AU PAIR CULTURE QUESTS
CZECH REPUBLIC
Central Europe
Capital: Prague
Languages: Czech
Predominant Religion(s): Majority non-religious
Flag of Czech Republic 
The following information is generalized and compiled from questions posed to the agents and interviewers in Czech Republic. 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.
Child Care Skills
- It is common for Czech people to take care of their siblings, cousins and friends’ children.
- Preparing meals for children, playing with them and doing various outdoor activities with them are very common.
- Czech families believe in the value of positive motivation and reliability.
Family
- Two children per family is a common occurrence.
- Children are taught responsibility by giving them light but regular tasks and duties from an early age.
- Czech Republic is a very family-oriented country. It is common to visit other family members over holidays or weekends. For most parents, spending time outdoors and organizing sports activities is the idea of “quality time” spent with their children. Also grandparents spend lots of time with children.
English Skills
- English is taught at all levels of education, starting in kindergarten. It is a compulsory subject in every kind of school from 4th grade to graduation. English classes focus on oral and written skills.
- Teenagers prefer to watch English-language movies and TV series in English. Also some of them read books in English.
- The opportunity to improve their language skills during the Au Pair in America program is one of the reasons Czech applicants join the program.
Driving Skills
- The minimum driving age in Czech Republic is 18. Most applicants obtain their driving license at this age.
- The process of obtaining the license is at least 2-5 months long. Completing a full professional driving course is required before the candidate is allowed to take the exam.
- Czech drivers experience a variety of weather conditions, including rain, snow and ice.
Education
- Education in Czech Republic is free and compulsory until the age of 15.
- 92% of Czechs complete at least upper secondary education, which is one of the highest results in the EU. 60% of young Czechs complete university education (MA or BA degrees).
- Parents put a lot of focus on children’s education from a very young age. Children start to learn foreign languages very early on and various additional courses (e.g. dancing, ballet, arts & crafts, sports, horse-riding) are added to the standard curriculum.
Health
- Czech’s healthcare system is based on an all-inclusive insurance system. State-subsidized healthcare is available to all Czech citizens who are covered by this general health insurance program.
- Regular medical check-ups are provided by pediatricians.
- It is common to visit the dentist on a regular basis.
COMMON CHARACTERISTICS:
- Czech people in general are happy with a good sense of humor. They are also ambitious!
- Czechs have strong family ties.
- Tradition and culture are very important values for Czechs.
FUN FACTS:
- Czech Republic has a lot of famous people such as the hockey player Jaromir Jagr, the tennis players Martina Navratilova and Ivan Lendl!
- Czech beer is said to be the best beer on the world and also Czech girls are said to be the most beautiful.
- The US population is 30x bigger than the population in Czech Republic.
USEFUL PHRASES:
- How are you? Jak se máš?
- Fine, thanks. Dobře, děkuji.
- My name is… Moje jméno je..
- Nice to meet you! Rád tě poznávám!
- Thank you. Děkuji.
“I am having great time and my host family is the best host family that I could choose. I love the place where I live! I have already made many new friends. I have found what I wanted.”– Lucka , au pair from Czech Republic
“I have a lovely family and the children are great. I can definitely recommend Au Pair in America to everyone!”– Misa, au pair from Czech Republic
“I would say it is the most life changing adventure, worth every single minute spent discovering places, people and cultures; a beautiful journey getting to know yourself and your priorities. So, no second thoughts – just make the first step!”– Dorota, au pair from Czech Republic
“I love that my children are learning about another culture. I like that I can feel good about the excellent and loving care that my kids receive while I am at work.”
Lori, host parent
Wisconsin
