Namn: Sandra
Plats i USA: Virginia
Antal barn: 3
Åldrar: 12, 10 and 8.
Har varit i USA i: 2,5 months
What were your reasons for applying as an au pair?
To get an adventure, live in America which has always been my dream and to experience the lifestyle guided by a real American family, with all their holidays and everyday life, you can’t get that from just a vacation here, and of course- to have the time of my life.
Tell us about your host family:
My host family is the right match for me, we have a lot in common. They’re very kind, fun and funny!
Describe the area you live in:
I live in a suburban to Washington D.C., everything is so beautiful here, It’s a great neighbourhood, very safe and not so busy. Population approximately 100.000.
I know everyone’s wondering about the weather, 30-40c in summer and 0-10 in winter, although winter is usually about two months, I’m writing this October 26th with 18c out.
What does a typical day look like?
I start working at 7am, getting kids out of bed, packing lunch bags and walking them to the bus stop. I’m off from about 9am to 3.50 pm when I meet them at the bus stop again, they usually have a snack and starts on their homework, there’s at least one activity per day, often two since I have 3 kids. My host mom and I work together with their schedules driving and picking up or stay to watch practices. Those that doesn’t have an activity can have a play date sometimes or usually just play with me, time for dinner and then get ready for bed and I read out loud to the girl (10 and 8), bedtime is at 9pm and then I get off for the day. I’m usually free on weekends.
What do/did you study and why did you choose the course?
Haven’t started yet, I’m aiming for sth at Georgetown University.
Tell us about any traveling you have done or are planning to do:
I went to Aspen with my host family, in August, where they have a ski house so we’re going back this winter to snowboard and ski. In August we went horseback riding in the mountains, white water rafting in Colorado river and hiked at the top of Aspen mountain. We’ve also been to Carlsbad, California where the kids and I got a surfing lesson in the pacific ocean and also swam in the mornings and evenings, went to Sea World in San Diego among other things.
Ofc, you go to New York at your orientation and I’m going back to NYC for Halloween this weekend, it’s pretty close to D.C. However, I’m planning on going to Harry Potter world Orlando Florida, Miami, Florida, Hawaii, go back to Cali to see L.A, San Francisco and Sacramento, Las Vegas, Nevada, The Niagara falls and Grand Canyon.
What have you gained during the year?
I haven’t been here for long but I’ve already learned a lot, you’ll become more independent and responsible. You’ll grow and learn new things about yourself. Let’s not forget- you’ll become more urbane.
What has been the best experience so far?
To live in an American family, there’s no better way to experience America than with natives.
How have you been spending you pocket money?
So far, shopping… unfortunately, but also sightseeing, eating out etc. I do save a little money every week for my vacation and travel month.
What do/did you find most challenging about being an au pair?
That would probably be living in another family with a different lifestyle than you’re used to. Contradicting that is one of the best parts too.
Write a short message to girls thinking about joining Skandinaviska Institutet / Au Pair in America:
Do it. It’s not about what you’re going to miss from home when you’re here, it’s about what you’re missing out on staying home. VÅGA OCH VINN!