I was an Au Pair from August 2009 until July 2010.
The first question I had to ask myself before I really could go to England, was ,if I would manage to live in a Hostfamily for one year far away from my family and friends. I was worrying far too much.
My Hostfamily tried from the very beginning to make it as comfortable as possible for me. I was the third Au Pair in this family so they already knew what to expect. I enjoyed my year in England and would do it all over again if I could.
Working as an Au Pair is not as easy as most of the people think. It's not just about the children you mostly have to clean as well.
I found it sometimes really hard to look after the children and to clean the house. You really need to understand the children you are working with and you have to enjoy the time with them. Even if they are naughty.
But nevertheless I enjoyed my year abroad. It was the best decision ever. Before I went to England I couldnt really speak english. And now 1 year later I'm so good in english that I will even start studying in english.
You wont realise at first when you improve but after 3-4 month you will be able to speak much quicker and more fluently with much more vocabulary. What really helps to get used to the language is movies, books and friends. I was speaking for one year just English, I watch english movies and bought english books. It helps a lot to understand phrases and Grammar. My College class also helped me a lot.
But the most important thing was to speak with foreign people. The people who live in the UK are very friendly and more then likely to help you when you make mistakes.
I found many friends with whom I will still keep in touch.
Multikultur organises in England an Au Pair meeting where you have the possibility to meet other Au Pairs and they always keep in touch with you.
So don't hesitate it's worth it to go abroad.
Annika
