“Alessia has quickly become part of our family and our kids have enjoyed spending time with her. She is safety conscious, always happy to help, a great cook and most importantly, fun!” ~ Host family in Maryland about their Italian au pair
You may already know the benefits of hosting an au pair, but with so many wonderful candidates to choose from, you may want to consider the country and culture your potential au pair will bring to your family. As part of our “Country Spotlight” series, today, we focus on Italy — the largest exporter of wine on Earth, the land of the world’s very first pizza, and home to the consumption of 14 billion espresso coffees per year. Read on for the perks of hosting an au pair from the “Bel Paese” (the beautiful country).
Here are just a few (of the many!) reasons to host an Italian au pair:
1. Food
From pasta e fagioli to tiramisu and all the delicious courses in between, Italy is known for its amazing cuisine. Your kids will love practicing their kitchen skills and trying new recipes with their Italian au pair! Together, they can knead dough and joyfully blend flavors, experiencing firsthand the magic that unfolds when passion meets gastronomy. These culinary endeavors will not only nourish their palates but also cultivate a deeper appreciation for the rich cultural heritage behind every Italian dish.
2. Language
By hosting an au pair from Italy, your little ones will be saying “ciao” and “grazie” before you know it! Exposing your children to a native speaker is one of the best ways to boost their second language skills. And don’t forget songs – another great, natural way for your children to pick up new vocabulary. Music can be an integral part of their language-learning journey, sparking joy and fostering a deep connection with the Italian culture and their au pair.
3. Culture
Every au pair is excited to experience American holidays (the Fourth of July and Halloween tend to be fan favorites!), but it’s always special and rewarding to incorporate an au pair’s holidays and celebrations from their county into yours. In Italy, December and January especially are filled with holiday fun, from setting up Nativity Scenes in early December through post-New Year visits from La Befana, a good witch who delivers treats to well-behaved children. And don’t forget Panettone, a favorite Italian holiday treat. Hosting an Italian au pair can expose your family to new and exciting traditions like these!
At the end of the day, one of the most important parts of the au pair program is cultural exchange. Au pairs grow and mature throughout their exchange experience, and they take home the lessons they’ve learned about the United States and its global community. Mara, an Italian au pair says, “My greatest accomplishment, in these 9 months as an au pair is that I have totally forgotten the meaning of the word ‘difference.’ Everyone is in his own way a beautiful human being that can teach you new things about this wonderful world.”
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