New Zealand

July 29, 2019 by

AU PAIR CULTURE QUESTS

NEW ZEALAND

Oceania
Capital: Wellington
Languages: English, Māori

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Kids Culture Corner: New Zealand
CIA World Factbook

The following information is generalized and compiled from questions posed to the agents and interviewers in New Zealand. Although au pairs from this country may or may not have had these experiences/beliefs, Au Pair in America wishes to share this general information with our families.

Child Care Skills

Au Pairs in General

English Skills

Driving Skills

Education

Health

Child Care Skills

Common discipline techniques include time-outs.
Physical discipline is not common in New Zealand.
Applicants obtain childcare experience through formal schooling and babysitting.
Usually both parents share the childrearing responsibilities.
It is common for both parents to work and be away from home during the day.

Au Pairs in General

The idea of being an au pair is not well-known in New Zealand.
Applicants from New Zealand are motivated by cultural curiosity.
The job potential of an au pair improves upon her return to New Zealand.
Applicants do not have difficulty affording the program fees.
Young people in New Zealand have the freedom of their family to socialize and date.
Curfews are not common.
Young women are accustomed to sharing in household chores.
Nudity is not a common practice.
The people of New Zealand describe themselves as reserved, friendly, and hard working.
Others may consider New Zealanders’ style of communication confrontational. This stylistic cultural difference should be taken into consideration when they are encouraged to speak their mind.

English Skills

English is the native language of New Zealand.

Driving Skills

New Zealanders drive on the left side of the road, so au pairs will need practice in the U.S.
The minimum driving age is age 16. Most applicants obtain their driving license at age 16.
A driving license is not difficult to obtain.
The steps involved in obtaining a driving license in New Zealand include:
- Lessons
- Learner’s permit
- Practical test
- Fees
- Restricted license
- Full license
The International driving permit is available.
Applicants typically take formal driving lessons and practice driving using their parents’ car.
Most cars have manual transmissions.

Education

The academic year in New Zealand starts in February and ends in November.
The educational opportunities of the Au Pair in America program are attractive, but not a high selling point to applicants.

Health

The most common inoculations are tetanus, rubella, and tuberculin.
Most young women are not inoculated and tested for TB (tuberculosis).
New Zealand has a free health service.
Most young women visit the dentist on a regular basis.
“Eating disorders” are not common, but do occur.

Diet

Many young people in New Zealand eat meat.
Vegetarianism is common.

Religion

The most common religions in New Zealand are Catholic, Anglican, and Presbyterian.
Most young people in New Zealand do not practice their religion regularly.

Telephone & Internet

Homes have telephones and a computer with access to the Internet.

“By inviting a person from another country to join our family, live with us, and learn about our culture, we actually learn so much about ourselves, how our own culture and way of life appear through the lens of someone new.”

Belle, host parent
Massachusetts

“The flexibility the program affords us is outstanding. With other child care options, I always felt I was accommodating their schedule instead of my own.”

Jill, host parent
New Jersey

[Aupair-with-baby-in-SB.jpg]

South Korea

July 26, 2019 by

AU PAIR CULTURE QUESTS

SOUTH KOREA

Asia
Capital: Seoul
Languages: Korean, English

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Kids Culture Corner: South Korea
CIA World Factbook

The following information is generalized and compiled from questions posed to the agents and interviewers in South Korea. Although au pairs from this country may or may not have had these experiences/beliefs, Au Pair in America wishes to share this general information with our families.

Child Care Skills

Au Pairs in General

English Skills

Driving Skills

Education

Health

Child Care Skills

Applicants obtain childcare experience through formal schooling, or babysitting. Many South Korean girls tutor children in English and Math while attending university.
The mother is usually responsible for the majority of the childcare responsibilities.
It is becoming more common for both parents to work and be away from home during the day.

Au Pairs in General

The idea of being an au pair is not common in South Korea.
Applicants from South Korea are motivated by the opportunity to experience American culture and to improve their English.
Applicants do not have difficulty affording the program fees.
Young people in South Korea have the freedom of their family to socialize and date.
Curfews are very common.
Young women are accustomed to sharing in household chores.
Nudity is uncommon.
South Koreans are generous, warm, kind, and extremely hardworking.

English Skills

English is compulsory in South Korea.
English is taught beginning in elementary school through university. English education in South Korea used to focus on written English but this is changing to focus more on spoken English.

Driving Skills

The minimum driving age is age 18. Most applicants obtain their driving license between the ages of 21-22.
The driving license is not difficult to obtain, but it is relatively expensive.
It takes approximately two months obtain a license in South Korea.
The process in order to obtain the driver’s license is:
- Traffic safety training for 5hours
- Physical examination
- Written test
- The 1st practical test in the test area after driving a minimum of 20 hours
- The 2nd practical test in the real road after driving a minimum of 10 hours
The International driving permit is available.
Applicants must take formal driving lessons and practice using their parents’ car.
Most cars are automatic.

Education

Approximately 20% of young women continue their studies at University.
Others seek employment or get married.
The academic year starts in March and ends in November or December.
South Korean girls are very eager to improve their English.

Health

The most common inoculations are Tetanus, Typhoid, Diphtheria, Polio, Mumps, Whooping cough, and German measles.
Most young women are both inoculated and tested for TB (Tuberculosis).
South Korea has a free health service.
Most young women visit the dentist on a regular basis.
“Eating disorders” are not common among South Korean girls.

Diet

Most young people in South Korea eat meat.
Vegetarianism is not common.
A typical South Korean diet includes rice and kimchi (seasoned cabbage) and lots of vegetables as a traditional meal, but many people like western food such as bread, steaks, pasta and pizza.

Religion

The most common religions in South Korea are Christianity and Buddhism.
A young person would rarely choose to practice a religion that is different than her family’s religion. It is common for students to attend a religious-affiliated school that is not their own religion.

Telephone & Internet

Most homes have a telephone and a computer with access to the Internet.
Family members will not be able to take a message in English from a potential host family.

“By inviting a person from another country to join our family, live with us, and learn about our culture, we actually learn so much about ourselves, how our own culture and way of life appear through the lens of someone new.”

Belle, host parent
Massachusetts

“The flexibility the program affords us is outstanding. With other child care options, I always felt I was accommodating their schedule instead of my own.”

Jill, host parent
New Jersey

[Aupair-with-baby-in-SB.jpg]

Spain

July 26, 2019 by

AU PAIR CULTURE QUESTS

SPAIN

Southwest Europe
Capital: Madrid
Languages: Spanish (plus recognized regional languages)
Religion(s): Christianity
(predominantly Roman Catholic)

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Kids Culture Corner: Spain
CIA World Factbook

The following information is generalized and compiled from questions posed to the agents and interviewers in Spain. Although au pairs from this country may or may not have had these experiences/beliefs, Au Pair in America wishes to share this general information with our families.

Child Care Skills

Family

English Skills

Driving Skills

Education

Health

Child Care Skills

Most Spanish applicants have younger siblings or cousins, and it is common for them to help to take care of them.
There are plenty of qualified teachers in Spain who have just finished their teaching degree. These newly qualified teachers need to be fluent in English if they want to apply for a job in a public school.
It is common to babysit for neighbors or friends. Parents usually know their babysitters on a personal level before hiring them.

Family

On a general basis Spanish au pairs come from big families with at least 2 or 3 children, and families love getting together for big gatherings and special occasions.
Most young Spaniards live with their parents until their late twenties/early thirties.
Families are very close and are considered very reliable and supportive.

English Skills

Spanish au pair applicants usually have a strong understanding of written English, and good grammatical skills. Their spoken English is not as strong as the majority of English teachers are Spanish, but they tend to pick up the language quickly.
Spaniards are taught English from kindergarten onwards.
It is a common idea in Spain that people need to speak English fluently to find a job when they finish their education.

Driving Skills

Most people take their driving test when they turn 18 years old.
People tend to drive on a frequent basis if they live on the outskirts of cities. Those who live in cities tend to use public transport more frequently.
95% of cars are manual transmission.

Education

Education is compulsory and free for all children aged between 6 and 16 years, and is supported by the national government together with the governments of each of the country’s 17 autonomous communities.
Schools in Spain can be divided into 3 categories: State schools, privately run schools funded by the State and purely private schools.
Spanish students start their university degrees at the age of 17/18 years old, and it’s common for young women to choose to study teaching.

Health

There is a free health service in Spain called the National Spanish Health System.
It’s common to have a family doctor who remains the same throughout your lifetime if you stay in the same area.
People normally go to the doctor once a year to have a medical checkup, and life expectancy is generally considered high.

COMMON CHARACTERISTICS:

Spanish people love to talk and are usually considered to be friendly, happy and open.
Spanish people are generally willing to get involved and to try new things.
Most Spanish au pair applicants decide to travel abroad after finishing their degree, so they are in their twenties when they apply to the program. They are very attracted to the USA and its culture.

FUN FACTS:

The Twelve Grapes is a Spanish tradition which takes place at midnight on New Year’s Eve – the tradition consists of eating a grape with each bell strike and, according to the tradition, that leads to a year of prosperity!
Spain is well known for its Holy Week traditions, so the Easter Break (or Semana Santa) is an exciting, fun-filled time in Spain with processions and celebrations going on well into the early hours!
Spain is famous for its stunning islands, and millions of people worldwide travel to its islands each year – the Spanish themselves consider their islands “paradise.”

USEFUL PHRASES:

How are you? ¿Cómo estás?
Fine, thanks.: Bien, gracias.
My name is…: Me llamo …
Nice to meet you.: Encantado/a de conocerte.
Thank you.: Gracias.

“Is the best thing you could ever do. The organization is great and the country is awesome. You will have the time of your life.”– Ester – au pair from Spain

“Being an au pair is a great way to put yourself in a challenging but safe situation in which you will learn about other cultures as much as you will learn about your own.”– Mireia – au pair from Spain

“I would say that this is the perfect occasion to learn about the American culture while enjoying being with kids. Also, to learn a language while having fun.” – Elena – au pair from Spain

“The most important thing is that, like my host mum said…, I am part of the team. I share their daily routine and I am lucky to be with my host family.”

Verena, au pair
Germany

Sweden

July 26, 2019 by

AU PAIR CULTURE QUESTS

SWEDEN

Northern Europe
Capital: Stockholm
Languages: Swedish
Predominant Religion(s): Christianity (Protestant)

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Kids Culture Corner: Sweden
CIA World Factbook

The following information is generalized and compiled from questions posed to the agents and interviewers in Sweden. Although au pairs from this country may or may not have had these experiences/beliefs, Au Pair in America wishes to share this general information with our families.

Child Care Skills

Family

English Skills

Driving Skills

Education

Health

Child Care Skills

It is common for Swedes to take care of their siblings and cousins. It is considered natural that older children in the family take care of younger siblings, often driving them to after-school programs or to friends’ houses.
Children are taught responsibility by giving them light but regular tasks and duties from an early age.
Swedish children are listened to but not only in family life. Government offices and companies regularly bring in young Swedes and listen to their concerns to create room for their influence in their own future!

Family

For most parents, spending time outdoors and organizing sports activities means spending “quality time” spent with their children. It is very common for parents to be involved with sporting activities.
All year round in Sweden there’s at least one activity that can be enjoyed, come rain, shine or winter blizzard. And the government has made it easy to enjoy Sweden’s nature by giving people the Right of Public Access, Allemansrätten.
Parents are entitled to share 480 days, or around 16 months, of paid parental leave when a child is born!

English Skills

English is taught at all levels of education, starting in kindergarten. It is a compulsory subject in every kind of school from 1st grade to graduation. English classes focus on oral and written skills.
English-language movies and TV series are not dubbed in Sweden (subtitles are used instead). As a result, Swedes have everyday contact with spoken English when watching TV, going to the cinema or using the Internet.
Studies show that Swedes are some of the best non-native English speakers in the world!

Driving Skills

The minimum driving age in Sweden is 18. Most applicants obtain their driving license at this age. The process of obtaining the license is at least 6-12 months long.
Getting a driver’s license in Sweden is hard. You have to attend a professional driving school and take driving lessons. When you are ready, you take the final tests. To get there you have to pass a number of theoretical tests at the school; drive well on all kinds of roads; attend a four-hour lesson about the dangers of alcohol, drugs and tiredness whilst driving; and pass a lesson where you try driving on icy and snowy roads combined with a lesson on the dangers of speeding.
The final tests are hard to pass. The theoretical test contains about 60-70 questions and you can only get a few wrong. The driving test lasts 40-50 minutes.

Education

Education in Sweden is free and compulsory for 9 years. After the 9th school year, almost all Swedes continue to non-compulsory upper secondary school (high school).
The free education continues at university level for students from the EU, but fees apply to students from outside the EU/EEA.
Parents put a lot of focus on children’s education from a very young age. Children start to learn foreign languages very early on and take additional courses (e.g. dancing, ballet, arts & crafts, sports, horse-riding).

Health

Swedish policy states that every county council must provide residents with good quality health and medical care, and work to promote good health for the entire population. Regular medical check-ups are provided by schools at every stage of education.
Healthcare (including dental care) is essentially free in Sweden until the age of 20. Infants get free Vitamin D drops until the age of two – important in Sweden’s cold climate.
Dental care is free for all children. It is common to visit the dentist on a regular basis.

COMMON CHARACTERISTICS:

It is common knowledge in Sweden that “time” should be respected at all times – regardless of whether you’re going for an interview or a friendly fika. Meetings will start on time with or without you. The train leaves on time with or without you. Swedes value punctuality.
Swedes celebrate summer with an intensity that can only be found in a people who have just endured a long, dark winter.
Swedes are usually very straightforward and honest – they say it like it is!

FUN FACTS:

Fika is Swedish for a coffee break that is more about socializing than drinking coffee. Accompanying sweets are crucial. Cinnamon buns, cakes, cookies, even open-faced sandwiches pass as acceptable fika fare. Fika can happen at any time – morning as well as evening.
In mid-June, school is out and nature has burst into life. It seems like the sun never sets. In fact, in the north of Sweden it doesn’t, and in the south only for an hour or two. This calls for celebration! Friends and family gather for the most typically Swedish tradition of all: Midsummer. People often begin the day by picking flowers and making wreaths to place on the maypole.
A typical Midsummer menu features different kinds of pickled herring, boiled new potatoes with fresh dill, soured cream and chives. This is often followed by a grilled dish of some kind, such as spare rib or salmon, and for dessert the first strawberries of summer, with cream.

USEFUL PHRASES:

How are you? Hur mår du?
Fine, thanks. Bra, tack.
My name is… Jag heter…
Nice to meet you! Trevligt att träffas!
Thank you. Tack.

“You will make so many new friends and memories. You will be so proud and happy that you made it! What are you waiting for, go!” – Klara, au pair from Sweden

“It is the most challenging and rewarding thing I’ve ever done. I’ve learned so much about myself and a new country. The best part is that I now have two families, one in Sweden and one in the U.S.”– Sara, au pair from Sweden

“It’s the best adventure I’ve ever experienced.”– Johanna, au pair from Sweden

“By inviting a person from another country to join our family, live with us, and learn about our culture, we actually learn so much about ourselves, how our own culture and way of life appear through the lens of someone new.”

Belle, host parent
Massachusetts

Switzerland

July 26, 2019 by

AU PAIR CULTURE QUESTS

SWITZERLAND

Western Europe
Capital: Zurich
Languages: German, French, Italian, Romansh
Religion(s): Christianity
(predominantly Roman Catholic/Protestant)

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Kids Culture Corner: Switzerland
CIA World Factbook

The following information is generalized and compiled from questions posed to the agents and interviewers in Switzerland. Although au pairs from this country may or may not have had these experiences/beliefs, Au Pair in America wishes to share this general information with our families.

Child Care Skills

Family

English Skills

Driving Skills

Education

Health

Child Care Skills

Child care is very expensive, so mothers usually stay at home with the children, and sometimes grandparents get involved in childcare.
A lot of teenagers take courses in babysitting and often work as babysitters in their free time.
Swiss families believe in the value of positive motivation, and parents are very supportive of their children.

Family

The average number of children per family is around 1.5. Swiss women are among the oldest in Europe when they have their first child – at an average of 30.4 years old.
Swiss parents are very loving and supporting. Switzerland is a very family-oriented country, and people like outdoor activities like hiking or skiing.
Swiss are strong about traditions, and family time is very important.

English Skills

Traditionally, the first foreign language in school is always one of the other national languages plus English as a second foreign language.
English classes focus on oral and written skills.
In 2012, resident foreigners made up 23.3% of the population, so English is important. There are a lot of bilingual pre-schools and institutions in Switzerland.

Driving Skills

The minimum driving age in Switzerland is 18. Most applicants obtain their driving license at this age.
Completing a full First Aid course is required before the candidate is allowed to take the test.
Swiss drivers experience a variety of weather conditions, including rain, snow and ice, and drivers are very careful and stick to rules.

Education

Education is compulsory for 11 years (including two years of pre-school).
The Swiss are an educated population – in 2013, 86% of adults aged 25–64 had the equivalent of a high school diploma.
Parents put a lot of focus on children’s education from a very young age. Children start to learn foreign languages very early, and various additional courses (e.g. dancing, ballet, arts & crafts, sports, horse-riding) are added to the standard curriculum.

Health

Switzerland has the highest rate of people older than 100 years in Europe.
Healthcare in Switzerland is universal and is regulated by the Swiss Federal Law on Health Insurance. Health insurance is compulsory for all persons residing in Switzerland and covers the costs of medical treatment and hospitalization of the insured. However, the insured person still pays part of the cost of treatment.
Swiss tend to have very healthy teeth because of fluoride-containing groundwater. It is still common to visit the dentist on a regular basis.

COMMON CHARACTERISTICS:

Swiss people are very friendly and polite.
Small is beautiful: Swiss are modest and reserved in a pleasant way. It’s impolite to be too loud.
- - Traditions, quality, punctuality and perfectionism mean a lot to the Swiss. People in Switzerland take their time to fulfil duties and tasks perfectly instead of being overhasty.

FUN FACTS:

Switzerland has more than 1,500 lakes, and 70% of Switzerland is covered in mountains.
Chocolate is a major Swiss export – just 18 Swiss chocolate companies make 172,376 tons of chocolate in one year.
In Switzerland, it is illegal to keep just one guinea pig. You have to keep them in pairs.

USEFUL PHRASES:

How are you? Wie goots Ihne?
Fine, thanks. Dangge, guet, und Ihne?
My name is…. I heisse….
Nice to meet you. Fröit mi.
Thank you. Merci vielmal.

“ Go for it. Be positive and open. It has been one of the most important experiences in my life.”– Karolina – au pair from Switzerland

“It’s an experience that no one can ever take away from you. It opens your mind and you will learn that there are many different ways to live your life.”– Laura – au pair from Switzerland

“It was a life changing event for me and I would do it again.” – Natascha – au pair from Switzerland

“I like that I can go off to work knowing that I am leaving my children in their own home, happy and eager to spend the day with someone I trust and like very much.”

Hannah, host parent
Maryland

Thailand

July 26, 2019 by

AU PAIR CULTURE QUESTS

THAILAND

Southeast Asia
Capital: Bangkok
Languages: Thai
Predominant Religion(s): Buddhism

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Kids Culture Corner: Thailand
CIA World Factbook

The following information is generalized and compiled from questions posed to the agents and interviewers in Thailand. Although au pairs from this country may or may not have had these experiences/beliefs, Au Pair in America wishes to share this general information with our families.

Child Care Skills

Family

English Skills

Driving Skills

Education

Health

Child Care Skills

Extended family is very common in Thailand. Everyone in the family helps to take care of the younger members.
Many Thai people grow up caring for their younger family members or neighbours’ children. There is also a saying that the older siblings must take care of and give to the younger ones first.
Many older siblings are very familiar with helping their younger siblings with their homework or school projects.

Family

A close relationship within the family is very important for Thai families. It is very common for children to live with their parents even after they graduate from university or when they get their first job.
Most Thai families have 2-3 children, and many Thai people have a positive attitude towards having an extended family because everyone is able to help out.
Thai people teach their children to respect and obey older people, and light household chores are commonly taught/assigned to the children in the family at a young age.

English Skills

English is taught from kindergarten up to high school. At university, it is common for the non-English related majors to involve some English courses for the first two years of the degree.
English classes in schools often focus on grammar, reading and speaking. Usually, speaking classes are conducted by at least one native-speaking English teacher.
Private English schools are very easily found around town; they provide all types of English courses taught by native speakers.

Driving Skills

The minimum driving age is 18, and candidates have to either learn through a driving school or with a personal instructor.
The driving test consists of two full days of training and testing at the Department of Transport Office.
A candidate who fails any part of the driving test requirements will have to repeat the section(s) they have failed in order to obtain their license.

Education

Most students have access to a formal education system. This is divided into early year education, basic education, vocational education and higher education.
The Thai education system consists of 12 years of free basic education: 6 years of “Prathom” (primary education) and 6 years of “Mattayom” (secondary education). Enrollment in the basic education system begins at the age of 6.
Parents put high priority on their children’s education, and school selection requires serious consideration.

Health

Universal healthcare is provided through three programs: the civil service welfare system for civil servants and their families, Social Security for private employees, and the Universal Coverage scheme theoretically available to all other Thai nationals.
Thailand is the world leader for medical tourism in total volume, and in both high-end and low-end procedures.
Thailand follows general standards recommended by the Paediatric Society of Thailand when it comes to vaccinations.

COMMON CHARACTERISTICS:

The Thai Smile, a unique characteristic of Thais. Thais smile at other people easily even when they do not know them.
Thai Tolerance – Thais are very patient. When they are stuck in traffic for hours, they still smile. It is unlikely to hear the honk of the car in the street. People just stay calm.
Friendliness – if you are lost, you can ask anyone for directions. Even if those you ask are not able to communicate with you in your language, they will do everything they can to help you in a friendly and warm manner.

FUN FACTS:

Bangkok’s real name is “Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Ayuthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Piman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit.”
Thailand’s coastline is 3,219km long and has 1,430 islands, the most famous of which is Koh Phi Phi Lee, which was featured in Danny Boyle’s film “The Beach.”
Thailand was home to the first internationally-known conjoined twins, who were given the informal name of “Siamese Twins.” Eng and Chang were born in 1811 and moved to the U.S. where they both married, had children and lived to the age of 62.

USEFUL PHRASES:

How are you? Khun Pen Yang Rai?
Fine, thanks. Sabai dee, Kob Khun.
My name is… Chan Chue…
Nice to meet you! Yin Dee Tee Dai Phob Khun.
Thank you. Kob Khun Krub (m) / Ka (f).

“I love Au Pair in America! It gave me the opportunity to live with my wonderful host family and lovely kids, travel, go to school and meet new friends from other countries.” – Areewan – au pair from Thailand

“It’s a great opportunity for everyone to learn and see new things!”– Emmika – au pair from Thailand

“The au pair program is an amazing program for everyone who loves to learn more about culture and about other people around the world.” – Somranchana – au pair from Thailand

“You can not beat the flexibility of the Au Pair program. My au pairs have been so great that my friends want to steal them and take them home!”

Catherine , host parent
Connecticut