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 Mexico. 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 is not common in México.
• Applicants from México are motivated by increased job potential, improvement of their English, and independence.
• Applicants sometimes have difficulty finding the program fees.
• Young people in México do not have the freedom of their family to socialize and date.
• The social lives of young women are typically closely monitored.
• Curfews are common.
• Young women are not accustomed to sharing in household chores, especially in the middle and upper classes, as families have household help such as maids and cooks.
• Nudity is not well accepted.
• Mexicans are joyful, ready to serve, and affectionate.

Child Care Practices

• Common discipline techniques include verbal reprimands and loss of privileges.
• Physical discipline is decreasing in México.
• Applicants obtain childcare experience through formal schooling and babysitting siblings, cousins or other relatives.
• Usually the mother is responsible for the childcare responsibilities.
• In big cities it is common for both parents to work and be away from home during the day. It is less common in smaller cities.
  

Driving Skills

• The minimum driving age is age 16. Most applicants obtain their license at that age.
• It is not difficult or expensive to obtain; in fact, the process can often be completed in one day after lessons are completed.
• The steps involved are to pass a vision test, written test and practical test. A fee is paid to obtain the drivers license.
• The International driving permit is available
• Applicants typically take formal driving lessons and practice using their parents’ car.
• Cars are both automatic and manual.
  

English Language Skills

• English is a compulsory subject, though public schools teach English only 2-3 hours per week.
• Private schools focus on all aspects of English beginning in preschool, and often spend up to 50% of the day teaching English.

Education

• Approximately 30% of young women continue their studies at University.
• Others study a technical career or find a job.
• The academic year starts in mid-August and ends in mid-June.
• The educational opportunities of the program are very important to Mexican applicants.

Health

• The most common inoculations are Polio, TB, tetanus, measles.
• Most young women are inoculated and tested for TB (Tuberculosis).
• México has a free health service, the Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (I.M.S.S).
• Most young women do not generally visit the dentist on a regular basis as it is expensive.
• “Eating disorders” are not common.

Diet

• Most young people in México eat meat.
• Vegetarianism is not common.
• A typical Mexican diet includes meat, tortillas, beans, and fruit. Larger cities offer more choices for cosmopolitan cuisine.

Religion

• México is a largely Catholic country. Catholic holy days such as Christmas and Easter are celebrated widely and by most families.
• Most young people in México practice their religion regularly as it is a natural part of their lives.

Telephone & Internet

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

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