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 Lithuania. 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 becoming common in Lithuania.
• Applicants from Lithuania are motivated by opportunities to improve their English.
• The job potential of an au pair improves upon her return to Lithuania.
• Applicants sometimes have difficulty affording the program fees.
• Young people in Lithuania 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 Lithuania.
• Lithuanians are hospitable, sincere, and hard-working.
• Lithuanians often keep inside their thoughts, although they will become more open and talkative once they get to know the other people.

Child Care Practices

• Physical discipline is not common in Lithuania.
• Applicants obtain childcare experience through formal schooling and caring for family members.
• Usually both parents share the childrearing responsibilities.
• It is common for both parents to work and be away from home during the day.

Driving Skills

• The International Driving Permit is not available in Lithuania.
• The minimum driving age is age 18.  Most applicants obtain their driving license between the ages of 18 and 25.
• The actual driving tests is quite difficult, though most pass the first or second time.
• The steps involved in obtaining a driving license in Lithuania include:
  • Theoretical written test
  • Practical test
  • Fees
• The International driving permit is not available.
• Applicants typically take formal driving lessons and practice driving using their parents’ car.
• Most cars have manual transmissions.

English Language Skills

• English is not compulsory, but most choose English.

Education

• Approximately 40% of young women continue their studies at university.
• Those who do not attend university or technical college find employment.
• The academic year in Lithuania starts in September and ends in June.
• The educational opportunities of the Au Pair in America program are very important to applicants.

Health

• The most common inoculations are tuberculin, diphtheria, mumps, and measles.
• Lithuania has a free health service.
• Most young women visit the dentist on a regular basis.
• “Eating disorders” are not common.

Diet

• Most young people in Lithuania eat meat.
• Vegetarianism is not common.
• A typical Lithuanians diet includes dairy products and potatoes. Pancakes are particularly popular.

Religion

• The most common religion in Lithuania is Catholic.
• Most young people in Lithuania 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.

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