Welcome to our latest blog in our series, “Balancing Life as an Au Pair in America”. This blog will give you some tips on how to adjust to your new life and new home in the USA.
Make Your Space Feel Like Home
When you move to a new place, it’s important to make your space feel comfortable and familiar. You can decorate your living area with personal items. Bring along photos of loved ones, mementos from home, or favourite books. These small touches can make a big difference in creating a cosy atmosphere.
Another idea to help get you adjusted is to set up a memory corner—a special area where you place items that remind you of home. This could include souvenirs, personal photos, or anything that brings back fond memories. By adding these personal elements, you can create a comforting environment that helps you feel more at home, even in a new country.
Celebrate Your Heritage
To feel closer to home while living abroad, try celebrating your heritage. Cook traditional meals from your home country to enjoy familiar tastes and remind yourself of your culture. Also, celebrate holidays from your home country, even if they are not recognised in your new country. By doing this, you can keep your traditions alive and make your new place feel more like home this can also be another great way to connect with your host family and show them something from your home whilst living in their home.
Stay Connected
To feel close to home while living abroad, make sure to stay in touch with family and friends. Schedule regular calls or video chats to keep up with each other and feel connected. Also, share your experiences by sending updates, photos, and stories about your new life. This helps you stay close to your loved ones and keep them involved in your journey. This will also help you to adjust to your new lifestyle.
Document Your Journey
Writing in a journal is a great way to manage your feelings while living abroad. Record your experiences, thoughts, and emotions. It can help you process your feelings and see how you’re growing. Also, take photos of your new life to create a visual diary. These pictures will help you remember special moments and track your journey. It will also make the best souvenir for when you go home and you can look back on your favorite memories!
Adjusting to a new country can be challenging, but you can make it easier by celebrating your heritage with traditional meals and home holidays. Personalise your space with familiar items and keep a memory corner to feel at home. Stay connected with family through regular calls and share updates and photos. Also, keep a journal and take photos to track your experiences. These steps can help you feel more settled and enjoy your adventure abroad.
Stay tuned for our next blog in the “Balancing Life as an Au Pair in America” series, where we’ll continue to share tips and advice to help you make the most of your Au Pair experience.
Click here to read our other blogs!
