“This is the best experience of my life,” states Priscila “Pri” Pires Bispo, referring to her experience living in Maryland and working as an au pair for a Baltimore family.
Getting started: Pri decided to become an au pair because she wanted to learn a new culture. She liked the idea of working with children, and had experience teaching children in her native country, Brazil. She knew that working as an au pair would be an easy way for her to adapt to the differences of someplace new. Pri believed that the comfort and affection she would both give and receive from the children would make it easier for her to be away from her friends and family in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Pros: She enjoys meeting people. Pri also enjoys working and communicating with her host family and the people around her. She states that everyone she has met in Baltimore has been very friendly and curious about her job as an au pair. She enjoys improving her mastery of the English language as well as playing with the children each day.
Cons: It’s hard to be away from her family for such a long period of time. Au pairs sign up to work in the United States for either a one or two year span. She tries to stay busy and involved with others so she doesn’t dwell on missing her loved ones back home in Brazil.
Advice: Pri recommends that others interested in learning about a different culture pursue becoming an au pair. She warns that it’s not an easy job. You have to be strong, flexible, mature, and trust worthy.
Compensation: Au pairs are paid a weekly stipend by their host families. Pri indicates that because room and board is provided, she doesn’t spend very much money. She sees this as a very economical way to experience a new culture.
Extra: To learn more about what it is like to be a host family, please send Pri’s host family an email with any questions you might have by clicking here. If you are considering hosting an au pair you can also contact Dr. Sharon Thomas Parker, local coordinator for Culture Care Au Pair (be sure to mention this article to her when you talk).
Columbia Area Mothers of Multiples
