The young men and
women who join Aupair USA have experience working with children and enjoy
interacting with babies, toddlers and/or older children. They may have gained
their childcare experience through babysitting for children of friends,
neighbours or relatives (however all references must be from non-family
members). The typical applicant will also have an interest in travelling abroad
to gain first hand knowledge of other people and cultures. Applicants tend to
find that this program offers a unique and affordable way in which to combine
these two interests.
Through the Aupair
USA program, young people are afforded the opportunity to experience American
culture from the perspective of a family member. Living with an American family
enables the Aupair to gain a deeper insight into American culture than he or
she would if she were travelling as a tourist. The program also provides the
security of living within a family environment and the support of a Local Co-ordinator
who lives in the community where the Aupair has been placed.
More of the
applicants are students who have either completed their secondary school
education or who are in University and wish to take a year abroad before
completing their education. Others may already be in the work force and between
jobs or career changes. Many applicants to the program intend to pursue a career
in an international environment where English language skills and cross-cultural
experiences are required.
Although some
applicants to the program will have had some formal training as a childcare
worker, the majority will not. Applicants who have had such formal training in,
for example, child development and safety or pre-school education, are in great
demand by American Host Parents. Some applicants may have been Aupair in their
own country or in another country (however applicants who have already been an
Aupair in the U.S. are not permitted to repeat).
Based on several
years of experience, Aupair USA has found that the "typical" successful Au
Pair applicant will possess the following qualities and attributes:
·
A sincere interest in
children
·
Maturity
·
Flexibility and ability to
cope with and adapt to change
·
Independence and some
experience, if only for holidays, of living away from home
·
Openness to new experiences
and willingness to discuss problems
·
A generally positive,
cheerful attitude
·
Ability to be respectful of
others and to adhere to program guidelines as well as the "house rules"
established by the Host Family
·
Dress and proper hygiene
which are acceptable to American families
| |