Au Pair em Itália
Lilly, Alemã
lang="en" Unforgettable Experience as Au Pair in Sicily, Italy (August – September 2023)
During August and September 2023, I had the privilege ❱❱
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Unforgettable Experience as Au Pair in Sicily, Italy (August – September 2023)
During August and September 2023, I had the privilege of working as an au pair for a wonderful family in Sicily, Italy. Two months of unforgettable experiences, filled with personal and professional growth. I am deeply grateful to the family for their kindness and for making me feel at home, as well as teaching me a lot—not only about how they lived, but also by taking me to many family and social events to experience Sicilian culture.
One of my key responsibilities was teaching the family’s daughter German, but I also helped her with her schoolwork, particularly in German and Math. As I did not speak a word of Italian when I arrived, I was a bit unsure if I would be able to get the hang of it since only the father spoke English and German. However, since he was often working, I had to rely on Google Translate for communication and made an effort to learn Italian in my free time. We worked together on German vocabulary, grammar, and speaking skills, while also focusing on her school homework. Math became a central part of our routine, and I enjoyed helping her understand the problems. She would try to explain them to me in German, and I would find more visual ways to help her grasp the concepts. This taught me the importance of consistency and responsibility.
This role challenged me to be adaptable in my teaching methods. With both subjects, I had to find creative ways to keep her engaged, whether through educational games, interactive learning activities, or hands-on problem-solving for math. I also had to use playful methods, especially during times when the main activities were playing video games or being at the pool. I definitely improved my patience and flexibility, as it was important to adjust to her learning style.
One of the highlights of my time in Sicily was the amazing trips the family took me on. We visited beautiful beaches and cities such as Catania and Taormina. One particularly memorable experience was the visit they organized for me to Mount Etna, one of Sicily’s most famous landmarks. The trip was really exciting and educational, as I learned about the history and geology of the volcano.
When school started in September, I had the opportunity to explore Catania on my own. This free time allowed me to discover the local culture, visit historical landmarks, and experience the relaxed pace of life in Sicily, while improving my Italian. I spent time in restaurants eating pasta or sitting in the main square enjoying gelato. (One of the best carbonaras I’ve ever had!) This balance between work and free time also taught me the importance of flexibility and time management.
Being an au pair in a foreign country required me to adapt to new environments, routines, and expectations. I learned how to manage my responsibilities while living in a different culture and a new environment, where I was not on my own but constantly surrounded by others. The family trusted me to care for their daughter’s education and well-being, which significantly boosted my confidence in managing various tasks.
Overall, my time as an au pair in Sicily was an enriching experience that made me grow as a person. Not only did I gain valuable skills in teaching and childcare, but I also developed the ability to balance work, free time, and the responsibilities that come with caring for a child. The family’s warmth and interest, along with the incredible opportunities to explore the island, made this experience truly special.
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