Au Pair in USA: Destination

The United States is a very self-sufficient country, separated from the rest of the world by two oceans, and it’s confident — with some justification — that it’s the best place on earth to live. You’ll need to learn not to be surprised that Americans often have no idea about the city — and maybe even the country — you’re from, and that studying foreign languages isn’t a common hobby or a required college course.
Americans are generally outgoing; they’re sociable and sometimes even a bit too friendly (it’s hard to get used to someone you’ve seen for the fifth time that day smiling and saying “Hi! How are you today?”). But in some ways it’s worth trying to be a little more like Americans, at least for the time you’re here — after all, it isn’t that hard to smile first.

I’ve learned useful things like how to get along with others and with myself, and I’ve become more independent. If anyone’s hesitating about whether to join, I can only say: “Go ahead!” Enjoy every day of the program — the year will fly by, and you’ll learn something new every day.

Celia, Spain

A bad educator of children is someone who doesn’t remember their own childhood.

Maria von Ebner-Eschenbach