My experience as an au pair through Scotia Personnel was truly one of the best chapters of my life. I look back on my time in the U.S. with so much gratitude, and it’s an experience I still talk about all the time.
From the moment I arrived, I felt incredibly welcomed by the family I was placed with. We built such a natural, easy relationship that made everyday life feel comfortable, fun, and meaningful. They treated me like a real part of their home, and that made the biggest difference. I grew so close to the kids and even to their friends and extended family. One of my favorite parts was having dogs in the home because it added so much joy and routine to my days.
I also made friends from all over the world through the program. Some of them have become lifelong friends and are people I still talk to regularly. We explored new places together, shared first time experiences, and supported each other through the natural ups and downs of being abroad. It really felt like building a mini community away from home.
Living near New York City was a dream. I loved being so close to the city, spending weekends exploring Manhattan, finding new cafés, walking through different neighborhoods, and feeling like I was part of something bigger. It gave me a routine and a sense of independence that helped me grow so much as a person. Even after moving back to Toronto, I’ve already visited the U.S. multiple times because I miss it so much and still feel so connected to the people there. The family I lived with is now only an hour away from where I’m staying in Toronto, so I’ve been lucky enough to see them again since returning home.
Overall, this experience helped me create a new life for myself that was filled with structure, confidence, independence, and connection. I learned so much about myself, met wonderful people, and made memories I’ll keep forever. I would absolutely recommend Scotia Personnel to anyone considering being an au pair or working abroad. It truly changed my life in the best way.
What was your funniest moment?
One of my most memorable and fun moments as an au pair was when my friend’s host mom invited all of us to Soho House for her birthday. It felt like such a special experience and something I never imagined I’d get to be part of. We got dressed up, spent the evening in this beautiful space, and just soaked in the atmosphere. The food was amazing, the views were unreal, and the whole night felt so effortless and warm. It was one of those moments where I looked around and thought wow, I really built a life here. Being surrounded by my closest au pair friends, celebrating with people who treated us like family, made it even more meaningful. It’s a memory I still think about because it captures exactly what my time as an au pair felt like — new experiences, good people, and the kind of joy that comes from stepping outside your comfort zone and finding a home in an entirely new place.
