Namn: Emma
Plats i USA: Maryland
Antal barn: 2
Åldrar: 8 and 11
Har varit i USA i (månader): 3
What were your reasons for applying as an au pair? I wanted the adventure, to get to know a family across the ocean, improve my English and challenge myself.
Tell us about your host family: It’s a very busy family, two hardworking parents and the children have a lot of afterschool activities. They’re fond of outdoor activities and they’re very close family.
Describe the area you live in: It’s a beautiful place to live in if you love living close to both nature and the big city.
What does a typical day look like? I start at 7 am by making breakfast and pack lunchbags. I walk them to school and pick them up, make sure they do their homework and practice their instruments. I take them to afterschool activities and give them showers every now and then. I make sure they look after their puppy and we play together.
What do/did you study and why did you choose the course? I’m doing the UCLA online course where I’m to learn more about the US and teach a group of people about my country. I thought it would be interesting and I figured the way it’s structured would fit me well.
Tell us about any traveling you have done or are planning to do: I’ve been to Philadelphia so far and I’ve planned to visit Baltimore and NY, perhaps Boston as well to see some of the other east coast cities. I’m hoping I’ll be able to visit Florida during new year.
What have you gained during the year? I’ve learned a lot, even though I might not be able to put a finger on it. You’ll challenge yourself and you’ll grow with it.
What has been the best experience so far? I’ve realized that I’m wiser than I thought.
How have you been spending you pocket money? My goal’s to save half of my weekly salary for the trips I tend to do. The other half has mostly been spend on shoes and lunches.
What do/did you find most challenging about being an au pair? Finding my roll in the family.
Write a short message to girls thinking about joining Skandinaviska Institutet / Au Pair in America: Taking the step to becoming an au pair could probably be compared with getting on a rollercoaster. It’ll take you on a ride through heaven and hell, but I know that the last stop on the ride is going back to my loved Sweden and home, which is comforting when I’m struggling. I believe that it’s a good choice of organisation/s.