Being an Au pair in the United States has changed my life in so many ways. I have been here … for 1year and 7months now. I take care of a 11yr old boy, 8yr old girl and a 6yr old boy. When I first arrived here I was greeted by my host mother Sally with a lovely bunch of flowers and a warm smile. Yes at first everything is new and scary but you soon get used to everything.

Right away I was getting phone calls and e-mails from other Au Pairs close by, wanting to meet me and take me out! Everyone looks after each other and I never felt alone.

I have made the most amazing friends here so far. Girls from Brazil, Costa Rica, Mexico, Germany and America. I can’t wait to travel to their countries and see them again, they really are friendships that will last a life time. I also have a very close relationship with my host parents, they really are a second family to me and I love them very much.

In my time here so far I have been able to study Guitar, Spanish, Photography and Painting. All of these classes were so much fun and kept me busy and happy. Not only did I learn new things but I saw SO many new things as well. I travelled to Florida and Iowa with my host family a couple of times. I was able to save money and go to Hawaii and also Jamaica two times. Without the Au Pair program I would never have been able to see and do what I have done.

I have had so much fun getting to know the American way of life and joining in with traditions and holidays. Halloween and Thanksgiving are two of my very favorite times with the kids. America is so huge and there is so much to see and do. It really is such an incredible country.

As my time here starts to come to an end and I look back on how much I have learnt and how much I have changed, I truly feel so lucky to have had this opportunity. Travel, children, taking risks and laughing have been the basis of time here.

I will forever and always have the best memories of being an “Au pair in America”.