Welcome to our latest series, “Balancing Life as an Au Pair in America.” Our next blog is all about the benefits of a social life. For Au Pairs, finding the right balance between responsibilities and personal growth is important, and having time to socialise is a great way to do this.
Make it a point to schedule some time to socialise, whether it’s with your friends you have made in the states or even calling your friends and family at home. Quality time with people you care about can be a great way to break up the day and relax if you’re stressed about your day or other responsibilities. Plus, having healthy social relationships are important for overall mental and physical health, which can translate into your job.
Cluster Group Meetings:
Being an Au Pair in America is an exciting adventure filled with new experiences, and one of the best ways to make friends and build connections is through cluster meetings organised by your Community Counsellor. These gatherings bring together Au Pairs from the same state, providing a fantastic opportunity to bond over shared experiences and create lasting friendships. Whether it’s hitting the bowling lanes for some friendly competition, cheering on your favourite team at a sporting event, enjoying a leisurely day at the park or sharing a delicious meal at an organised dinner, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
These activities not only allow you to explore your new surroundings but also foster a sense of community and support among fellow Au Pairs. Plus, the memories made during these gatherings will undoubtedly be cherished for years to come, serving as a reminder of the incredible journey you embarked on as an Au Pair in America.
Tips on how to make Au Pair friends:
Making friends from other nationalities can be a rich and rewarding experience, offering you insights into different cultures, languages and perspectives. Here are some tips to help you build these friendships:
- Be Open and Curious: Approach people with openness and a genuine interest in learning about their culture and background, you can ask thoughtful questions and listen actively to their stories and experiences.
- Attend Cultural Events: Look for cultural festivals, exhibitions, or performances specific to different nationalities as these events are often social and designed to bring people together.
- Learn Basic Phrases: Learning a few key phrases in another person’s language can go a long way in showing respect and interest. It often makes the other person feel appreciated and more comfortable.
- Leverage Social Media and Apps: There are numerous apps and social media platforms that can help you connect with people from other countries there are platforms like Meetup, Tandem or even language exchange sites can be useful.
- Be Respectful of Cultural Differences: Be aware of cultural sensitivities, which might include differences in communication styles, punctuality, or even humor, understanding and respecting these differences is crucial.
- Share Your Culture: Just as you’re curious about their culture, share yours too! Invite them to celebrate your holidays, or offer to cook traditional dishes from your country.
- Be Patient: Building friendships across cultures can sometimes take time, especially as everyone adjusts and finds common ground. Be patient with the process and with any communication barriers that might arise.
- Volunteer: Engaging in community service or volunteering for organisations that focus on multicultural integration can be a fantastic way to meet people from other nationalities.
- Be Yourself: Finally, be authentic. Friendships built on genuine interactions are those that last. Be yourself and allow your new friends to appreciate you for who you are.
By embracing these approaches, you can enrich your social circle with diverse and interesting people from around the world.
Click here to find out more about becoming an Au Pair in America!
