Tag Archives: host family

Education in the Virtual Year

We gathered to talk about education in this crazy and challenging 2020.  While we are not in classrooms, there are many new options available that were never there before.  Au pairs are able to experience ivy league US American institutions at a fraction of the cost.  We talked about some of the most popular classes, from Justice at Harvard to some wonderful ESL online options.  The sky is now the limit for education in 2020 and isn’t that exciting.  Silver linings.

And au pairs shared their most precious joyful moments of the summer.  Here is that that looked like: https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=AftnZKSCz_k

Sitting (alone, together) Pretty – July 2020

Au pairs in our cluster joined a group of au pairs nationwide to get pretty in a time when many of us are rarely leaving home.  When we do, we are going to step out in style.  Essie, a wonderful make-up artist out of NYC, showed our ladies some tips and tricks and we had a nice time learning and just relaxing.  It was a fun summer evening, just us girls…

Bingo and Travel – May 2020

We had another zoom cluster event in light of Covid and enjoyed our cluster community playing Bingo and sharing the quotes that get us through the tough times.  And last week, we traveled with Rousse to Peru and Maria to Colombia to see the sights, sounds, colors and food of their countries – virtually.  This was fun listening to their APIA Global Awareness presentations and we travelers can’t wait for the world to re-open!  https://www.globalawareness.com

APIA Class Reps Run Games in Zoom – April 2020

We kept safe and at home and in our zoom room this month again.  Au pairs shared their favorite television shows, favorite zen places, and we did a temperature check of the moods/feelings we are all going through.  These women are strong (together we are stronger) and their program will go on…just not how they had imagined.

Jan 2020 Kim’s Coffee Chat

Our very own Franzi from Germany has made the cut in the finals for Au Pair In America Au Pair of the Year.  She is seen here receiving her award to return to the family who loves her so much.  Our cluster sent in more contestants than most others nationwide.  People here know how to pick a great family member!  Congrats, Franzi!  Thanks to Third Culture Coffee for hosting us!

 

UW Strong Women Meet up with APIA Strong Women – Jan 2020

The 20s are off to a bang and this month, nearly 100 strong, female au pairs from around the world gathered to watch other strong women in action.  Our UW Women’s Husky Basketball team.  The sounds were loud and the athleticism inspiring.  Au pairs made the big screen, complete with television interviews.  One of our favorite meetings as proud APIA community counselors.

 

Holiday Cheer Goes Global – December 2019

Au pairs from Brazil, Mexico, Germany, and Colombia shared their holiday traditions, both country and family and we enjoy a spirited game of white elephant and treats from around the globe.  Some of these ladies are chefs in their own right!  Coming together as a community is important around the holiday time and stopping to take stock in a tough, but amazing year is part of the au pair journey.  And this game is just a lot of fun…https://happyhomefairy.com/a-super-fun-christmas-game/

 

A Sort of Thanksgiving – November 2019

Our crew gathered in West Seattle this month for some pie tasting and craft making.  Johanna from Germany led us in a Blidergebnis fur Laternen craft.  The story goes that St Martin, being a kind man, cut his cloak in half to share with a beggar during a snowstorm.  On Nov 11, this day celebrates altruism and modesty.  Since APIA is all about sharing, we thought it relevant this season.  Thank you to our host families who sharing their Thanksgiving tables with young women from around the world!

Making Thanksgiving Memories Together

Thanksgiving is a public holiday celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November every year in the United States. It started as a harvest festival and has been celebrated nationally on and off since 1789.  The most important part of Thanksgiving for American families is to spend family time together.

Martin Cathrae

 “My favorite holiday was Thanksgiving. Firstly, it was my first holiday with the whole family in America. Secondly, the whole family came together. All aunts and uncles and their kids came to grandma’s. We played football with all of them, including grandma and grandpa. It was the first time I played it and it was so much fun for all. We had a great dinner with all the typical things you can imagine … it was deeeelicious! It was so great to be with such a big family and I really enjoyed that day. I will remember it my whole life, I hope.” – Swantje from Germany

Here are a few tips to help you have a terrific Thanksgiving experience.

Host Parents
Please plan to include your au pair in your Thanksgiving celebration, if at all possible. If you are traveling or will not be able to invite your au pair to join you for Thanksgiving, give her plenty of notice and help her make alternate plans. You don’t want to leave your au pair alone over the holiday.

Au Pairs
If you are invited to attend dinner, please let your family know within 5 days of the invitation, whether you are planning to attend, so they may make plans. If your host family is unable to include you in their Thanksgiving plans, please let me know if you have trouble making other plans, so I can assist.

Make sure to discuss time off during this holiday weekend. Many host families work the Friday after Thanksgiving so do not assume you have this day off or the entire weekend. Talk to your host family, BEFORE you make any plans.

Bonus Tip for the Kids
If you are looking for a fun recipe to make with your au pair, check out these turkey cookies. Find more fun activities and recipes on the Au Pair in America Fall Holidays pinboard.