Do you use the same/different techniques on children you are caring for? What did you have for dinner last night (tonight)? Go out and explore, practice your language skills or meet new people. What do you like to do when you are by yourself? Speak a second language (if your au pair program is in a non-English speaking country). Are your family and friends supportive of you becoming an au pair? You pick the area, you define your studies and the schedules youre willing to work, and then you communicate with the families until you find the right fit. Whatever you enjoy most about leadership, be sure to tell the interviewer that you plan to be a passionate leader within their organization. I know that I definitely lucked out in the fact that my host family was young and very cool. This question is a great way for the interviewer to learn more about your qualifications and how you feel about this role. Most importantly, make sure to make it a conversation. What happened? When answering this question, try to mention age groups youve worked with before or ones youre willing to work with. Not everyone communicates the same, and when I was in training as an aspiring leader, looking to grow, I found that there were other leaders who encouraged me to ask more questions, and repeatedly told me I was in charge of my own development, but were otherwise hands off in my development. When you lived with ___ who did the cooking? So many of you planning on being an au pair this summer tend not to focus on your location. We knowwhat comes with being an au pair, but what about the "after"? Our interview questions and answers do not represent any organization, school, or company on our site. Have at least 600 hours of caring for children under the age of two (if the au pair . Find a way to keep the memoriesTake photos; keep a scrapbook; write a diary or a blog. Reinforcing family bonds through spending quality time working together on a rewarding task. Review the following questions and answers to help you prepare for your interview. Administrative Manager. Enjoy the newness of it all but dont feel stupid for missing home, everyone does. After those five months, everything seemed a little less sparkly and new but it also felt more comfortable and it was good to be the one in the know. Did you live alone or with roommates? Switzerland- Up to 25 y/o. It's wonderful that you're so passionate about developing others. Have you ever been in an accident when you were not the driver? We stayed at a beachfront resort, which was amazing. Please dont ever forget that. Bianca Sparacino. It's a great feeling to see someone's skills and be able to help them develop their skills while supporting them.". Worst of all, they say, complaining about . Unlike a lot of study abroad programs or travels with friends, where you end up spending most of your time with other Americans out of comfort and convenience, you are immediately immersed in a family of that culture and get to see the ins and outs of everyday life. My neighbors daughter was only two years old at the time, but she loved playing games and doing arts and crafts. If they work the same 45 . Au pairs can enrich the households they join in countless ways, including: Immersing their host family in their culture Sharing their language with their host family Example: I take a shower every morning before I start my day. It might seem like an innocent email exchange or Skype chat but the likelihood is shell be giving her own verdict on you to the host parents. Cleans the bathrooms? Firstly, she (or he!) Spain- Must be able to speak Spanish. Not yet registered? They relay horror stories of au pairs who are overworked, humiliated, refused meals, threatened with arrest and deportationeven victims of theft. If you need to keep them amused for 5 hours; if theyre grouchy; if youre tired or stressed, getting out of the house with them will give everyone a breather. Your contact details are displayed to your favorite users by default . "I appreciate that, as a leader, I have an opportunity to help other people grow in their career. I enjoy mentoring others and teaching, setting them up for success, sharing what I know with them. What is your favorite color? If so, how will this be arranged and what will your pay be? ", "I enjoy encouraging others to fulfill their potential. Would you be willing to cook meals for the kids? 2. How long have you been working with children? 2016 Global Graduates Ltd. Registration is quick and free, " . Here, 21 of the best reasons why: Trace the scars life has left you. Are you considering au pairing in other countries as well? 10. The generic name "Homo" is a learned 18th-century derivation from Latin hom, which refers to humans of either sex. Chelsea Fagan founded the blog The Financial Diet. Then I would find out if there was any way to get rid of the bug without harming anyone or anything in the house. Do you have a boyfriend/girlfriend? In my last position, I was caring for two children who were both nonverbal. We have some help for you. I made a scrapbook and included pictures, leaflets, train tickets anything I could think of! You can often get lucrative tutoring gigs on the side. This is a MISTAKE! It reveals a genuine interest in helping others grow. At the end of the day, it doesnt matter if someone dislikes you or if someone doesnt want to be with you. Typically an au pair is a young, single person from overseas who wants to come to Australia to learn English and live as a member of an Australian family. 5) Be polite and nice to the children: Another tip of the tips to be a great au pair is don't forget to be polite and to have a big smile. Some families are home-bodies. As a team, we all support the company, and together we can be successful. If you want to build out your answer, even more, consider giving an example of a time when you saw someone who worked with you become more confident because of your guidance and help. Be honest and direct with the family. What did you do? As a family member, it is important to abide by the rules of the respective family and to treat each other respectfully. Having a tantrum? This question is a great way for the interviewer to learn more about your experience as an au pair. 5 benefits of being an au pair 1. Is there anything you are excited to share with or teach children? Au pairs are just as nervous about finding the right host family as host families are about finding the right au pair. We usually go to our favorite Italian restaurant, but sometimes we try new places.. Light jacket (similar) A pretty scarf The clich is true: throwing on a scarf makes you look instantly more chic. Example: I am happy to clean every day, although I understand that some families might not have time for that. Welcoming one of our carefully screened international au pairs is a budget-friendly, flexible way to provide loving, live-in care for your children. Great! If you cook the meal who cleans up afterwards? Have you thought about what kinds of classes you might want to take while you are an au pair? Are you religious? Say " good morning" and have fun with your work. 5. How do you celebrate birthdays / births / weddings / new years? Who did you see this week/month? Your answer should be honest, but try to emphasize that you are willing to do what is necessary to keep the home tidy and organized. Book? Have you ever been in an accident when you were driving? Plus, we'll offer some tips for buying baby mittens, so you find the right pair for your child. She also encouraged me to take risks and try new things when caring for the children.. As the discussion evolves you can choose questions from the list to keep up the dialog and get to know your au pair candidate better. So I find great joy in applying all those lessons I learned, sharing that map, creating models of leadership that werent available to me earlier on in my career. And the immediate question you always get as an au pair (I did it for a full year, and it was one of the best experiences of my life), is doesnt that just mean nanny? And in some ways, yes. Relax. Being young means being flexible, you just have to adapt and you will definitely find whats best for you! In my last family, we cleaned once a week, which was enough for me. She got her visa 2 days before she arrived in the US. What did you do to resolve it? "My favorite part of being a leader is seeing someone I have mentored, grow into a rewarding career. Use the graph below to calculate the total cost of au pair services for your family. The host family actually takes care of a lot of it for you, and the approval process is often very fast. Nice job! If you dont feel comfortable asking these kind of questions in an interview setting then its only going to get harder once youre in the house living with the family. What do you like to do together? 7. It's fun for me to identify someone's potential and help groom them and support them in achieving their highest potential. It's great to list this as a motivator! Live-in nanny Pros Trial periods. The word human can refer to all members of the Homo genus, although in common usage it generally just refers to Homo sapiens, the only extant species. Your answer should show that you are calm and can think quickly to solve problems. Have you ever been alone for 8 to 10 hours with (fill in the blank age) kids? Often, the host family becomes like real family. Do you enjoy going to church / temple / synagogue / mosque? You might never have this kind of freedom again, so make the most of it! Ive been babysitting since high school, and my experience has taught me so much about what it takes to care for kids of different ages. What do you like to do with your friends? For the well-being of the children, hosts usually prefer to have au pairs for between 6 to 12 months. Would you be comfortable teaching new languages to my children? Don't use bad or rude words because children can learn them. Have you ever worked with (fill in the blank age) kids? I couldnt even have them in the house or she wouldnt open the fridge.). What are you hoping to gain or learn from the au pair program? This is why you can check the Best Bachelor Degrees and Programs list and choose according to your interests being sure that thanks to the skills gained during your time abroad you will have an extra kick. 1. Dishes? Contact us here. Im excited to use these skills to help a family who needs extra support.. A foreign au paircan be a great asset to your family. (CPR, etc.) Take the kids outsideSeriously, its a magic cure to most kiddy problems! How do you plan to keep the kids busy when the weather is bad? Have you ever hosted a party? Excerpted from The Strength In Our Scarsby Bianca Sparacino. This question can help the interviewer determine if you have experience working with children of various ages. Towels. In fact, almost every educational institution in the world has adjusted to the new corona pandemic situation and is currently offering fully online courses. Part of Full Time Pet Sitter (Pet Au Pair) Fawn Lake Pet Au Pair, LLC Spotsylvania Courthouse, VA I love being around kids and helping them learn new things. "teach and train new and exciting methods". What was the outcome? You'll live with the family and they'll provide all your meals. Are you working? 2. Where was the last place you drove? ", "When I see my team developing themselves and when they get promoted.". Not only will they discuss expectations with the children but they can also give you tips about how to handle behavioral problems. How often do you do laundry? Families usually expect the nanny to speak to their kids in their native tongue as a way to help the kids learn another language. Global Graduates Ltd is registered in England and Wales. She is from Banbu Anhui province, China but her family moved to Hefei (the capital of Anhui province). Pretend there is a police car with lights on behind you. This question is a great way to learn more about the applicants background and experience. They want to know if you will clean the house as often as they would like or if you prefer to let things go for a while. Where do you go and what did you do? Example: I prefer to work with children between the ages of two and six because I feel like theyre at such an important stage in their development. The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your cultural background and how you fit into the family. What does that look like to you? Finally, she will be an invaluable source of advice and support once you take over. The cost of an au pair is relatively low: the minimum stipend is just under $200 a week, a bargain compared to the high cost of a full-time nanny or even most major metro area daycares. The connection you form with the children is on a whole different level, and you become like a big sibling or cousin to them, getting to know and work with them like outside childcare workers often cant. Interviewing is stressful! ", Coming back home as an au pair: Opportunities after your stay | AuPairWorld, Best Bachelor Degrees and Programs online, Master's Degrees & Masters Programs online, How to find a host family in Coronavirus times, Maintain your language skills after your au pair stay, How to incorporate your au pair experience to boost your CV, Child Psychology, Development Psychology or General, Languages and Cultures for Tourism and International Commerce. When you take your vacation holidays, where would you like to go and what would you like to do? Leave a comment. It also shows the interviewer how you would react in an emergency situation. What languages do you speak besides English? 6. How would you help two young children who are angry and fighting over the same toy? Example: Im fluent in my native tongue, however, I am still working on improving my level of communication in the language of my host country. ", Try rewording and expanding. These girls are from every culture imaginable, and are experiencing the exact same thing as you. ), and can be like a second family. There aren't many places you can be 10 minutes from Fairfax City, 10 minutes from Oakton, 10 minutes from Reston, and still feel like you're in the woods on vacation! That's really nice! At least a 6 months agreement is made when using an au pair agency. So, I called both teachers to see if either of them had it. They are not entitled to the National Minimum Wage or paid holidays. By the end of my year I knew the entire soundtrack to Frozen off by heart (in English and Dutch), had managed to ride a bike carrying me and three children (and a giant inflatable dolphin) and could simultaneously cook dinner, change the babys nappy and entertain the other two without breaking a sweat. Here are some important tips to help you choose your family's best. More information is available in our Privacy Policy. Working as an au pair is likely to be one of the funniest, most frustrating, tear-inducing and rewarding jobs you ever have. All that matters is that you are happy with the person you are becoming. Choosing baby mittens that fit well and stay securely in place can be challenging. There is nothing stopping you. Many parents love hosting au pairs because they're such a cost-effective way to provide high-quality child care. Pretend you are in my car and you get into an accident. Of course, there isnt a single "right" answer, but that doesn't mean you should stop reading! Its okay with me if their English isnt perfect. Its like the United Nations meets The Babysitters Club. Pretend you are parking the car on a busy street and accidentally damage another parked car. Community Answer Was Updated by Kevin Downey on June 14th, 2022. (And yes, the kids will always remember you.). Here are some tips for choosing which is right for your family. What would you do if a child locks themselves in the bathroom? As long as they find a way to communicate. Skinny black pants 6. Do you smoke or vape? Keep in mind that if you get a language certification during your time as an au pair, youll be able to attend university as an international student wherever you want: this could be an amazing experience! Scanning and emailing will work just fine, no need to actually post documents overseas. Some au pairs will be brutally honest about the familys flaws and any problems they had, others might be a bit more diplomatic about it. ", "I enjoy helping other people reach their potential. In monotheistic thought, God is usually viewed as the supreme being, creator, and principal object of faith. Every time I revisit those lessons, and streamline them, I find my leadership skills growing with each person I usher along to their future success.", "My favorite part of being a leader is to be able to influence events which are beneficial to both the team and the individual. That being said, sometimes there are bad Au Pairs. Did you host the party or was it at a friends house? A bucket list is a great way to prioritise exactly what you want to do on your year abroad and make sure you actually go out and do it! Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Every family and au pair will have different ideas about this so dont just assume that youre on the same page. We dont recommend asking every question on the list. Do you live close to each other? Your universi We help students to become Global Graduates throughstudy abroad opportunities, work placements, volunteering, languages and international jobsduring and after their degree course. You can find a bunch of colors to choose from, so grab your favorite or find something unique. Even if you have some friends on arriving, its a whole other level to have family and a living space and a network already established when you arrive in the country. ", While this response is very positive and aligns well with the role you're applying for, I suggest adding on a few more sentences that are a bit more specific. You have to love kids, yes, but you also have to be hungry for adventure. Do you like to host parties? Are you a people person who loves to motivate and encourage your team members? What was the outcome? How did you work through the problem? She always made sure I knew she had my back and wanted me to succeed in my role as au pair. You get to be your own validation. If you do, it can show that you are comfortable and confident in your abilities to work with a variety of kids. And often young people with experience working with children can find jobs helping out in kindergartens. I brush my teeth twice a day and use mouthwash in between. Comment below or head over to the My Au Pair and Me Host Parent Community on Facebook. I find that many children are hesitant to speak up when theyre unsure or confused, so I make sure to always listen carefully and respond kindly. What would you do if I was stuck in traffic and couldnt be home at 5:00 as I originally anticipated? Your childcare skills go through the roof. The kids were very patient as I worked through the language barrier. Is it a stick shift (manual) or automatic? Those include working up to 45 hours per week at federal minimum wage of $7.25, with a maximum . Learn how your comment data is processed. Do you know how to make them? If you're not yet sure what kind of career you'd like to have, being an au pair may give you some new ideas. is vetting you too. "I enjoy supporting and lifting others in the pursuit of higher academic achievement for all students and teachers. I love being able to explore new places and try different foods. What if no one saw you do it, then what would you do differently? What are your pet peeves? How seriously are you taking social distancing? What do you like to do together? Be a non-US citizen and live in a country serviced by GreatAuPair. Duties usually include: pick-up and/or drop off to school, helping with homework, preparing meals/cooking, some grocery shopping or errands, bathing, and playing. We love that youll hang out with our family, but its also really healthy that you have other friends to hang out with as well. Find some way to make a record of everything youre doing. The time requirements of studying have not changed much, but youll be able to organize your days between work and university books as you prefer. 13. Because yes, there is a contract to sign for your social security among other things. I chatted with my host familys previous au pair all the time and were still in contact now. Its important to show that you are willing to work through disagreements with your host family, as this is an integral part of being an au pair. Will you ever be asked to work extra hours in a week, such as when the children are on school holidays? ! An Au Pair stay is a unique opportunity to broaden your cultural and language skills. Depending on your interests, you can concentrate on different fields. How much screen time do you think is appropriate for children? The purpose of this page is to help you prepare for your job interview. What are your plans for making friends and combating homesickness after you arrive? Any interviewer should be thrilled to see this quality :), Written by Rachelle Enns on June 11th, 2020, "My favorite part of being a leader is the sense of giving someone the chance to reach their potential. An "au pair" is basically a nanny (male or female) who lives permanently with a family in Germany and looks after children there. Three common soft skills for an au pair are communication skills, interpersonal skills and patience. Too many dressy clothes and high heel shoes. ", Our Professional Interview CoachKevin Downey Reviewed the Above Answer. Imagine you are given two hours to play with the kids. Help with unexpected days off. For security reasons, AuPair.com will never share your email address. In the United States the term has come to have a narrow, technical meaning which describes a class of Exchange Visitors who come to the United States under the auspices of a program . What are your qualifications to be an au pair? ", Our Professional Interview CoachMarcie Wilmot Reviewed the Above Answer. Au pairs can seem like an elegant solution to the thorny problem of child care and often times they are. What is your favorite thing about working with children? Hello,I know this question is a little old so it's a long shot, but I am just leaving an internship as an au pair/waitress near Aix-en-Provence, so there is a space going. Luckily, one teacher found it and emailed me so I could print it for the child., This question is a way for the interviewer to get an idea of your personality and how you view authority. The agency stated that they had had problems since 9/11, based on increased security and visa changes, but it all ended up okay. Do you own your own car or use your familys car? Communicate your strengths and who you are; don't focus on perfect grammar. If you havent yet, tell them youre excited to try it. moment when a teacher has a breakthrough in curriculum development or classroom management or when a student tells me how much they value our school community. It can also help you determine if they have any travel restrictions or limitations that may affect their ability to complete the job duties. 10 easy steps to write a successful Dear Host Family letter. There is a fine balance to strike. A hair dryer, curling iron or straightener (your host family usually lets you use theirs) This post is also available in: German. A rising star of the Italian left has won election to the leadership of the Democratic Party, the country's second-largest political group. Great answer. In other words, you don't have a desire to control and do everything yourself; instead, you like to teach so others can then do things themselves. What are they? Establish an open relationship with your host parents from the start and it will lead to an easier, and happier, time for everyone. Even if they are too nervous to ask, they might if youre sharing information back and forth. Read our Terms of Use for more information. How long are you planning to be an au pair? Be compassionate & honest - It's hard being young and virtually on your own in a foreign country. All modern humans are classified into the species Homo sapiens, coined by Carl Linnaeus in his 1735 work Systema Naturae. Without a map, its impossible not to wander off the road now and again. I asked the child if they remembered doing it at school, but they said no. I love meeting new people and making friends. I dont follow the scripted questions that the agencies provide. This question can help the interviewer determine how you would handle conflict and whether youre likely to be a good fit for their family. A mentor would be someone who mentored you. Au Pairs are students, too. Its not you being bratty or demanding, its about you making sure that you will be treated fairly. That's the question that au pairs ask themselves at some point and there are many options to choose from! When answering this question, be honest about your daily routine and how it helps you maintain good hygiene. What was the occasion? The paperwork is relatively easy. How well do you follow instructions? What was it (beer/wine/hard alcohol/mixed drink/etc.)? Once we arrived home and settled in from the day, the girl would eat a snack, usually rice crackers or even cold hot dogs (I know!). In summary, the main benefits of being an Au Pair are: Learning a language and experiencing other customs and cultures different from yours will help you to develop your professional skills and personal growth to become mature and independent. Or take care of laundry for others? I think this experience can be even more extreme when youre au pairing because youre living in the same house as all that strangeness. Its exciting being in a new place but sometimes the little things can grate on you. So make a good impression! This being said, if the problem persists and the children really dont seem to be interested in you then its time to sit down with your host parents and have a chat. What are your favorite outdoor activities? Most au pairs are very interested in 'whats in it for them' with very few being more interested in the role they will play. The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your cleaning habits. Seeing your team members succeed is a very rewarding experience. ", "I love to imagine a world where everyone feels inspired by at least one thing every day. Who fixes the car when it is broken or needs maintenance?