Experience report: Luba, a Russian Au Pair in Spain

Being in France, where I gained my first experience as a Russian Au Pair, I enjoyed the time with my Host Family and their children. I also learned a lot of French words, phrases. I was fascinated by French cuisine, we often invited guests and were guests in other homes. Probably the first thing I noticed was the way my family took me in.

I was accepted as a family member, as an older sister. Of course, it took me a few days to adapt in a new place, but it was absolutely natural. The family in France helped me to start speaking French, opened up their culture to me, and in the meantime I helped their children to learn new words in English, sometimes talking about Russia.
 

In Spain I was lucky to live with a Latvian-Spanish family, where the children’s mother speaks Russian very well (my native language). There I lived in the most beautiful city - San Sebastian - in my opinion. Everybody in Spain speaks English very well and that's why I met many people there, who also had a rest or came as a tourist. We communicated with the children in this family in Russian, so they could learn new words and expressions. In addition, I also learned and practiced a little Spanish, but more often I spoke to the children's father in English.

I spent about three months in this city and it was enough to spend it interestingly and useful: to learn a new language, to learn Spanish culture, to meet new people and travel a lot. 
 

I am madly happy that I spent this time with those children, with families. This is an experience that I want every young person to experience. An experience that will change the way you think and bring bright colors to your daily life. Once you take a chance, you can be happy for life.