Homesickness/Culture Shock
Once in the United States, you may experience the shock of loneliness and homesickness. You may have to take care of infants all day long and will have to face being alone without an adult or older child to talk to directly. The Community Representative can direct you to activities in which you can participate during your free hours. The Community Representative can also help you get in contact with other au pairs in the area. Although the Community Representative is there to assist you, it is ultimately up to you to make the effort to get over the feelings of homesickness and loneliness. You should be aware that there is a transitory period, which every au pair goes through. Eventually these feelings will pass, as long as you are committed to working through them so that you can enjoy the rest of your stay in the United States. |
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American Holidays
Unlike some other countries, many Americans work on federal holidays, so it will depend on the work schedule of the host family as to whether you have a holiday off. Even on holidays, you should plan to spend most of the day with your host family, enjoying family and cultural traditions.
Smoking
If you state on your application that you do not smoke, you must not smoke. It is very upsetting for a host family to find out that the au pair smokes when he/she arrives at their home. On the application, you must not lie or hide the truth. Should the host family discover that you smoke, they will feel that their trust in you has been broken which can lead to serious problems.
Please note: It is very difficult, sometimes impossible, to place an applicant who smokes. |
