This whole relationship needs a lot of trust and a lot of support to each other. It is about being respectful and interested in each other.

I was an au pair for 9 months and I enjoyed most of it....but with every job there are aspects both more and less appealing. There were things I might have approached differently but I felt I could always go and talk to my host about what went wrong and what I would change if things did not feel as great as they could.

I felt like a part of the family, mostly because I never was excluded from anything and that included birthdays and Christmas. Holidays were negotiated sometimes I went along, other times I took the opportunity for some time off or to travel myself.

For me working never felt like duty. It was a pleasure to spend time with the children and teach them my culture and skills.

I found a second home, always knew what they thought about me and I could always talk to them when I felt uncomfortable with anything or when I had new ideas to introduce mostly for the children.

I found the "Monday morning coffee" a great help in the early days to establish the easy communication which lasted and grew over the life of our placement.

For me, what made this whole time so rewarding was the support, the kindness and the feeling of being part of a “home” which I got from my host family. I am deeply thankful for that and for the opportunity they gave me.

Testimonial – Carina Raue, Germany

It was a big change in life when I started being a part of a foreign family!

I think the beginning is the most difficult part as it is a completely new everyday life. You don’t know your new family members, you have to get used to your new work and the children don’t know you either, however at the very least it is a great experience to learn about another culture and their habits. I’ve learnt that it’s very important to communicate – to tell each other if there’s a problem, as this is the only way it can be resolved.

I have been an au pair since July 2008 and I feel quite comfortable with my host family and definitely feel a part of the family. Being with the children is the greatest pleasure. It is lovely to observe how they get used to you. I feel more like a big sister for them than a nanny and I can’t imagine living without them anymore…. Fortunately there are some months left to enjoy!

I’m glad that I’m always being supported by my family to meet friends or inviting them home. My family is also very interested in hearing about my activities on the weekends. I think I am very lucky they are interested because it shows they care about me.

Becoming an Au-Pair was a great decision and I don’t regret anything.

Testimonial - Nicole Glas

Becoming an au pair in Australia was probably the best decision in my life so far.

I have always dreamt of doing this one day and now I am in the middle of it.

I was convinced that being an au pair will be very challenging as the family you stay with probably has a different way of life, as well as customs, values, culture and of course habits.

There is one big sentence I keep close at mind whilst I am here:

“Keep the communication open” -this is the only way everything can work for both parties -the family and the au pair.

I am very lucky having such a fabulous family with such wonderful kids when I am so far away from my family and friends. They are interested in me and care about my time here in Australia and I do feel like a part of the family whilst so far away from my home.

Do not be afraid of being homesick-we all go through times like that and of course the family usually understand this. Me and my friends hang out on the weekends, go on trips to cities and just enjoy ourselves and our time here.

Being together with people who do the same thing as you do (au pairing) makes everything so much easier. You can share the experience with friends who really understand.

It is a life-changing experience in your young life with all these new impressions and experiences. You develop life skills and grow during your time abroad so much.

I would encourage everyone to do this.