretaker, who usually works 6-8 hours, does some mild cooking and cleaning work, spends time with children while parents are at work. Whereas, a babysitter is more commonly short-period child supervision usually after school, in the evenings or at the weekends. Main tasks entail watching over and playing with children, putting them to bed. Do you think this kind of job can be as beneficial and life-changing as much as an au-pair position?
It depends on what you're looking for in your experience. “Au-pair-ing” is really unique when it comes to living with a family. You will be treated as a family member, experience other culture first hand, attend courses and practice your language skills. You can also explore new areas, nature, and cities. You have many opportunities. Families are very lovely, maybe they will take you for some vacation or give you the freedom to benefit from other opportunities. Working as a babysitter is quite a different story. Probably the remuneration is lower. Au-pair receives a pocket money, but the purpose is more cultural.
Do you recommend becoming an au-pair?
Of course. If anybody looks for a change, new perspectives, adventure, friends around the world and wants to improve language skills – yes.
Ultimately do you have anything that you would like to add, any final thoughts?
Just take what your life gives you. Be grateful for every opportunity you get. Participating in au-pair program can be a huge lesson.
