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Experience of Scottish Au Pairs in Europe – testimonials and photographs

Experience of Eleanor – a third year French and German student at St Andrews University who went to France as a summer au pair

I was looking after two girls aged 7 and 9 in a village outside Paris. The parents were lovely and I was made to feel at home and never had to work longer than my 30 hours. The girls were not easy but in between the daily battles (on everything from bed-making to clothing to wearing flip-flops to school) I liked them very much, and it was certainly never boring! My French came on enormously (and my cooking skills improved, as I had to feed the children, which I very much enjoyed: they were also subjected to Scottish baking, and millionaires' shortbread was a definite success). Sun, 34 degrees, origami birds, water fights, a serious initiation in the art of playing 'chat perché', and a new job as the resident horse, ever available for rides, made up a thoroughly enjoyable and interesting summer. Most importantly, I have learned that you can indeed say 'Whatever ye say, yersel' in French: the answer to everything (in particular 'T'es nulle!', T'es pas gentille!' and 'T'es méchante!') is 'N'importe quoi!'

Thank you very much for all your help. I had a lovely time and would recommend it to anyone who does not mind being away from home and possibly having to cope with far from angelic children: mine were really fine and I generally enjoyed working with them, but some of the other au pairs in my village had awful kids. It is definitely worthwhile trying to something with your time off: I was lucky enough to have my weekends free and went to church. The congregation was very kind and welcoming, and lovely as my family was, it was good to get involved in something outside work.

Thanks again and best wishes,
Eleanor

Experience of Louise, who spent 12 months with a family in Geneva, looking after three children, Oriane, Erine and Loris, age 7, 6 and 4.

I’d say that this year has been a lot harder work wise than I thought, but my French is so much better now, I have a lot more confidence in myself, and I’ve grown up A LOT. I’ve learned a lot more than childcare and French during the year. The hardest thing has been learning to live with another family, to adapt your life to theirs – you have to be very adaptable and can’t always do what you like.

The au pair who was here before me thought it would be like a bit of a holiday, with a couple of nights a week babysitting, free lodging and food. She was a bit surprised to find out she’d have to look after the children twice a week from 7am till 7pm! Obviously it’s different with every family but you have to be prepared to earn your keep. You also have to be ready to integrate with the family and especially the kids, who may feel no need to try to get on well with you – they are in their own home with their own parents and will quickly understand whether you care about getting on with them. You need to be able to take comments and criticism without arguing – you are there to help and to learn and you should try your best to do things the way the family wants them done. It has been easier than I imagined being away from friends and family though – when you’re working hard the time goes by quickly, and the internet makes it very easy to keep in touch. My biggest tip is just to expect the unexpected and to have an open mind. There will be times you are a bit down and want to go home but there are times you’ll be enjoying yourself too much to notice! I know I would recommend this to anyone and if I had a chance to go back a year I would definitely do it again!
Good luck, Louise

Louise is now studying Law with French Law at Aberdeen University

On being an au pair: Louise’s twin sister Jennifer spent 11 months with a family in a small village in North East France, looking after Camille and Guillaume, age 4 and 2

My year in France was a great experience. It was
a bit daunting at the start – everyday French was quite different to what we learnt at school. I had hoped to be in a city or town but found myself in a small village; however the family were lovely and did everything they could to make me feel at home. I found that living in a village had advantages – the locals were very welcoming and I soon knew everyone in the village. Over the year I realised my ambition of becoming fluent in French but I also matured, gained a lot of self-confidence and now feel I can tackle anything!

Jennifer is now studying French, Psychology and Spanish at St. Andrews University

And a mother’s view point from Anne, whose daughter Megan split her gap year between Germany and France prior to starting a primary teaching degree.

Sending your child to work as an aupair is a daunting prospect - will she be safe? Will she cope? Will the family make her welcome? We felt less than confident in the agencies we were in touch with. Mégan seemed no more than a number, hastily computer-matched with families far outside the area we had specified. So it was a tremendous relief when Ruth from Aupair Ecosse contacted us personally. Communication with her was effortless and efficient; she understood our worries and really seemed to care that Mégan found the right match. Before signing the contract Mégan was in regular phone and email contact with her family and already felt she knew them a little. Crucially, she understood what would be expected of her and what she could expect in return. The family she's aupairing for have been more than kind. Au-pairing can be hard work and caring for three children is a big responsibility; Mégan tells us her coping skills have grown, along with her sense of humour. Four months on she's speaking German confidently and navigating the Frankfurt underground like a native. Most importantly, she's happy and up for the challenge of aupairing in France next year - again through Aupair Ecosse. We recommend Ruth Campbell's service highly.