A Home Away From Home

I just noticed! It’s the end of the week and I haven’t even talked about my Host Family! First, I want to thank God for allowing me to have this wonderful opportunity and to be placed with such a great family! Since this was my first time traveling (and living) outside the US, I thought it would be better to find a Host Family to live with during my first year here in Spain; instead of living in an apartment alone, or with people I don’t know. I chose to live with a family as an Au Pair.

When most people think of an Au Pair, they often worry about what kind of “work” they would be required to do, or whether or not they’ll have “freedom” to do what they want during their time abroad. I can’t speak for others and their experiences, but I can say thus far my Host Family has been / is amazing! I have my own room, with a TV and I share the bathroom with the kids. Speaking of which (the kids), are adorable! Well, I guess I should say “handsome” because they’re two boys ages 5 & 7. They’re very active and sometimes they even fight. Nothing I’m not already accustomed to. The parents are both professionals and they treat me as part of the family, not as an employee. And for this, I’m very appreciative. I can go to the fridge and grab a bite to eat just as I would if I were at home in Alabama. I can ask them for advice. And most of all, I can practice my Spanish! I can genuinely say I’m living as a Spaniard, because I participate in their daily activities and I see how daily life is in Spain. I can only imagine what it would be like living “alone” as a first-timer outside the States. Sure you’d meet people your age, and they may even speak English, but you just can’t “trust” anyone.

Advice: Apply through an agency. That way, if there are any problems or things you are uncomfortable with (schedule, responsibilities, etc.) you can talk to the agency representative that coordinated the match. It will also prevent you from feeling uncomfortable “confronting” the parents regarding any issues because you won’t have to.
Family Time Fun Beginner Dinner Games