Picture perfect weather and great fun walking and tasting our way through lower Manhattan…
And here’s the link to more photos from our walkabout: http://s791.photobucket.com/albums/yy197/MS-APIA/2012%20May%20-%20Lower%20NYC%20Walking%20Tour/
Tag Archives: Au Pair
Blogger's family finds their APIA Au Pair…
At the beginning of the month, Wall Street Journal reporter/blogger, John J. Edwards, and his family began their search with APIA for an au pair. The story has a very happy ending…here’s the link to the rest of the story:
Au Pair Search: We’ve Found the One!
The process is moving forward: We’ve made a match with a young woman from South Africa, who’ll be join… |
Au Pairs Enjoy an Indian Buffet Lunch
On January 29th many members of our cluster and some friends got together at the Royal Palace Restaurant to enjoy their amazing buffet. There were so many choices and it seemed that most in attendance wanted to taste everything. Some actually managed to do that!
Between lots of good food and ongoing conversation, it was a most delightful afternoon. See for yourself – here’s the link to more photos:http://s791.photobucket.com/albums/yy197/MS-APIA/2012%20January%20Indian%20Buffet%20Luncheon/
2011 International Thanksgiving Dinner
This year’s Thanksgiving dinner was amazing. Au Pair in America counsleors provided the turkeys, that were skillfully carved by Jim Hamlin, and lots of apple cider. Au Pairs, who were asked to bring side dishes and desserts, outdid themselves with a wonderful array of treats from around the world. We all ate well, some discovered new foods, and everyone agreed that it was a most enjoyable evening.
Here’s the link to the 2011 International Thanksgiving Photo Album: http://s791.photobucket.com/albums/yy197/MS-APIA/2011%20International%20Thanksgiving%20Dinner/?albumview=slideshow
Homesickness/Culture Shock
Almost everyone experiences culture shock when they come to a completely new environment. Everything is different: the language, the food, the people. If you are feeling homesick or house-bound, call an au pair in your cluster and invite her to go for coffee, she understands exactly how you feel.
Education – The Au Pair Requirement
Au pairs are required to complete six (6) semester hours of academic credit or the equivalent during the year. EduCare Companions must complete twice the requirement (12 hours), and Year2 au pairs are expected to take an additional three (3) credits for a six-month extension or six (6) credits for a 9- or 12-month extension. Your counselor can advise you of local educational opportunities. You can also review education options for your state on the Au Pair in America website at http://aupairinamerica.com/state/index.asp and there are links to local colleges in the column to the right under Education Options.
Pen Friends
Do you have any friends or relatives in your home country with children close to the age of your school-age children? You can encourage them to exchange letters (or emails). Simple notes or even pictures arriving by overseas mail are very exciting for children (and au pairs).
Drinking Age: It's the Law!
As you know, it is illegal to buy or drink alcohol, beer and wine in the United States if you are under 21 years of age. If someone buys alcohol for others who are under 21, it is the person who is buying the alcohol who will be in trouble with the law. It is not a chance worth taking. Do not put your friends in an embarrassing or dangerous position by asking them to buy alcohol for you if you are under 21!
Internet Etiquette
Don’t use the internet to vent. Remember anything you post on Facebook or other social networking sites can be seem by millions of people. Don’t be fooled into thinking that a post in your native language won’t be understood! If you are having a bad day, call your counselor and she can help you find a solution.
Hints for success –
Many of you have been here for several months, don’t; let yourself get into a routine of not doing your best. Take initiative – don’t wait to be asked, anticipate children’s needs, offer to help when you are sharing “family time.”