Tag Archives: culture

Camp Au Pair – Explore the World

Next week’s Camp Au Pair theme is Explore the World.
Crafts, recipes, activities, and games related to cultural exchange can all be found here on the Camp Au Pair – Explore the World pinboard. Field Trips can be a great way for kids to learn and have new experiences. Get permission from your host parents before any outings and be sure to take all social distancing precautions. Field Trip Ideas:
  • Midtown Global Market in Minneapolis
  • American Swedish Institute in Minneapolis
  • Asia Mall in Eden Prairie
  • Japanese Garden at Normandale
  • Farmer’s Markets, where kids can taste something from another culture
Virtual Field Trips: Toys – Au pairs can show kids toys that they played with when they were little, or make toys that represent different cultures. Globe beach balls can be an easy way to show kids where different countries are. Videos – Look for fun videos on YouTube about different cultures. Here are a few to get you started. Movies – Here are some movies that fit the international theme.
  • Anastasia (Russia)
  • Madeline (France)
  • Mulan (China)
  • Encanto (Colombia)
  • Vivo (Cuba)
  • Frozen (Norway)
  • Luca (Italy)
For older kids:
  • The Queen of Katwe (Uganda)
  • Whale Rider (New Zealand) (PG-13 but probably should be PG) 
Books – Check your kids’ bookshelf for books on different cultures. You can also find many read aloud book videos on YouTube. The library also has lots of great options for books about different countries.

Photo: krojotak.com

Hints for Success – Overcoming Homesickness

Almost everyone experiences homesickness and culture shock to some degree, when they come to live in a completely new environment. So much is different and it takes time to adjust.

It is normal to miss your own family, at home. Try to remember that they support you and want you to make the most of this experience. They will enjoy learning more about the U.S., through your eyes, as you share your adventures with them.

Top 5 Tips for Dealing with Homesickness

1. Make Friends – Don’t wait for other au pairs to reach out to you, reach out to them. There are other lots of new au pairs who are feeling the same way you are right now. Set a goal to reach out to a few of them each day. Some will respond and some will not. Don’t let that discourage you. No one will ever be mad at you for sending them a message to say hello or ask if they want to do something together. Make friends from various countries and you will also get a chance to practice your English skills together.

2. Stay in touch with your home country, but not too much. Skyping or talking on the phone every day with your family and/or friends back home normally makes homesickness worse. Try emailing instead and reduce the Skype and phone calls to once a week, until you feel stronger. It’s much harder seeing the faces and hearing the voices of those you miss.

3. Get out of the house (or your room specifically) – Go to cluster meetings, have coffee or movies with other au pairs, join a gym, go to the library, go for a walk, visit the mall, get a manicure, visit a museum. If someone invites you out, say “yes.” Also, don’t be afraid to do the inviting. If your host family invites you to do things with them, say “yes.” This will help you get to know each other and contribute to your overall happiness.

4. Realize that it definitely gets better – All au pairs experience homesickness and the vast majority of them get through it, stay and have a successful year (some even extend for a second year!) So, it must get better, right? Once you get past the initial homesickness, most au pairs report how quickly the year goes by.

5. Make Plans – Create your own Au Pair Bucket List (places you want to go, new foods to try, new things to experience during your year in the U.S.) and start doing them now. Post on our cluster Facebook group to find others who may want to join you on your adventures.

Photo by:  Shimelle Laine (Flickr)

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