Why did you choose this program?
I chose the program because, upon searching online for Au Pair programs, they seemed to be the most reliable company to use within Spain. Upon writing to them, they replied immediately and the interactions seemed to be professional and well organized. I immediately felt secure using their service.
I chose the au pair program because I wanted to have a really authentic experience that improved my knowledge of Spanish and culture. Au Pair in Spain have within the contract that Au Pairs are not allowed to be required to speak only English, which made it very authentic.
What did your program provider (or university) assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?
The company had sent me lists of families that were looking for au pairs and a list of resources to help me write letters that would help me find a host family, informing me of information I should include ensuring I get a family that suits me.
A few days after, I was told there was a family the administration had in mind for me, which I liked because it felt very personalized. After agreeing to the family, upon gaining permission from both parties, the company gave me the details of the family to contact. Once we both agreed it was an adequate fit, they organised everything in regards to contracts, in case there would be any problems during the program.
In regards to things I had to organise myself, I had to organise travel to and from the destination of the family.
What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?
My advice would be to really just open your mind and try and say yes as much as possible. If the family is doing things that might not be what you would normally do or something you've never thought about doing, just go with it: the experience is supposed to take you outside of your comfort zone.
My other advice is to be respectful and adjust a little. Sometimes you might be asked to do things you might not be used to, but remember: you've been invited to a family's house and should respect that. It will work better for everyone; and lastly, enjoy the experience and take it easy.
What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?
One thing that will happen from week to week is that you will be taking care of a child or more depending on your family. This can be great for your life experience, especially if you're looking at working with children in the future. Also, a great way to help your listening practice as younger children will be trying to interact with you in their native language.
The rest of the time is spending time with the family learning the language, helping to teach your language and taking in the culture of the country.
Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?
I had taught children before working as an au pair and looked after my nieces and nephews, but I was scared about the responsibility of looking after someone I didn't know. I overcame it by just jumping in and learning from experience, using my experience from teaching students to try and relate it back to looking after a child full time.
I was also worried about not getting along with the family but overcame this by being open and trying to get to know them and also acting with respect, trying to understand their culture and their rules as much as possible.
Was it worth it?
Absolutely. Every experience is going to come with positives and negatives. Were there times that the child was difficult? Yes, but within an experience without hiccups, it is barely even any experience at all. Were there times that I was found it hard to be interacting in a foreign language? Of course, but coming out of the program and getting compliments made about my Spanish and being able to understand people in Spain to a greater level made the experience worthwhile ad something I could be truly proud of.
