Meet Vianey, an adventurous soul with a love for children, a desire to enhance her English proficiency, and a craving for cultural exploration. Her journey as an au pair in the Netherlands has been nothing short of transformative. In this blog post, we delve into Vianey’s experiences, exploring the highs, the learnings, and the joys of becoming an au pair in a foreign land.
Why Become an Au Pair?
Vianey’s decision to become an au pair was fueled by a trifecta of motivations: her profound love for children, the aspiration to refine her English skills, and the yearning for cultural adventures. The prospect of living with a host family in a foreign country seemed like the perfect opportunity to immerse herself in a new culture while contributing her caregiving skills.
Nina.care played a pivotal role in shaping Vianey’s au pair journey, providing not only a platform to connect with prospective families but also unwavering support throughout the process. The agency’s assistance with essential matters such as matching, documentation, and ongoing support allowed Vianey to embark on her adventure with confidence.
Enjoying Life as an Au Pair in the Netherlands
Vianey’s experience as an au pair in the Netherlands has been overwhelmingly positive, marked by significant personal growth and cultural enrichment. One of the highlights for her has been the improvement of her English language skills. Coming from her home country Mexico, living in an English-speaking environment and conversing daily with native speakers has not only sharpened her language abilities but also boosted her confidence.
The relationships forged during her time as an au pair are equally noteworthy. Vianey has met incredible people, both within her host family and through connections with other au pairs. With Nina.care, we host regular au pair events in cities across the country to encourage au pairs to share stories and build friendships through their common experience.
Travel has been an integral part of Vianey’s au pair experience. Exploring new cities, navigating through picturesque landscapes on her bike, and discovering the hidden gems of the Netherlands has given her a newfound sense of independence and freedom. Weekend trips have broadened her horizons and allowed her to embrace her love for exploring new places.
While the Netherlands has been a perfect fit for Vianey, Nina.care also offers exciting opportunities in other countries like au pairing in the UK and au pairing in Germany. Each destination presents a unique set of experiences, making it crucial for potential au pairs to consider their preferences and expectations during the matching process.
Privacy Matters: Living with the Host Family
One might wonder about the dynamics of privacy when living with a host family as room and board is a foundational part of the au pair program. For Vianey, this aspect has been surprisingly smooth. She enjoys a dedicated space within the family home, providing a comfortable retreat when needed. Striking a balance between feeling like a part of the family and having moments of privacy is vital. It is important to openly discuss expectations around privacy during the matching process to ensure a seamless living arrangement.
Feeling integrated into the daily life of her host family while having the freedom to unwind in her own space has been a key factor in Vianey’s positive experience. This delicate balance has contributed to a supportive environment that fosters personal growth and mutual understanding.
Free Time Adventures
In her free time, Vianey indulges in various activities that contribute to both her personal growth and her understanding of the host country. Exploring new cities, visiting museums, and hitting the gym are among her favorite pastimes. Vianey also places great value on spending time with fellow au pairs and local friends, deepening her connection with the community.
Utilizing her free time to travel and explore the host country has been a priority for Vianey. She recommends looking into affordable travel options, such as the ‘weekend vrij‘ pass, which allows for economical and convenient weekend getaways within the Netherlands.
Would She Recommend It?
Without a doubt, Vianey highly recommends the au pair experience to others. The combination of childcare, language learning, and cultural immersion has made her journey rich in experiences and learnings. Becoming an au pair, has not only been an opportunity to contribute to a family but also a transformative adventure that has broadened her horizons and shaped her perspective on life.
Vianey’s au pair journey in the Netherlands has been a once-in-a-lifetime experience marked with love, learning, and laughter. Through her eyes, we see the beauty of cultural exchange and the transformative power of embracing new experiences. For those considering the au pair path, Vianey’s story serves as an inspiring testament to the enriching adventure that awaits.
Ready to start your au pair adventure with Nina.care? Join us, today.
