At Au Pair in America, we truly are one big family. So many of our staff have hosted au pairs, and so many of our former au pairs have gone on to work with the program in their home countries.
Au Pair in America Director Ruth Ferry hosted an au pair from Denmark, Charlotte, 18 years ago. After spending some time in Maine, one of her favorite experiences here as an au pair, she visited Ruth and came to see our new office.
With her husband and two kids in tow, she shared a little about her time here and why she now enjoys interviewing prospective au pairs in Denmark.
Were you nervous about coming to America?
Charlotte: I was nervous about my English when I first arrived, I remember it took me a while to process the English I was hearing and adapt to speaking in English.
Ruth: I remember the day you were at the top of the stairs and you exclaimed, I had a dream in English last night! And from that point on, everything clicked.
What advice do you give to au pairs who are about to start their program?
Charlotte: I really hold their hands through the whole process. I sort of consider them my au pairs, my girls and they just need a little hand holding at first, as I think everyone does, even host families! So I hold their hands throughout the process, I even talk to their parents too. And so it’s a great network of former au pairs and new au pairs, and referring others to this great experience they have had. Not only does the program give you a family in another country, you have a whole network of friends you make along the way. It’s such a special experience, and I am still in touch with all of the au pairs I have worked with in Denmark.
Find out more about au pair child care (and wonderful au pairs like Charlotte!) on our website.
