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After thirteen years of conscientious compulsory school attendance, it was time for a gap year. It was time to go abroad. I applied for being an Au Pair. Due to some experience reports, it is generally advised to organize your stay abroad over an agency. Agencies usually charge you with a placing fee that generally varies from agency to agency. I suggest you research online and find the Au Pair agency that suits you most. For me, this was iST Internationale Sprach- und Studienreisen GmbH. They were a great advisor and help throughout the application process, finding a host family and a reliable contact. Locally, iST has partner agencies in the host country of your choice to fulfill the same function.
Everyone from the age of 18 can apply for the Au Pair experience that can last from 6 to 12 months. Although Au Pair agencies and host parents generally avoid a frequent change of Au Pairs, in some countries a mini getaway for 2 to 3 months is being offered. When you are curious to get to know another country, its culture and people and if you are patient and persisting in working with children than go ahead and apply for your gap year in the country of your choice! You can start off with a short online application (http://www.sprachreisen.de/aupair/).
Being an Au Pair means to be responsible and patient when working with children. The term “Au Pair” means being on equal terms with your host family. You are not the family’s servant. The Au Pair’s work is embedded in the daily routine of the host family. That includes babysitting, some housework, childcare and, of course, get to know the language, people and culture. The Au Pair roughly works between 30 to 35 hours a week that is remunerated with weekly pocket money.
I was an Au Pair by Family Newham in England’s capital, London. The Newham’s are a five-headed family. My host parents, Robert and Lucy, are loving parents, comforting, supporting and easy-going employers. Their three children Nathan (now 11), Leo (now 9) and Nancy-Nola (now 6) were so welcoming. When I met them the first time in person, I was warmly welcomed and accepted as a full member of the family. At no point,did I feel
And It Goes to London: Being an Au Pair -
An Experience of a life
by Anne Klante
Picture: Anne with a member of the Queen's Guard, London. Anne Klante