I picked this program because I wanted to experience what it was like to live with a kiwi family and at the same time be able to explore New Zealand. I chose to go with au pair link because I had read some good reviews about it and I liked the sense of security it would give me and my host family during my time in New Zealand. I felt that this program was very well run and the company were very helpful.
Alumni Spotlight: Josie Wilders
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Josie is on her gap year travelling Australia and New Zealand for a year. She is going to go on to study nursing back in the UK at The Univerity Of Liverpool. She loves to go on walks, swims, runs and to chill out.
Why did you pick this program?
What do you tell your friends who are thinking about going abroad?
Do it! It is such an awesome opportunity to have so when you have the chance just do it, don't wait around! It's life changing, you change and grow as a person. You will go through tough times but those awesome amazing highs will always beat the lows!
What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?
Make sure you take time to look and chat to the families you're thinking of joining because I hear lots of stories where the au pair joins and a few months later wants to leave because it just doesn't work out for various reasons. To minimise the likelihood of this happening to you make sure you take the time to pick the perfect family for you.
What's your favorite story to tell about your time abroad?
Ooo that's a tough one as I have so many! Being with kids every day obviously means I hear some pretty funny stories. My favourite moment though was when my host family (the family I am an au pair for) won host family of the month. I nominated them by writing a letter as to why I thought they should win and then au pair link chose the east family and mine won!! It made my day... Or year! They deserved it so much as they've made my time out here awesome!
What's the hardest thing been about travelling?
Being away from friends and family. My first bit of my gap year was with my best friend from back at home so I didn't feel very home sick as I had her. When I flew to New Zealand I was completely on my own with no family or friends. It was quite hard but that is why I loved this program. My host family are now second family who can talk to about anything. Au pair link also arrange coffee groups and au pair trips to help you meet people which is awesome!