lived in a coastal town called Lido di Camaiore, just 15 minutes from Pisa by train. For me, this was something became quite challenging after a few days, particularly because it seemed to become slightly monotonous very quickly. Going to the beach every day for a month sounds luxurious, but it also means you run out of new activities to keep the boys occupied with very quickly. So for all you future au pairs – bring a few games with you from home that you can teach them throughout your time as an au pair, and make sure you always have another activity up your sleeve.
Culturally, the family also seemed to be very different from mine at home, so getting used to new ways of doing things is something that you should be aware of. As an au pair you are expected to fit perfectly into another family’s routines, so make sure you are adaptable by nature to make this transition as easy as possible. Although it was not a problem for myself, I met other au pairs in Italy who found this transition very difficult to adjust to. Lesson learnt: be prepared.
Being an au pair is a truly incredible experience, so much so that if I had the opportunity to do it all again, I would absolutely take it. I just want to reiterate that any future au pairs fully understand their role within the host family, as well as the challenges that you may face.
Lastly, make the most of it. As cliché as it sounds, being an au pair is a one-in-a-life-time experience that you will never forget. It really does allow you to pursue great opportunities, such as the possibility to travel around Italy in your spare time. I certainly made the most of this by visiting numerous places, including Genoa, Lucca, Pisa, Sienna, Florence and the Cinque Terre among others. At the same time it allows you to gain an appreciation for diverse cultures. As scary as it may feel when you walk through security at your home airport, it will all be worth it.
Don’t be shy. Go on, I dare you.
by Amelia McWhirter
OPINIONI