Tag 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

Education Requirements

Due to COVID-19, Au Pair in America has temporarily given approval for online/virtual classes,  with a few conditions. Classes must be offered by an accredited school and the class must registered for by August 30, 2021. Au pairs must still produce certificates or other acceptable documentation confirming the completion of the class.

If in doubt, ask your counselor to check if the school is accredited. All class hours must be completed by the end of your 11th month in the program if you wish to extend. If you are in a special 6-month extension, you must earn 3 credits, or the equivalent during your 6 months. Plan ahead!

The following schools are some of your options:

ESL Specific Schools

Community Colleges

Other Languages

Weekend/U.S. Culture/Travel Courses

Online Class Websites – These platforms will list online courses all over the country. These courses come from a variety of sources and some are NOT accredited and not a US post secondary institution. You must be sure you are selecting a course that is from an accredited university. Always send the info to your Community Counselor to review before signing up. You must purchase a certificate to show completion of the course. If you intend to enroll in a course offered by one of these sources, please discuss it with your Community Counselor in advance of registering.

Photo: Ivan Radic

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.

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

August Cluster Fun – Bert’s Diner and Sending Smiles

This month, we met up at the iconic Bert’s “fabulous 50s” American Diner for a cool American experience. We made funny and uplifting postcards to send messages of love and hope to children and their families battling cancer and other serious illness. Our au pairs created over 50 post cards for children in need at this event. 

We also continued our collection of new socks as part of our participation in Exchange Day, a nationwide celebration of the power of international exchanges! International exchange participants are joining their American hosts to “eat, play, and give” — sharing cultural diversity and American customs, to give back to their communities, and to have some fun. Click here for more information about the Sending Smiles

 

 

Au Pair in America at the US Capitol!

On March, 9th, over 600 Au Pair in America au pairs gathered on the steps of the US Capitol for a photograph, followed by tours of the amazing US Capitol building!

This building is the most widely recognized symbol of democratic government in the world. It has housed Congress since 1800. The Capitol is where Congress meets to write the laws of our nation and where Presidents are inaugurated and deliver their State of the Union messages.

Wonderful opportunity to literally walk in the footsteps of history! We had wonderful tours and time to capture photos!

“I was impressed by the architecture of the capitol.” – German au pair

“It was just amazing to see hundreds of years of history and to learn so much in just one tour. I’m so grateful to have gotten the opportunity to experience something as remarkable, the US Capitol.” -Jamaican au pair

“The height of one of the rooms (dome) was very impressive!” – German au pair

“The paintings and sculptures were very beautiful!” – German au pair

American Experiences – Thanksgiving

At Thanksgiving, we pause and express gratitude to others.  This year I want to thank all my au pairs and host families for the love and support they give each other every day.  I also thank each au pair for sharing with me and my family 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-flickr

I 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. I love the relationships that have developed that last after an au pair returns home. I am 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!”

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

Photos by: Loren Kerns – Flickr, Cynthia Chan, Johnny – Flickr

Cluster Fun – American Experiences Corn dogs and Rootbeer floats!

We stopped by Sonic drive in for an American experience! Rootbeer floats and corn dogs! We also played games and worked on our Sending Smiles community service project! A poll of the au pairs found that 5 of them found the corn dogs yummy while 2 found them to be strange! On of our au pairs, from Jamaica, said they were, “Mmmmm, mmmmm, good!” We had four positive votes for the rootbeer floats! This week the au pairs hailed from Peru, Germany, Namibia, Jamaica and Poland!

Cluster Fun – 52 Weeks: Making the Most of Your Year!

Saying goodbye is truly the hardest part of summer! Over the year (or more) I  forge strong relationships with the au pairs in my group! I try to meet one on one or in small groups with everyone before they leave to talk about their experiences, plans moving forward as the return home and how to take the skills and experiences from America and transfer them to their future! Here are a few stories of some of the young women heading home this summer!

I met up with Solymar and Kenia (both from Panama) recently. Solymar is finishing her year in just a few weeks and Kenia is just a few months into hers. We talked about the impact of our program and the American experience as well as discussed transitioning home and how the skills developed in their time here relate to their lives and careers back home in Panama. It has been lovely having both of them in my cluster and watching them become friends!

I had the pleasure of meeting with one of my German au pairs, Nadine, who is finishing up her 21 month stay in the US in just a few weeks.
We had the opportunity to discuss her experiences here in Maryland and with her first year family in Georgia, how her skills developed and used here relate to her employment as she returns home, how much she has grown through this time, etc. We even brainstormed a few more things to experience before her time in the US is over.

 

 

Saying goodbye to Lisa and Lina, both from Germany, as they complete their year in Southern Maryland this month! We had a great visit discussing the impact the Au Pair in America program had on them and how it helped shape their plans for the future. Both young women had many wonderful things to say about their experiences as we chatted.

I gave them a list of 52 things they might have done during their year here, from trying Maryland blue crabs or root beer floats, to seeing a baseball or football game, to visiting amazing cities such as New York or Chicago. It was rewarding to see them cross off so many things and add to the list with their own unique experiences! They brought me lovely flowers as a parting gift! I will miss their infectious smiles and laughter, but I look forward to seeing what their new adventures bring!

 

Au Pairs at the US Capitol!

This past weekend several clusters with Au Pair in America met in DC for a tour of the United States Capitol. This building is the most widely recognized symbol of democratic government in the world. It has housed Congress since 1800. The Capitol is where Congress meets to write the laws of our nation and where Presidents are inaugurated and deliver their State of the Union messages.

This was very exciting day for several hundred au pairs in our region as we received a very informative tour by our tour guide! Thanks to everyone that participated!