Yearly Archives: 2020

Christmas Pierogies

A favorite Christmas experience from last year! In preparation for Christmas, Patrycja, from Poland, currently residing in Southern Maryland, and her host dad spent all day making traditional Polish pierogi!

She said, “I wasn’t sure if we can actually do it since I’ve never made pierogi by myself before, but we did it!

‘Pierogi z kapustą kiszoną i pieczarkami’ one of the things Poland is most known for! (Sauerkraut and mushrooms)

My mom offered us her help (from Poland), so we had the greatest pierogi maker on our side 😁 We ended up with almost 100 pierogi

I am really really proud of us and I’m glad I could contribute to this Christmas with a little bit of my own culture!”

To learn how to make pierogies, follow this recipe.

American Experiences – Thanksgiving

At Thanksgiving, we pause and express gratitude to others.  This year we want to thank all of our au pairs and host families for the love and support they give each other every day.  We also thank each au pair for sharing with us & our families about their culture, for demonstrating their bravery for coming from far away places and giving so much to their host families and their friends in America.

We know that this year has been one filled with uncertainty and stress, as we continue battling COVID-19 and experience a global pandemic together. We appreciate the uniqueness of each of you. Your spirits, sense of humor, enthusiasm. It is an honor to be a part of your lives for this time and beyond. We love the relationships that have developed that last after an au pair returns home.

We are thankful for the warm, caring host families in Southern Maryland who welcome some of the most wonderful young women into their homes and entrust the care of their children to them.  Host families who inspire, encourage, celebrate, cultivate and share their culture and customs. Host families that embrace each new au pair as a unique and special person. Host families that encourage an au pair to share her culture and customs and incorporate it to their family life. It is a beautiful thing to witness.

“The people-to-people ties and transfer of knowledge achieved through international education builds and sustains a more democratic, secure, and prosperous world that benefits the entire global community. International education and exchange is vital to our diplomacy efforts and establishes lasting ties between individuals today that translate into stronger relations between nations tomorrow.” -Former Assistant Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs, Evan Ryan

Some thoughts from au pairs current and departed about Thanksgiving:

“I didn’t know that thanksgiving was such a big holiday before I spent my year there. It was a really nice day. We started off with breakfast, cooking and baking in our pajamas and then we got ready and we were all dressed really chic and went off to my host mums part of the family in DC. There we had a lovely dinner with everything you can imagine! Everybody also had to say for what he or she is thankful, we were around forty people and it was so nice to hear about everybody.”

thanksgiving-dinner-plate-c-chan‘I was super curious on Thanksgiving and what it was like. It felt like something truly American and I had never tasted turkey or pumpkin pie before (which I had learnt you ate a lot of during Thanksgiving) since we went to Chicago and I got to meet a huge part of my hm’s family that was also something I really looked forward to! So the whole holiday was all food, food and some more food! And ALL kinds of pies! I believe there might have been around 7-8 different pies. I had a great thanksgiving!”

“Thanksgiving was actually one of my most favorite holidays in the states. We went to Ohio to spent it with family. Watching Macy’s parade while cooking the dinner and baking some pie. After eating the fantastic food watching some football and then of course some Black Friday shopping it was amazing!!”

“I really enjoyed Thanksgiving with my host family. It was as I imagined! So much food to try. Everyone got dressed up and shared what they were thankful for. It was so warm and special. The next day we began to prepare for Christmas. It was magical.” johnny-flickr

“I am really excited to see everyone gathered around the table. I am so happy thinking about the foods, some I have never tried. I am curious about pumpkin pie.”

“I am looking forward to experiencing the traditions. Sharing good things and food….my host mom says there will be so much food!”

We wish each and every one of you a Happy Thanksgiving!

Photos by: Tim Stackton – Flickr, Cynthia Chan, Johnny – Flickr

Avoid Falling Victim to Scammers

There are always people out there who are looking for ways to trick people out of their money and personal information. There have been several new scams recently, so we are going to explain ways to identify scams and how to protect yourself.

SCAM #1 – A caller says they are a contact tracer and you may have been exposed to COVID-19 and asks you to pay for a test kit.

  • Contact tracers will not ask you for payment.

What to do? Do not give any payment information to someone who calls you on the phone.

SCAM #2 – Calls asking for your PIN, password, personal information or a payment.

  • Your bank will not call you and ask you for your PIN number or password.
  • IRS and Social Security Administration will not ask you for payment or personal info over the phone. Government agencies usually handle issues like this by sending a letter.
  • The number shown on caller ID can be manipulated, don’t take that as a sign that a call is legitimate.

What to do? Whenever you are in doubt, hang up and call the bank (or company) directly using a number you already have for them.

SCAM #3 – Email asking you to click a link to verify your personal information or share your password or PIN.

  • Be very suspicious of emails asking you to click links.
  • Scammers are very good at creating official looking emails and webpages.

What to do? Whenever you are in doubt, go directly to the website (not using the link in the email).

SCAM #4 – You see an offer online telling you to send them some money and they will double it or a pop-up ad says that you have won a great prize and just need to give them your information.

  • When something sounds too good to be true, it usually is.

What to do? Do not give your personal information or any money to people you don’t know.

SCAM #5 – You receive a call and you are told to stay on the phone while you go transfer or withdraw money from the bank and if you don’t you will be arrested or your bank account seized.

  • They are using the idea that this is an urgent situation to make you act quickly without thinking to avoid the consequence they have told you.

What to do? Do not follow their instructions.

Whenever you are in doubt, do not do as the caller or email asks. Check with your host parents or community counselor.

One other note: It is very important to keep your social security number private. There are very few situations where you will need to share this (bank, IRS, motor vehicles). Those are times you are taking an action and need to provide it. There is not a legitimate time where someone would be calling you on the phone or emailing you asking for that number.

Image: Canva.com

Halloween!

Halloween is fast approaching! There are many ways that you can make this time fun and interesting for both you and the children you care for! COVID might change how we celebrate, but there are lots of ways to have fun at home with each other this season!

philip-james-flickrAu Pair in America has captured a wonderful array of projects you can work on together. You can find them on our Halloween Fun Pinterest board! Try making a collection of glowing pumpkins using jars from the host family’s recycling! You’ll need clean jars, liquid glue, orange tissue paper, some paint, black construction paper or cardstock and a strand of lights or battery operated tea lights.

mootsie

If you have a collection of plastic pumpkins for trick or treating, place them on a shelf or table and dress them up! Baseball hats, party hats, tiaras, fire fighter hats, pirate hats and more will help you create a fun display! Dig through the dress up collection for some great options or make some of your own with craft supplies!

Check out the Pinterest board for some great ideas like

Photos by Philip James and Mootsie

Where to Get a Flu Shot

Many au pairs and host families are looking for places to get flu shots this time of year. Au Pair  insurance does not cover immunizations, but there are lots of places to get flu shots for $35 or less.  If the host family is insisting that an au pair get a seasonal flu shot and she agrees to get it, the host family would be responsible for the expense.

If you are planning to get the seasonal flu vaccine, it is recommended that you get it as early as possible.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has extensive info available online – Key Factors About Seasonal Flu Vaccine.

Calvert County Health Department – Free, by appointment beginning in October. Free clinics, including two drive thru options as advertised online – Flu Shot Clinics. Advanced registration is encouraged.

Charles County –  Adult immunization services are offered by appointment. Cost varies. Call 301-609-6900.

St. Mary’s County Health Department – Currently no announced free clinics. Visit their website for the most up to date info.

Flu shots are also available for a fee at pharmacies such as Target, CVS, Rite Aid, Walgreens, Safeway, Costco, etc. Click the individual store for a link to each website.Several offer the option to schedule an appointment and download and print forms to complete ahead of time.

REMEMBER:

Your health insurance DOES NOT cover preventative care. If you choose a place like Target that advertises “free” or even a $5 coupon, they will bill your insurance and it will be denied, leaving you with the financial responsibility.

ALWAYS discuss the out of pocket cost. Tell them you DO NOT have medical insurance coverage for preventative care. The cost will vary between $20-50 typically.

Photo: Jen Vargas

American Experiences – Carla’s Birthday!

My First American Birthday 

The autumnal months officially started for me. It was the week of the 1st of October, my  birthday, which usually symbolizes the beginning of fall for me. But this year everything was different since I celebrated my birthday in the US. Looking at the weather, it didn’t seem to be fall at all.

So, here I was, wearing shorts and a shirt on the 1st of October and still sweating, whereas my parents in Germany were freezing in their sweaters and windbreakers. I assume that I was better-off.

My birthday started at 5.30 am, as early as never before. When my usual alarm woke me up, my phone was already exploding from all the messages that I got from my family and friends in Germany. Consequently, my day couldn’t have started better. I realized that even though I’m far away from home, my friends and family haven’t stopped thinking of me.

In a cheerful mood, I wanted to wake up my host kids but surprisingly, some presents blocked my way to their room. Flowers, a Navy sweater, chocolate, shampoo and other little gifts were standing in front of the stairs. I am still amazed and thankful for everything, because I haven’t expected to get any presents from my host family at all. Additionally, they also gave me some birthday cards from my family and friends in Germany that arrived the days before and that my parents had told them to hide.

After the perfect and unexpected start of my birthday, I followed my daily routine which was  especially fun because my host kids tried to be extra nice to make my day more pleasant. While they spent their time in school (it was the first time for a lot of years that I didn’t need to spend my birthday studying), I used my free-time to meet a friend for a birthday coffee. I also skyped with my parents at home who seemed to be more dissatisfied about spending the day without me than I was. Since my mum decided not to send me an unwieldy birthday present that I need to bring back anyways, she mailed me a wish-list. From now on, I have hard decisions to make because my mum promised me to cook everything that I write down on that list when I come back home next year.

On Tuesdays, the day of my birthday, my host kids usually have a late Soccer practice, so that I haven’t had expected anything else. I was still thankful for the gifts that I got in the morning when my host dad called me to pull the girls out from their Soccer practice. My host parents wanted us to come to my favorite Mexican restaurant to have a special dinner together. Surprisingly, they also invited my best friend Pauline so that we enjoyed a nice dinner together.

When I thought we would be ready to go home, the servants came to our table and sang a  Mexican birthday song for me. They also brought a delicious chocolate-birthday cake. Undoubtedly, it was the biggest birthday cake I’ve ever had.

As you can see, my (first American) birthday was a very special day for me and it was definitely better than I’ve expected. Of course, it was different from celebrating my birthday in Germany with all the people that I love. Nevertheless, it was an impressive experience and my fears of having a bad day full of homesickness didn’t come true.

Photos by: Till Westermayer {flickr}; Barry Silver {flickr}; Dark Dwarf {flickr}

Around the World in 80 Days – United Kingdom

UNITED KINGDOM

Western Europe
Capitals: England – London; Scotland – Edinburgh; Wales – Cardiff; Northern Ireland – Belfast
Languages: English
Predominant Religion(s): Christianity (Church of England, Roman Catholic) – most other religions are represented

COMMON CHARACTERISTICS:

  • British people often describe themselves as reserved, but in fact they are quite funny and have a witty sense of humor!
  • The UK  is a very multi-cultural society and subsequently Brits are open minded to all beliefs and traditions.
  • It’s true that people from the UK love talking about the weather, preferably whilst drinking tea!

FUN FACTS:

  • In the UK, if you reach your 100th birthday, you get a personalized card from Her Majesty  the Queen!
  • The estimated population of the UK is over 64 million; 84% of this population live in England.
  • The UK is slightly smaller than the U.S. State of Oregon.  It is just under half the size of France and 30 times smaller than Australia.

Photo by: Sophia Baik {flickr}

 

Around the World in 80 Days – Ukraine

UKRAINE

Eastern Europe
Capital: Kyiv
Languages: Ukrainian (official), Russian, Other

General

  • The idea of being an au pair in the U.S. is becoming common in the Ukraine. It has been an option in other countries for several years.
  • Applicants from Ukraine are motivated by a desire to improve their English and to experiencing living in America.
  • An au pair’s job potential is improved upon her return to Ukraine. Her experience will help to maintain good international relationships in the future.
  • Applicants generally do not have difficulty finding the program fees.
  • Young people in Ukraine have the freedom of their family to socialize and date.
  • Curfews are common until age 18.
  • Ukrainians are cheerful, enthusiastic, and optimistic.

Diet

  • Most young people in Ukraine eat meat.
  • Vegetarianism is not common.
  • A typical Ukrainian diet includes milk products, soups, fruits and vegetables.

Religion

  • The most common religion in Ukraine is Christian Orthodox.
  • Most young people in Ukraine do not practice their religion regularly.
  • A young person would rarely choose to practice a religion that is different than her family’s religion.

Telephone & Internet

  • Most Ukrainian homes have a telephone.
  • Access to the Internet is readily available.

Photos by: Vasenkaphotography {flickr}; Doktor Katze {flickr}

Around the World in 80 Days – Turkey

TURKEY

Southeastern Europe and Southwestern Asia
Capital: Ankara
Languages: Turkish (official), Kurdish, Dimli (or Zaza), Azeri, Kabardian

  • The idea of being an au pair is becoming common in Turkey.
  • Applicants from Turkey are motivated by opportunities to improve their English and travel.
  • The job potential of an au pair improves upon her return to Turkey.
  • Applicants sometimes have difficulty affording the program fees.
  • Young people in Turkey have the freedom of their family to socialize and date.
  • Curfews are not common.
  • Turkish people describe themselves as family-oriented, active, and energetic.
  • English is the most common foreign language option offered.
  • In public schools, classes focus on written skills. In private schools, English education begins at the primary level and will have classes taught by a native English speaker.
  • Those who do not attend university study certificate programs, start working, or get married and start a family.
  • The academic year in Turkey starts in September and ends in June.
  • The educational opportunities of the Au Pair in America program are very important to Turkish applicants.

Photos by: Hyeong Seok Kim {flickr}; Binder.Donedat {flickr}

Around the World in 80 Days – German Coffee

German Coffee (Rüdesheimer Kaffee) Recipe: 

Ingredients: 

  • 3 sugar cubes 
  • 3 T (44 ml) Asbach Uralt brandy, very warm 
  • 5 oz (148 ml) coffee 

Garnish: 

  • Sweetened whipped cream 
  • Dark chocolate shavings  

Instructions: 

  1. Place sugar cubes in a coffee cup, pour brandy over the cube and light with a long match.
  2. Stir until all the sugar has melted.
  3. Allow to burn for 1 minute, then pour hot coffee into the cup and top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings.  

Photo by: Akiko Yanagawa {flickr}