Westport au pairs
APIA Au pairs from all around the state of Connecticut, took a walking tour Saturday November 13, 2010 of prestigious Yale University, in New Haven. Yale’s roots can be traced back to the 1640s, when colonial clergymen led an effort to establish a college in New Haven to preserve the tradition of European liberal education in the New World. This vision was fulfilled in 1701, when the charter was granted for a school “wherein Youth may be instructed in the Arts and Sciences [and] through the blessing of Almighty God may be fitted for Publick employment both in Church and Civil State.” In 1718 the school was renamed “Yale College” in gratitude to the Welsh merchant Elihu Yale, who had donated the proceeds from the sale of nine bales of goods together with 417 books and a portrait of King George I. After the tour, au pairs watched the Yale vs. Princeton football game. Yale won 14-13!
Southern Fairfield County APIA host families gathered at the Holiday Inn Select Hotel in Stamford on November 10, 2010 to hear Gail Tomanelli, Regional Representative for Au Pair In America and a former host mother and Community Counselor, speak about cultures and their impact on our relationships with others. When we only take into consideration our own cultural values and viewpoints, we can misinterpret other people’s behavior and attitudes . In order to effectively interact with people of different cultures, we need to be aware of different cultural practices and perspectives. It was an interesting and thought provoking evening and a wonderful opportunity to meet other host families. A good time was had by all.