It’s always important to make safe decisions, even as an adult.

Alcohol

It is illegal to drink alcohol in the United States if you are under 21

Using a fake ID is illegal.  You can be arrested for using a fake ID.

Drinking and driving is extremely dangerous. It puts lives at risk.  You should NEVER drink and drive.

Be a good friend and don’t let your friends drink and drive.  Take turns being the designated driver to keep you and your friends safe.

Do not risk ending your participation on the program by drinking underage, it is not worth it!

 Drugs

APIA is a drug free program, use of drugs is not allowed.

Even though Marijuana use is legal with restrictions in some states, it is still not allowed on our program.

Au pairs caught smoking marijuana or in possession of marijuana are not allowed to remain on the program.

Driving

Make sure you have a clear understanding of the car use rules and where you are allowed to take the car.

Be careful at night, park in well-lit safe places, avoid empty looking parking lots and indoor garages.

Do not use your phone or any electronic devices while driving, and never text and drive.

Let your host family and I know immediately if you get into an accident so we can help you.

We advise all au pairs to get an American driver’s license, it is the most commonly used form of ID in the USA. Here in the Virginia Beach area, there are police officers who do not recognize an International Driver’s license (even though it is legal to drive with one, and they should recognize them). If you are pulled over and the officer doesn’t recognize the license, for whatever reason, you will be detained until the situation is sorted out – even though it is legal to drive with an international license! Make things easy for yourself and get a Virginia license.

House Rules

Sometimes you may be home alone. Talk about the house rules with your host parents.

Talk about having friends over and find out what is allowed. Talk about overnight guests and male guests.

If you are over 21, talk to your host family about their house rules regarding alcohol use.  Do not offer alcohol or buy alcohol for anyone who is under 21.

Social Media

Be sensible and safe about pictures you share on phones and on social media, nothing is private!

Do not share any personal information such as your address or phone number on social media.

Never give your social security number over the phone, in a text or on social media.

Be very cautious about texts/messages/pictures you send on a phone ~ you never know who might see them.

Always ask your host family for permission before posting pictures of the children on any social media site.

Be smart, be safe, and have a great year!