Tag Archives: travel

2020 Challenge: Collect Moments, Not Things

Common problem: “It’s the end of my au pair year and I have sooooo much stuff! It’s going to cost me a fortune in extra baggage fees.”

This post is about one way to prevent that problem.

I know it can be tempting. There are so many beautiful things and great sales out there. But in 2020, I challenge you to take a moment before each purchase and ask yourself:

  • Do I really need this?
  • Do I want it enough to pay extra baggage fees to get it home later?
  • What experience could I have with this money instead? For example, you might ask yourself, “Would I rather have these designer shoes or a ticket to a concert?”

Being an au pair can be an amazing time in your life where you have the opportunity to try new things and see new places. The more money you save for travel, the more of those unforgettable moments you will have to carry home with you.

Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer.

Photo: Canva.com

Travel Safety Tips

By Christine Connally

As warmer weather comes our way and Spring Break approaches, many of you may have vacation plans. Please consider these tips:  Always leave a number with your host family where you can be reached. If you haven’t made photocopies of your most important documents (passport and visas), remember to do so before you take those documents on a trip. In case of loss or theft, the photocopies cannot substitute for originals, but they may help you get replacement papers sooner.

  • Always have the APIA 24 hour emergency number with you 1 800 928 7247
  • Travel with other au pairs or friends as there is safety in numbers
  • If traveling outside the US get your DS-2019 Travel Validation Form signed
  • Call the consulate of the country you are visiting in case you need a tourist visa
  • Let your counselor know you will be traveling, especially if going outside the US
  • Stay alert
  • Never leave your luggage unattended
  • Don’t put any valuables in luggage that you check
  • Keep your travel tickets, passport and visa in a safe closed bag or pocket, not sticking out of an outer pocket
  • Never carry a large amount of cash
  • Carry your cash separate from your wallet. Keep both in an inner or front pocket
  • Carry handbags and cameras close to you, not hanging by a long strap
  • Don’t put valuables in an easy-to-reach backpack
  • If you are bumped or distracted by a stranger, be aware that a pickpocket may be targeting you.
  • Call 911 for police assistance.Family with Sandy Feet

Holiday and Vacation Reminders

With Memorial Day almost here, I wanted to remind everyone about program rules on holidays and vacations.

Holidays

  • Host families are NOT REQUIRED to give au pairs any specific holidays.
  • Each host family will make different arrangements on holidays, some au pairs will be off and others will be required to work.
  • Au pairs should NOT make plans for holidays without checking with your host family FIRST.

luggage maliasVacation

  • Au pair earns 2 weeks of paid vacation during the course of her year.
  • The host family can pick a week and the au pair can pick a week, if an agreement is not reached.
  • All vacation should be preplanned (at least 4 weeks in advance.)
  • All au pair’s friends and/or family visits/vacations should be pre-approved prior to purchasing a ticket.
  • If an au pair travels with their host family, it should be discussed UP FRONT whether this is the au pair’s vacation or if she is working.
  • If an au pair travels with the host family to work, the host family is required to pay for her transportation, lodging and meals.

Important: An au pair MUST have her DS2019 signed PRIOR to her departure from the US. More information about this can be found by selecting the Resources tab on the top of this page and looking under “Travel Links for Au Pairs.”

By Christine Connally

Sticking around? The in’s and out’s of extension

By Ann Robertson

You’ve been here for a while now, – you know your way around town, you’ve gone to school, made friends, and are having a great American experience. And then . . . the question:

Would you like to extend?

If you have time for it in your life, and you meet the requirements, the extension program might be the right option for you.

The basics: You can choose to extend for 6, 9, or 12 months, and you may choose to extend with your current host family (if they are interested, of course), or with a new family – some au pairs dream of seeing another part of the country, finding different education options, or just experiencing another American family.

 

Frequently Asked Questions:

MEDICAL INSURANCE:

Your medical policy expires for the first year, and you start your new policy during the year you extend.

For example:

-If your first year began February 2013, your insurance policy is the 2013 policy until Feb 2014.

-If you start your extension in February 2014, you start the 2014 policy in February. (be aware of the changes in the policy look on the blog for the brochure).

Your insurance card expires after one year, so you should receive a printable card when you start your extension year. If you do not receive it call the agency for a new card.

If you purchased the upgrade insurance in your first year, you must purchase it again in the second year.

If you purchased the sports insurance in your first year, it lasts only 12 months from the time you bought it. Depending on when you bought it, you will probably need to purchase it again.

EDUCATION

If you extend for 9 or 12 months you must earn  6 credits again or 72 hours of education to complete the program requirements.

If you extend for 6 months you only need 3 credits or 36 hours of education.

 

DRIVERS LICENSE

Check on the expiration of your driver’s license, you must renew it before it expires (DO NOT LET YOUR LICENSE EXPIRE). Most likely you will need to renew it before you start your extension year. Check with your new host family for laws in your new destination state.

VACATION

Vacation for a 6 month extension is 6 days.

Vacation for a 9 and 12 month is 2 weeks.

TRAVEL

Check on the expiration date of your visa. If it expires before your second year starts then you should not travel outside of the USA – there is a risk of not being able to return (Canada, and Mexico and contiguous islands are okay to travel to). With the exception that if you return home during your first year after your approval for extension, you can get your visa renewed for another year. You must ask the agency (contact Evelyn Blum) for the paperwork required for this renewal.

Photo: Dafne Cholet (Flickr)

Photo: Dafne Cholet (Flickr)