Category Archives: 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 care 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 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 mum’s 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 host mom’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,  Johnny – Flickr

My First American 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}

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 care 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 continues to be 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 hostmom’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

Au Pair Creative Logo Contest!

The start of a new year is a quintessential time to think about how you might make long- anticipated changes, tackle “that thing” you’ve been meaning to pursue, set new resolutions, or reflect on your previous year. You even may set a goal of determining or evolving your personal “brand!” This is especially true for au pairs who are starting their journey at the beginning of the year, or for those who have returned to their home countries and are reflecting on how their new skills can enhance their resumes or post-exchange life.

We asked out au pairs across the country to create a creative logo of their experience, one that reflected their personal “brand.” You can read more about their inspirations and see their logos here – Creative Logo Contest.

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

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}

Valentine’s Day Bingo Cluster Fun!

Au pairs in Southern Maryland gathered for a fun evening of HEART bingo!

We played using conversation hearts as markers and everyone got a box of chocolates after our games! Conversation hearts were new to our au pairs and we had a lively discussion about them and we enjoyed reading the phrases to each other! Tiny bubble wands are always fun! Each of the au pairs were given one for themselves and enough to take home for their host kids!

Cluster Fun – Annmarie Sculpture Garden In Lights

Garden in Lights!

Recently Southern Maryland au pairs gathered at Annmarie Sculpture Garden and Art Center to enjoy the Garden in Lights! Two of our host families joined in the fun as well! We strolled the gardens and several enjoyed the music, shopping and current exhibits inside the gallery!

The most magical time of year at Annmarie Sculpture Garden as it is transformed into a twinkling wonderland!

Annmarie Garden In Lights transports you and your companions to an enchanted world where they will discover glowing “light sculptures” and wondrous light installations.  Discover wild animals, wintry wonderlands, musical holiday scenes, deep sea treasures, the art walk, magical creatures, glowing trees, and so much more!

Thanksgiving – An American Experience

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.

loren-kerns-flickrWe 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.” -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 be with the whole family. 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 want to cheer football too and maybe shop on Black Friday!”

“I am looking forward to experiencing the traditions. All the family coming, 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: Loren Kerns – Flickr, Cynthia Chan, Johnny – Flickr

Halloween Safety Tips

  1. TRICK OR TREAT TOGETHER – Children should trick or treat in groups and younger children should have adult supervision.
  2. DRESS UP SAFELY – Avoid masks that block children’s vision and make sure costumes don’t pose a tripping hazard. Avoid sharp or heavy props that could cause injury.
  3. BE VISIBLE – Children should be visible to drivers. Consider reflective material on their costumes and/or carrying a flashlight or glow stick.
  4. CROSS SAFELY – Children should walk on the sidewalk and cross at corners.
  5. CHECK TREATS – Children should not eat candy until an adult has a chance to check it.

Contest: First au pair to send Cynthia (through Facebook or email) the name of their favorite Halloween candy will receive a prize!