I'm Nodira, I'm 28 years old and I'm a former Au Pair from Tajikistan. At the moment, I am working as a certified nursing assistant in a university hospital.
 

I feel as if I was on the plane to Frankfurt only yesterday to start my Au Pair adventure. But the truth is that it has been almost 4 years now. When I decided to become an Au Pair, I simply wanted to spend a year abroad on another continent, expand my worldview, get to know another culture and travel as much as possible. And that is exactly what I did!
 

My Host Family lived in a small town, Schwäbisch Gmünd in Baden-Württemberg. I took care of two little girls who were 5 and 7 years old. I arrived at the A1 level with German language skills. Since the family was Turkish and I already had an A2 level in Turkish, it was even more difficult to learn German. This was the first and biggest difficulty. There were many days when I thought that I would give up, but I never did. In the meantime, I started to make new friends and attended a language course. 
 

My task was to accompany children to kindergarten and school. I helped Azranur with her homework and I taught little Feyzanur to read and count. I had to cook 3 times a day and bake at least 2 or 3 times a week. When shopping I was always there and helped. I also accompanied the children to the logo and occupational/ergo therapy and put them to bed in the evening. Nevertheless I was able to travel a little bit through Europe with my friend and visit the nearest cities: Rome, Milan and Barcelona.
 

In Germany I made many wonderful experiences. I like life in Germany, new acquaintances, new places. I have never regretted being here. It is worth it! That's why I continue to work on realizing my goals and wish everyone to find exactly what they need.

From what I still want to say to future Au Pair girls: take care of yourself physically and mentally, take care of your personality when you are here. Yes, we, as Au Pairs, agree to accept the rules of a completely different family and live with them. Often this is something new, good, interesting. But do not forget yourself and what is important to you. Don't be afraid to say no or discuss anything. Be honest with the family and with the children, also with yourself. And value your time and your strength.

 

Best wishes

Nodira