Au Pair in America

Culture Quests

Au Pairs in General | Child Care Practices | Driving Skills | English Language Skills
Education | Health | Diet | Religion | Telephone and Internet

The following information is generalized and compiled from questions posed to the agents and interviewers in Italy. Although au pairs from this country may or may not have had these experiences/beliefs, Au Pair in America wishes to share this general information with our families.

Au Pairs in General

• The idea of being an au pair is not common in Italy.
• Applicants from Italy are motivated by the opportunity to master the English language and experience another culture.
• The job potential of an au pair improves upon her return to Italy.
• Applicants do not have difficulty affording the program fees.
• Young people in Italy have the freedom of their family to socialize and date.
• Curfews are not common.
• Young women are accustomed to sharing in household chores.
• Nudity is not common in Italy.
• Italians describe themselves as adaptable, flexible and good communicators.

Child Care Practices

• Common discipline techniques include loss of privileges or pocket money.
• Physical discipline is not common in Italy.
• Applicants obtain childcare experience through formal schooling, caring for younger siblings or babysitting.
• Usually both parents share the childcare responsibilities.
• It is common for both parents to work and be away from home during the day.

Driving Skills

• The minimum driving age is age 18. Most applicants obtain their driving license at age 19.
• A driving license is not difficult to obtain, but it is costly.
• It takes approximately three months obtain a license in Italy.
• The steps involved in obtaining a driving license in Italy include:
  • Medical Exam
  • Written test
  • Vision test
  • Practical test
  • Fees
• The International driving permit is available.
• Applicants typically take formal driving lessons and practice driving using own car.
• Most cars have manual transmissions.
  

English Language Skills

• English is compulsory in Italian schools.
• Students are taught English during the last 8 years of their school career. Language studies in Italian schools are mainly focused on written skills.

Education

• Approximately 70% of young women continue their studies at university.
• Those who do not attend university usually find a job.
• The academic year in Italy starts in October and ends in July.
• The educational opportunities of the Au Pair in America program are very important to applicants in Italy.

Health

• The most common inoculations are tetanus, diphtheria, polio, measles, mumps, rubella.
• Most young women are inoculated and tested for TB (Tuberculosis) 3 times during their school years.
• Italy has a free health service.
• Most young women visit the dentist on a regular basis.
• “Eating disorders” are not common, but do occur.

Diet

• Most young people in Italy eat meat.
• Vegetarianism is not common.
• Italians follow a Mediterranean diet, which includes fruits, vegetables, bread, nuts and seeds, dairy products, and fish and poultry.

Religion

• The most common religion in Italy is Catholic.
• Most young people in Italy do not practice their religion regularly.

Telephone & Internet

• Most homes have a telephone and a computer with access to the Internet.
• Family members may not be able to take a message in English from a potential host family.

Print this Page

Login to your Account

Username:

Password:

Connect with Us

Special Promotion

Apply by April 15th
for FREE - a savings of $350!

View details & discounts.