Reply to Ugh...really down on the au pair program. Anyone having a good experience out there?

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Reply to "Ugh...really down on the au pair program. Anyone having a good experience out there?"

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[quote=Anonymous]So sorry for those who have had bad experiences.  Just heard about an AP in our cluster, arrived in November, homesick, had plans from get-go to go home for Christmas.  Then told the family she wouldn't be back afterward.  Then told the family on a Saturday (with no notice) that she's moved her flight up and was leaving the following Monday!  I can hardly believe the irresponsibility!

We've had 2 good APs.  They were both young.  (1st was 20, turned 21 while here; 2nd was 18, turned 19 while here).

What we've tried to look for when interviewing APs was independence.  This could take the form of having lived away from home, but frankly you exclude a lot of girls it that is a deal-breaker for you.  Some things that show independence: having a serious hobby/p-t job with some level of increasingly responsibility.  Our 1st AP was a volunteer with the Red Cross and camp counselor at Red Cross camp in the summer.  She'd never lived away from home.  Our 2nd AP coached a youth sport team; had done short (1-2 week) language-study stays abroad.

Also to helps to find out why they are doing this program?  Was it their idea?  What do their parents think about it?  I've seen a bunch of homesick girls return quickly home - in my opinion their parents (not host parents - their actual parents) are playing a big role in this.  If their parents are fearful/don't really support the AP year, they may be crying on Skype, begging girls to come home, or simply encouraging them to come home & not one word about how immature/irresponsible the daughter is being.  I know for one that my parents had I been an AP, would have reacted with "buck up!  You'll make it through!  Beginning is hard!"  I'm afraid a lot of parents are taking the opposite approach, allowing their daughters to cave in at the first sign of challenge.

I've Skype interviewed with both of our AP's parents by the way (as a last interview or next to last).  I think from both sides it's a good idea.
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