As the discussion evolves you can choose questions from the list to keep up the dialog and get to know your au pair candidate better. Example: When I was working as an au pair, my host family had two children who were in different schools. Just focus on bringing your own personality and talents into the role and the family should appreciate you for being you. These were very proud moments in my career. Whether in Danzig, Madrid, Rome, Porto, Geneva or Milan, there are courses waiting for you. She is very patient and kind, which makes learning easier for me.. In addition, I have two years of childcare experience working with children aged five to 12., This question is an opportunity to show the interviewer your personality and how it fits with their family. Working as an au pair is likely to be one of the funniest, most frustrating, tear-inducing and rewarding jobs you ever have. 3. I think my patience and ability to communicate well with others makes me the best candidate for this position.. This is a great response and definitely provides the interviewers with a clear sense of who you are and what you enjoy about leadership. Make friends with the old au pair There are a number of reasons for this. If youre thinking of taking a part-time job at home, you can do it in another country. Not everyone communicates the same, and when I was in training as an aspiring leader, looking to grow, I found that there were other leaders who encouraged me to ask more questions, and repeatedly told me I was in charge of my own development, but were otherwise hands off in my development. Cleans the kitchen? I also enjoy being active and doing things outside like going for walks or playing sports. It might seem like an innocent email exchange or Skype chat but the likelihood is she'll be giving her own verdict on you to the host parents. Sick days, snow days, random school days off their au pair supports them all. Most au pairs are very interested in 'whats in it for them' with very few being more interested in the role they will play. There are lots of possibilities! [1] In non-monotheistic thought, a god is "a spirit or . The paperwork is relatively easy. If you're not yet sure what kind of career you'd like to have, being an au pair may give you some new ideas. Review the following questions and answers to help you prepare for your interview. Provide an example of when you went above and beyond your job duties. For security reasons, AuPair.com will never share your email address. 5161 or email aupair.info@aifs.com. ", "I enjoy encouraging others to fulfill their potential. What would you do if my baby had a fever? And in some ways, yes. Make a Bucket ListAt the start of the year youll probably have big ideas about where youll go and what youll see. All that matters is that you are happy with the person you are becoming. What needs did they have? Take the time to travel around the country and see the sights, visit neighbouring countries and seek out all those amazing and unique things that make living abroad so great. Read the article on How to find a host family in Coronavirus times and you'll have good ideas on how to proceed. Did you need help? Loose cotton tee (similar) 7. If we traveled as a family, would you be interested in traveling with us? Try modeling good behavior so children can imitate and follow your lead. How much screen time do you think is appropriate for children? Have you been vaccinated (or had) Chicken Pox, Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Whooping Cough, etc.? Pretend there is a police car with lights on behind you. What would you do? Board and lodging provided free of charge - you live with the host family and will be provided with a separate bedroom. The interviewer may ask this question to see how well you can communicate with your host family. Not only will they discuss expectations with the children but they can also give you tips about how to handle behavioral problems. Nice job! ', "My favorite part of being a leader is seeing someone I have mentored, grow into a rewarding career. ", Our Professional Interview CoachRachelle Enns Reviewed the Above Answer, It seems you have a genuine desire to help others grow and flourish in their career. Luckily, one teacher found it and emailed me so I could print it for the child., This question is a way for the interviewer to get an idea of your personality and how you view authority. At the end of the day, it doesnt matter if someone dislikes you or if someone doesnt want to be with you. I experience personal and professional growth with each new leadership task and challenge that comes my way. Watching a little kid absorb your language and mannerisms and expressions as you spend time together is one of the coolest and most fulfilling things ever. What are some challenges youve faced in past living situations? "Au pair" is a French phrase meaning "at the par" or "at the peer" [level] and is used to describe someone who boards temporarily in someone else's home. Au pairs must have over 200 hours in child care experience and often have additional education and training that qualify them as care providers. You're also part of the family. So many of you planning on being an au pair this summer tend not to focus on your location. ( b) Program designation. Its not you being bratty or demanding, its about you making sure that you will be treated fairly. Is that a normal breakfast for you? It's great that you enjoy this aspect of being a leader! Do you have experience with children who have allergies/medical needs/special needs/learning disabilities? ", Our Professional Interview CoachStephanie Cafaro Reviewed the Above Answer. Keep in mind that if you get a language certification during your time as an au pair, youll be able to attend university as an international student wherever you want: this could be an amazing experience! Read our Terms of Use for more information. Founded in 2010, Thought Catalog is owned and operated by The Thought & Expression Company, Inc. For over a decade, we've been at the bleeding edge of media, pioneering an infrastructure for creatives to flourish both artistically and financially. Dont worry! They want to know if you will clean the house as often as they would like or if you prefer to let things go for a while. Are you a morning person or evening person? Many parents love hosting au pairs because they're such a cost-effective way to provide high-quality child care. An au pair is a person, typically a young woman, who takes care of kids in a foreign country. What happened? We would love to hear from you! Will you ever be asked to work extra hours in a week, such as when the children are on school holidays? Ive been babysitting since high school, and my experience has taught me so much about what it takes to care for kids of different ages. Administrative Manager. I can't emphasise how important it is for you to be comfortable in your environment, if you don't like the countryside, DO NOT choose a family who live by a farm in the middle of nowhere! Gaining extra time to chat and discuss your respective days with one another. Do you take care of your own laundry? How long have you been working with children? The third most common is child care on 11.0% of resumes. Are you considering au pairing in other countries as well? More information is available in our Privacy Policy. Your command of the language is often better. An "au pair" is basically a nanny (male or female) who lives permanently with a family in Germany and looks after children there. The interviewer wants to see that you have a genuine passion for leadership. When answering this question, it can be helpful to think of a specific example of how you used this skill in your previous role. Worst of all, they say, complaining about . Plan to do things in this time or you will just end up watching endless episodes of Dance Moms. 2. Chelsea Fagan founded the blog The Financial Diet. I also took care of my younger cousins when they visited our family during the summer. Being young means being flexible, you just have to adapt and you will definitely find whats best for you! Do you have any favorite traditional foods? If theres something specific youd like me to focus on, Im happy to do so.. You have to love kids, yes, but you also have to be hungry for adventure. The time requirements of studying have not changed much, but youll be able to organize your days between work and university books as you prefer. This house has the killer combo: a park-like retreat with all the conveniences and comforts of DC living. I personally did not live with my host family they had a small studio in their neighborhood they provided for au pairs but still, it was all taken care of. 6. In the process, I am being challenged and growing at the same time. And its one of the greatest ways to live abroad. Do you smoke or vape? So look out for key phrases: if they describe the kids as a bit of a handful or the parents as a little unpredictable its probably worth probing further to find out exactly what they mean. What was the occasion? Who cleans up when you are not the one who cooked? This contact information helps us getting in touch with you. 9. I felt as if I was thrown to the wolves, and there were a lot of growing pains as a result. You get to watch the little ones grow. Sad? While you . We stayed at a beachfront resort, which was amazing. If they were not home, I would take pictures of the bug and send them to my host mom so she could identify it. A bucket list is a great way to prioritise exactly what you want to do on your year abroad and make sure you actually go out and do it! It provides a cheap way to travel abroad Who would say no to earning money while traveling? As long as they find a way to communicate. Families usually expect the nanny to speak to their kids in their native tongue as a way to help the kids learn another language. "teach and train new and exciting methods". From making sure your host kids make it to school in a timely manner to navigating the development of toddlers or teenagers, you've seen it all during your time as an au pair. 5 benefits of being an au pair 1. Youre also part of the family. Use the graph below to calculate the total cost of au pair services for your family. What was the result? Other families are on-the-go and need their Au Pairs to be ready for a change in plans. They're black and they stand at 1.5inches so slightly but still clearly higher than regular sole shoes. Au pairs are usually young adults up to approximately 25 years who receive free board and lodging as well as pocket money during their time with the host family. Would you be willing to (fill in the blank safety precaution) when you arrive? Were you comfortable with that many kids? On the other hand, if you have been in England and you feel like living in a warmer country, why dont you go for Portugal or Italy? In Australia, au pairs are given a 12 month Working Holiday . Here are some ideas. ", "When I see my team developing themselves and when they get promoted.". Lets face it, being an au pair is the best way of learning a new language, so why not learn two or three of them? It's a great feeling to see someone's skills and be able to help them develop their skills while supporting them.". You must speak with a family over Skype or telephone at least one time before you can agree to match with . I love meeting new people and making friends. Were you by yourself? Have you ever installed or uninstalled a car seat before? The kids were very patient as I worked through the language barrier. I enjoy mentoring others and teaching, setting them up for success, sharing what I know with them. After 4years of university education she got her bachelor degree in logistics, and then started to . Job Title. This year though our au pair, from Germany, did have problems receiving her visa on a timely basis. An au pair is a temporary family member, an older sibling to your kids, an extra set of hands, a partner in parenting, and a lifelong friend. What are your plans for making friends and combating homesickness after you arrive? 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"Seeing others becoming independent and feeling more confident in their jobs, becoming more of leaders themselves. Make friends with the old au pairThere are a number of reasons for this. Pretend that your host parent said something that you disagree with. jvisas@state.gov "Everything about being an au pair is wonderful." Sponsors are required to: Screen and select both host families and au pairs as program participants according to selection criteria stated in the regulations; Provide au pairs with training in child development and child safety prior to their placement with a host family; and Its getting to see a portrait of life in another country that you would often never get to experience. The profile on AuPair.com consists of several blocks: Contact details - e-mail, phone number, address, social networks, etc. Why do you want to come to (fill in the blank country)? They want someone who is clean and tidy, as well as respectful of other peoples property. Relax. A mentor would be someone who mentored you. Did it work? A lot of au pairs form groups to hang out, bringing the kids they care for together for playdates or going out together at night. When people consider what their options are for living abroad, how to get there and navigate the paperwork and finance the whole thing, one option often slips their mind completely: au pairing. If you have previous childcare experience, be sure to share what age group you worked with and any unique responsibilities you had. ", "Being a leader gives me the opportunity to grow someone's life or career path by mentoring them, teaching them what I know. Would you be willing to receive vaccinations if you joined my family? I know that I definitely lucked out in the fact that my host family was young and very cool. An au pair can be an affordable alternative to employing a nanny. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Would you be willing to help us with light housework like kids laundry / cleaning up after kids meals/ picking up toys / etc? You can list out any certifications or training courses youve completed, as well as any relevant experience you may have. Starting university or a master has never been easier! In other words, you don't have a desire to control and do everything yourself; instead, you like to teach so others can then do things themselves. 2. Finally, she will be an invaluable source of advice and support once you take over. What do you think of the food here so far? I love being able to explore new places and try different foods. Where did you go? Once you have found a family, they will send you over the au pair contract to sign. Do you have a pet? You also want them to feel comfortable enough to answer your questions honestly and ask you questions back. 1. 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Hosting au pairs are given a 12 month working Holiday any relevant experience you may have I! And follow your lead challenge that comes my way a great response and definitely the. You worked with and any unique responsibilities you had have additional education training... Pox, Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Whooping Cough, etc. flexible, you just have to and... Find a way to keep the memoriesTake photos ; keep a scrapbook ; write a diary or a master never! Mentoring others and teaching, setting them up for success, sharing what I know with.... Typically a young woman, who takes care of kids in their jobs, becoming more leaders... At least one time before you can communicate with your host parent said something that you a. Email address nanny to speak to their kids in their native tongue as a to. ; keep a scrapbook ; write a diary or a master has never been easier Porto, or! A week, such as when the children but they can also give you tips how.