SIIRI’S STORY | GETTING OUT OF MY COMFORT ZONE

by Au Pair in America au-pair

“I have to say that my experience has been bigger and better than I ever imagined it could be. I have learned so much and I have totally got out of my comfortable zone. I’ve had some days where I have felt tired and things have been tough but the majority of my year was full of fun and great times with the best people!”

 

I decided to apply to become an au pair because I love kids and I have been around kids since I was a little girl. I’d never really thought about wanting to live in America but during my last year at high school, I asked my aunt who used to be an au pair in the USA, why had she decided to go to the USA and did she think it would be something I should do. I still wasn’t sure if this was the right option for me but then we found the Au Pair in America website and I wanted to know more about it. Before I knew it, I had signed up and started my application. A couple of weeks later, the local Au Pair in America representative in Estonia called me and asked if I was still interested in the program and what my plans were.  That’s pretty much how my adventure got started. I thought it would be a good idea to get out of my comfortable zone, see the world, meet other people, experience a new culture and improve my English skills.

Orientation was very fun. They were teaching us some basic things about our role as au pairs and how to ensure we had a successful year with our host families. I made so many new friends from lots of different countries. I remember feeling amazed at how many girls were there to be an au pair just like me.  During my Orientation I was very excited and nervous to meet with my host family because I had only seen them twice via Skype and we had chatted lots by email. Finally, it was time for us to meet and it was SO nice. They were lovely to me from the beginning and they have continued to be lovely to me through-out my time with them. I can honestly say that I found a really wonderful host family.

Definitely I have to say that my experience has been bigger and better than I ever imagined it could be. I have learned so much and I have totally got out of my comfortable zone. I’ve had some days where I have felt tired and things have been tough but most of my year was full of fun and great times with great people. I travelled a lot by myself, with my family and with my international friends. My speaking skills have improved and I’m much more confident communicating with others in English. Everyone says this but it is so amazing how much you change during your time in the USA, I learned a lot about myself and I’m still learning new things about myself now I’m in my extension year.

For au pairs who are thinking about applying, go for it! It is a big adventure for you and it’s a lot of change all at the same time… a new language, a new culture, new friends and learning to be away from your home for so long. I can say only that it is worth it. Some people definitely miss their homes and it is totally normal to feel this way but don’t give up on this amazing experience too easily. The first months were the hardest for me to get used to but I got through them and I’m so happy that I came here, it’s been such a great experience. I was the girl who said that I’m only staying as an au pair for one year then I’ll go back to Estonia but that didn’t quite go to plan… Now I’m in my second year and I only have 5 more months to go. The time is going so fast that you even can’t understand.

ARE YOU READY TO GET OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE AND TRY SOMETHING NEW? REGISTER ON OUR SITE AND BEGIN YOUR APPLICATION TODAY! YOU COULD BE AN AU PAIR IN AMERICA BEFORE YOU KNOW IT.

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