Healthy eating –

How much you eat is just as important as what you eat. You want to experience life in the U.S., but don’t feel compelled to pick up bad habits. Stick to the portions you would normally eat. The U.S. is known for its “supersizing”, especially in restaurants. It is OK to ask for a to-go Read More

Holiday & Vacation Reminders

“Rest and be thankful.” – William Wordsworth Holidays and vacations are a great opportunity to rest, recharge and explore the U.S. Memorial Day Weekend is the unofficial start of summer travel season. Here are some reminders about program rules regarding holidays and vacations. Holidays Host families are not required to give au pairs any specific holidays. Each Read More

What’s an Au Pair?

“Au pair” means “on par” or equal. Au pairs and EduCare companions are international visitors who travel to the United States on a J-1 Visitor Exchange Visa to acquire a better understanding and appreciation of American life while living with an American family and caring for their young children. Au pairs and companions become full-fledged Read More

It’s National Pretzel Day!

Bake your own soft pretzels. Here is an easy and delicious recipe: Ingredients: 1 package of yeast 1 teaspoon salt 11/2 cups warm water 1 tablespoon sugar 1 egg, beaten course salt to sprinkle on pretzels Directions: Stir yeast into water. Add the sugar and salt. Blend in flour with hands. Knead until smooth. Cut Read More

Privacy & Personal Information Online

We live in a time of constant sharing through social media. We often share pictures, plans of somewhere we are going or rants about problems, without thinking much about who will see it and what could be the consequences. Before clicking “post”, stop to think: Am I violating someone’s privacy? Am I sharing personal info. that could Read More

Valentine’s Day history

Every February we celebrate Valentine’s Day by giving flowers, candy and cards to those we love. We do this in honor of Saint Valentine. You may be wondering, “Who is St. Valentine”? Time to brush up on your Valentine’s history! Legend has it that Valentine was a priest who served during third century Rome. The Read More