Being an Au Pair is a memorable experience for many reasons, especially because you can get to know, learn and live foreign cultures from the inside, together with a family.
Italy is a beloved destination for Au Pairs, due to its cultural heritage,
the beauty of its well-known cities, the tasty food and its fascinating culture. Even if Italian people are famous for their welcoming and warm-hearted attitude, an Au Pair going to Italy may face the very common
cultural shock, at least at first, since moving in a foreign country is always challenging, even for the bravest ones. That’s why we thought you might need some useful tips for your happy stay in Italy.
Get information about Italy and Italians but leave all the prejudices at home!
Before leaving for your
Au Pair experience in Italy, try to find out the main information about the Italian lifestyle but be careful to avoid the stereotypes! We know they are everywhere, and they might be based on a partial truth, but don’t be too influenced by them! Italians are too loud? They drive like crazy? Don’t worry about that, you’ll be fine (but still be careful when you cross the street). Embrace the new context, learn and make the best out of it.
Focus on the Host Family
Once you get rid of the pizza and mandolino stuff, try to concentrate on the Host Family.
The first days can be hard, but don’t worry because the Italian family will be right there, ready to make you feel at home. Focus especially on the children, since they will be your main concern and getting along with them means getting along with the family as well! Gaining the trust of a child can be difficult at first, but then they will open their hearts and their family will too.
Au Pairing is not just about taking care of children
The program requires a great effort from the Au Pair to get used to the new habits, but in the long run it will be a successful way to approach life in the future. Try to clarify the
routine with the family in the first few days, so that you can get used to it gradually, without any shock.
Open up!
If you want to break the ice, you can tell the Host Family about your story, your family and your country. Italians are happy to share their lives and an Au Pair can really enrich their perspective. They will certainly ask you to teach them some of your typical dishes or words of your native language, showing them off to their friends later.
Get to know people – other Au Pairs
Well, if you want to hear a true stereotype, it’s absolutely not difficult to
make friends in Italy. You’ll see that as soon as you go out, there will be plenty of people who want to get to know you. Cafés, parks, libraries, clubs are the best places to make new friends. You can also look for another Au Pair in your town!
Collective skype calls
Why not? You can have a collective
skype call, including your family and the Host Family. In this way you can create a good relationship with everyone.
Learn the language!
Language courses are always recommended and, in this case, speaking a little Italian will be very useful! Depending on where you go, it might be difficult to find people speaking English, so it’s always better to know the ABC. Italians will appreciate your effort, so go along with Buongiorno, buonasera and ciao bella, keywords that will always help you. And why don’t you let your Host child help you in learning?
Happy meal!
You know, mealtime is the most important part of the Italian day. You won’t meet an Italian who doesn’t think about what to eat for lunch or dinner. Mealtime is shared with every member of the family, in the kitchen or in the dining room, and you will doubtlessly be asked to enjoy them.
Family and food go hand in hand as we say.
Follow these tips and you will feel confident and happy throughout all your experience in Italy! Don’t be afraid and enjoy your time.
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