Welcome to our cluster Lore Nichele!

Hello everyone, fall it is right in the corner and today I want to introduce you with a young woman from Argentina! her name is Lore Nichele, she is 22 years old and she will be arriving pretty soon! lets see more about Lore:

We interviewed her regarding her hobbies, interests, and other things! here are some of her answers:

• Why do you want to be an Au Pair?Honestly because taking care of kids it is one of passions and I also consider that being an au pair could give me the chance to meet new people and  learn about the American culture.
• Can you please tell us what are your hobbies and interests? I really like outdoors, share my time with my friends and of course I like to practice some sports!

• What do you consider was the best event during the past month? Besides matching with my future host family, I went to the south here in  my country on vacation to the snowy mountains with my friends and family, I really had some fun!
• What three adjectives describe you best? Friendly, curious and 
• What place would you like to visit? Europe

• What is your favorite way to spend your weekends? I like to spend them in many ways either with my family at home or watching series with my friends.

As you can see here Lore like to do many things like practicing sports and going out with her friends, I am sure she is willing to make new friends here in Philadelphia! 

Once again Lore, Welcome to the cluster! We hope you enjoy staying with us, see you soon!

 

 

 

The Au Pair program opens the world.

Could you imagine leaving your country in your early 20 for the first time and flying to a different continent without any support, without knowing that there are people who will assist you?

The Au Pair program opens the world. Many young people are grateful for an opportunity to be an Au Pair  and explore the world. There are many interesting place to explore even around their area when Au Pairs attend Go Au Pair cluster meetings.

2013 year was a great year for the Au Pair Ophelia He from China. She has accomplished a lot thanks to the Au Pair program, her host family in Philadelphia and Go Au Pair agency.

On July 8, 2013  Ophelia arrived to New York! This was the first flight in her life and a long one-a whopping 20 hours.

After the New York Workshop, where she met Au Pair Sis and a lot Au Pairs from around the world, Ophelia started her wonderful Au Pair life in Philadelphia.

Since her arrival, Ophelia has had so many good memories together with her friends and her host family, many of which have been memorialized  in Ophelia diary.

The Au Pair program opens the world for Ophelia. She has already explored many interesting places in Philadelphia and outside  during her vacation time. Ophelia volunteered at the Philadelphia Marathon, traveled to Atlantic City, spent Thanksgiving in Houston, visited a new host family in Las Vegas, celebrated her first Christmas in Alaska and Chinese New Year in Philadelphia,  and even hiked in Hawaii.

Ophelia has many plans for the future and is grateful for the Au Pair program granting her the opportunity to explore the world.  I think that it has been a great experience for Ophelia’s host family as well.  The family nominated Ophelia Host Family for the IAPA Au Pair of the Year Award in 2014. Read a press release Au Pairs in Excellence Nomination- Au Pairs stand out.

From Ophelia’s Diary page you can read all entries about her Au Pair journey. Happy reading!

Meet the Au Pair from Mexico Annie.

Today our blog post’s guest is the Mexican Au Pair Annie.

Annie  (her real name is Anahi)  is a second year Au Pair from Mexico. She joined the Go Au Pair cluster in the Philadelphia and NJ area almost one year ago.  Annie lives in NJ with her host family and two girls.

She worked as an English teacher in an Elementary school in Mexico. Annie’s hobby is making Musical Theater, and not only acting, but also being backstage.

Please, meet Annie!

What three adjectives best describe you?

Three adjectives are helpful, patient and affectionate.

What are your hobbies and interests?I love theatre but the backstage part of it and sightseeing

What was the best event/happening during last month?

I went with my friend Monica,  an Au Pair from Colombia,  to Run or Dye and it was super fun.  We went to the Magic Gardens in Philly and. That place is surreal.

If you had one wish what would it be?

My wish would be to live in NY and work for a Broadway show.

What place would you like to visit?

I would like to visit Asia all of those countries or Australia.

What is your favorite way to spend a Saturday. I like to go sightseeing around. Pennsylvania or Jersey

Do you believe everything happens for a reason?

Yes everything happens for a reason no doubt.

What are two things that you consider yourself to be very good at?

I’m very good at solving a problem under pressure that helps me a lot in shows that I work for because you have to be quick and fix stuff during the performance.

In the next post Annie is sharing her Au Pairs experience, do not miss it!

 

The Au Pair Program and Cultural Exchange

The Au Pair Program is a cultural exchange program that allows young adults from foreign countries to live and work in the United States for one year. Go Au Pair agency, one of the first Au Pair program in America among 15 agencies designated by the State Department, offers to Au Pairs  the opportunity to intimately experience work, life and culture in the U.S.

The Au Pair program is centered around cultural exchange.  J1 visa participants have the opportunity to explore another culture and the possibility to study while living with an American host family.

Cultural Exchange starts when the Au Pairs immerse in American life, become a member of host family and experience new things on a daily basis. But there are a lot of opportunities to  learn about American culture outside of the Host family.

There are also many chances to meet other Au Pairs from around the world who are having the same experiences, travel and share your unique culture with others.

The Au Pairs should look for the many opportunities outside of their comfort zone, be  proactive, make a lot of new friends and try new things. The Au Pair program is full of opportunities to learn something new and have fun.

Learn what others Au Pairs from Go Au Pair cluster are doing.

Supporting Ukraine and Ukrainian Au Pairs.

I am originally from Ukraine. Even though, I have been living in the US for a long time, I have one my family member and a lot of friends in Ukraine. It was my home for a while, and I had many good memories there. There’s a very special place in my heart for Ukraine. 

The last few months have been really worrying for me. I’ve been watching TV a lot,  surfing Internet constantly and speaking with my friends often.  I feel fear, sadness and real concern. Most Ukrainians desire peace and security for Ukraine, but there is a real threat of war and dividing the country into pieces. Therefore, I am very nervous about the situation in Ukraine and of  the future for my friends and the Ukrainian people.  

There are many people who live elsewhere and still have close family and friends in Ukraine. Go Au Pair has many Au Pairs from Ukraine. I can imagine how worried they are and wish to be together with their families in this difficult time.

Oleksandra, or Sasha,  a new Au Pair from Ukraine, lives in NJ. Sasha has family back in Donetsk, Ukraine. I hope everything changes for the better for Oleksandra’s family and the Ukrainian people will have peaceful and decent lives.

I feel the importance at drawing public attention on helping and supporting the Ukrainians as they work to avoid a potential economic crisis and calm civil unrest within the country’s borders.

I feel sympathy and unity with the Ukrainian people during this difficult period when they fight for Ukrainian sovereignty, stable lives and future for their children.  I would like to express solidarity with the people of Ukraine who both desire and deserve peace and better lives.

2013 Year Au Pair Activities Review

In 2013, the Au Pairs from Go Au Pair in Philadelphia, Bucks and Montgomery County and close NJ joined many activities where Au Pairs get to know each other better, meet the Local Area Representative( me), have fun and make new friends. Go Au Pair requires all Au Pairs to attend at least 4 meetings for each 12 month program year.

African American Museum, Philadelphia,
The 2013 PHS Philadelphia Flower Show. Explore the Center City of Philadelphia, tour at Kimmel Center.
The Devon Horse Show, Devon , PA Family Day Conference

The Peddlers Village
Masonic Temple, Philadelphia

 Bryn Athyn Cathedral, the tour at Glencairn museum

and picnic.

Fernanda’s farewell party

Grounds for Sculpture, Family Day Conference

Volunteering for the Philadelphia Marathon for the American Cancer Society, and have a very special experience
Holiday Party, Peddlers Village, Lahaska, dining at Cock ‘n Bull Restaurant,

and gift exchange,

games,

contest and fun

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Children in the Kitchen

The personal chef from NJ, Debbie of Debbie’s Home Cooked Meals continue to share some tips and advice with busy host families and Au Pairs  in how to create healthy menu items for the picky eaters.  

In  most recent blog, I shared some tips and advice for busy parents and Au Pairs and how the kids can be helpful in the kitchen.

Being a busy mom does not mean you have to handle all the tasks around the house. Get the children involved and make it a beneficial experience. We all should know how to cook and starting the youngsters at an early age is a great way to learn.

Children who help in the kitchen are more likely to try something that they helped make. So why not start young and  incorporate fruits and vegetables in the menu. In my most recent blog, I share some tips and advice for busy parents and Au Pairs and how the kids can be helpful in the kitchen.

Whether you are a busy parent, busy professional or a caregiver, sometimes your schedules during the day can be quite hectic. If there are children in the home, take a little time to teach them how they can be helpful in the kitchen. Have them help in the kitchen by giving them simple tasks.

 

Kids can be helpful in the kitchen and become more inquisitive about food.

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Waiting for a Chinese Au Pair arrival.

This is the second part, read the first part A great match with a Chinese Au Pair.

In July 2012,  a single father with two kids, Gregory invited an Au Pair from China to join his family. The children stayed with his grandparents during the summer. Gregory was very busy preparing for a new life.  Several weeks later, by the time school started,  the new Au Pair Hui arrived to the US.

 

I would say that Gregory’s family and Hui are a great match.  Hui has a very caring personality and she bonded with her host children quickly. As a Local Area Representative, I noticed right away that Hui is a great addition to Gregory’s family.

The Au Pair  Hui has a lovely personality and a beautiful smile.  She has many talents, and is always ready to help without asking. She likes traveling and taking many great photos.  Hui has made a lot of friends.

Hui is very intelligent, attentive and caring person.  She is also a modest person, very nice to others and puts others before her.  Hui became a big sister, a caring family member and the kids will remember her forever.

During our meeting, the eight year old Henry came close to me and shared that Hui is a very good Au Pair. I believe him.

Stay tuned for a new entry A Chinese Au Pair Hui story.

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Save money with Featured Country Au Pairs!

Go Au Pair features a country each month.  This month Go Au Pair’s feature country is South Africa. Families who match with an Au Pair from South Africa will receive $100 off the program fees in addition to other discounts available.

An Au Pair from South Africa is a great and common choice among Host Families.  Au Pairs from South Africa are taught to be independent from a young age, they grow up quickly and learn to be self-motivated and driven to achieve their goals. They drive from a young age, because of the rural areas here in South Africa, known as Farms. They are social people, love the outdoors, and adore animals, wild life and the ocean.

American families benefits from South African Au Pairs because they grew up in a country very exposed to western cultures that makes them fit in exceptionally well with American Families, their English skills are very well developed, and South African Au Pairs are able to make the best of every situation and bring positive energy to any household. Read more about South African Au Pairs

I have three Au Pairs from South Africa, all of them are outstanding Au Pairs. This year an Au Pair Phila  from Durbin, S. Africa was nominated by her Host Family from Philadelphia as the Au Pair of the Year for the year of 2012.

In the Au Pair of the Year nomination, Nicole – Host Mom, writes, “Looking back, I know that the day that we matched with Phila was probably one of the luckiest things ever to happen to our family because of the light and love she has brought into our home and for the positive influence she has been on the life and character of my daughters.  As a mother who works very long hours, there is nothing more important in the world to me than to know that, if I can’t be the one to take care of my children during the work week, the person who is taking care of them for me loves them almost as much as I do and is a shining example of grace, courage and character.”

Read more about the amazing experience this family is having with an Au Pair Phila.

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Cultural Differences

The  Au Pair comes from around the world and both, Au Pair and Host family, will see cultural differences. Some customs and traditions may seem strange at the beginning. 

Things that make us different include culture, language, traditions,  eating habits, etiquette and etc. The Au Pair program is cultural childcare, and cultural differences  enriches  host family children’s horizons by introducing them to a foreign culture. Knowing cultural differences can help Host Families better understand their Au Pair’s behaviors and needs.

For Au Pairs the Au Pair program is an opportunity to learn  language and explore a new culture.   Au Pairs enjoy the experience of a lifetime living with a Host Family, speaking English, being able to study in an American University, experiencing a new culture in the USA and learning about cultural differences.

Host Families and Au Pairs should avoid making  generalizations and assumptions about cultures or stereotypes people. No one expects that Host Families and Au Pairs will like all cultural differences they met, but Host Family should respect the Au Pair’s culture and Au pairs should respect theirs.

Au Pair Sis , a new online Go Au Pair resource,  can help Au Pairs to learn more about cultural differences. All their questions Au Pairs should message Au Pair Sis on Facebook or email aupairsis@goaupair.com.

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