Denmark

July 29, 2019 by

AU PAIR CULTURE QUESTS

DENMARK

Northern Europe
Capital: Copenhangen
Languages: Danish
Predominant Religion(s): Christianity

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Kids Culture Corner: Denmark
CIA World Factbook

The following information is generalized and compiled from questions posed to the agents and interviewers in Denmark. 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

Family

English Skills

Driving Skills

Education

Health

Child Care Skills

Parents usually send their children to daycare centers or kindergartens before they start school.
The daycare centers and kindergartens in Denmark are very concerned about health and have strict rules regarding the children’s lunch and snacks – no sugar allowed!
In the last year of kindergarten, children are prepped for school and start learning the alphabet.

Family

2-3 children per family is considered normal in Denmark.
Children are taught discipline from a young age through small tasks such as taking out the trash or emptying the dishwasher. Many families have pets as companions and to help teach children about responsibility.
Denmark is a very family-focused country and visiting other family members over the holidays (such as Christmas) is normal.

English Skills

The official language is Danish, which is similar to Norwegian and Swedish, but all children are taught English at all levels of schooling.
Children are also taught German and sometimes French and Spanish in school.
Danes generally have a very high level of English proficiency.

Driving Skills

The minimum driving age is 18.
To get a driver’s license, Danes must go to driving school (often in the evenings) and have theoretical lessons as well as driving with an instructor. They will also learn First Aid and since the weather in Denmark is very different depending on the season, the students will also learn how to react to different driving situations such as hydroplaning.
In Denmark you drive on the left side of the road.

Education

All children go to “Folkeskole” (public school), which is free. They attend school from the age of 6 to 16 (years 0-9).
At the end of Folkeskole, most students continue to either a standard Gymnasium (High School), Handel Gymnasium (Business School), Teknisk Gymnasium (Technical School), or other more trade-oriented educational establishments – all education is free in Denmark.
Danish students above the age of 18 receive a monthly pay called SU, just for studying, so everyone can afford to study.

Health

Denmark has a universal health system, which is free (funded by taxes).
Approximately 40% of Danes also have some form of private healthcare to cover services not fully covered by the state.
It is considered normal to visit the dentist once a year.

COMMON CHARACTERISTICS:

Denmark is a relatively multicultural country.
Danes like to be seen as individuals and like to set themselves apart from one another.
Danes can seem guarded, but once you get them talking, they are really friendly and helpful.

FUN FACTS:

Danes have a strong sense of irony – often causing confusion to foreigners!
The UN World Happiness Report has rated Danes as the happiest people on earth two years in a row, and Danes have a special word for that cozy feeling of togetherness: “Hygge.”
50% of Copenhageners (as well as a large part of the rest of the population) commute by bike to work every day, even if it’s raining.

USEFUL PHRASES:

How are you? Hvordan har du det?
Fine, thanks. Fint tak.
My name is… Mit navn er…
Nice to meet you! Godt at møde dig!
Thank you. Tak.

“DO IT!! You will have an experience of a life time!! You will find yourself in so many ways… You will learn to be more independent.” – Signe – au pair from Denmark

“It was one of the best years of my life with many experiences and wonderful memories.”– Gitte – au pair from Denmark

“A great chance to experience American family life, a different country and grow as a person. And a whole lot of fun!”– Marie – au pair from Denmark

“In the U.S. I did not work for an employer, I was part of a family that would be my family for the rest of my life.”

Naomi, au pair
South Africa

Ecuador

July 29, 2019 by

AU PAIR CULTURE QUESTS

Ecuador

South America
Capital: Quito
Languages: Spanish (official), Amerindian languages

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Kids Culture Corner: Ecuador
CIA World Factbook

The following information is generalized and compiled from questions posed to the agents and interviewers in Ecuador. 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

Au Pairs in General

English Skills

Driving Skills

Education

Health

Child Care Skills

Common discipline techniques include verbal reprimands and loss of privileges.
Physical discipline is not common in Ecuador.
Applicants obtain childcare experience through formal schooling, caring for extended family members, and volunteering at orphanages and day care centers.
Usually both parents share the childrearing responsibilities.
It is common for both parents to work and be away from home during the day.

Au Pairs in General

The idea of being an au pair is becoming common in Ecuador.
Applicants from Ecuador are motivated by the opportunity to improve their English and study in the U.S.
The job potential of an au pair improves upon her return to Ecuador.
Applicants sometimes have difficulty affording the program fees.
Young people in Ecuador have the freedom of their family to socialize and date.
Curfews are common.
In general, young women are accustomed to sharing in household chores; however, middle class applicants will have maids to perform household tasks.
Nudity is not acceptable in public, nor is topless sunbathing.
Ecuadorians are family-oriented, warm and conservative.

English Skills

English is compulsory, though the best instruction comes from private schools.
English is taught in pre-school through 12th grade. Courses are focused more on grammar and writing. There is little focus on oral communication.

Driving Skills

The minimum driving age is age 18.
A driving license is not difficult or expensive to obtain.
It takes approximately three to six months obtain a license in Ecuador.
The steps involved in obtaining a driving license in Ecuador include:
- Written test
- Must drive with learners permit for three months
- Practical test
- Fees
The International driving permit is available.
Applicants must obtain a learner’s permit and drive for three months before taking the road test. They practice driving using their parents’ car; once they have started working, they will save money with the intention of buying a car.
Most cars have manual transmissions.

Education

Approximately 35% of young women continue their studies at university.
Those who do not attend university seek employment or take courses in computer skills or languages.
There are two academic years in Ecuador. The coastal region begins in April and ends in January, and the highlands begin in September and end in July.

Health

The most common inoculations are BCG, Polio, DT, MMR, and Hepatitis B.
Most young women are tested for TB (tuberculosis) at ages six and 12.
Ecuador has a social security system providing free health care, but care is considered to be poor. Those who can afford private health care seek it.
Most young women visit the dentist on a regular basis.
“Eating disorders” are not common, but do occur.

Diet

Most young people in Ecuador eat meat.
Vegetarianism is becoming popular, but is not yet widespread.
A typical Ecuadorian diet includes rice, potatoes, and meat. Ecuador is known for its exotic fruits, fish and seafood, tasty soups, and the countless varieties of Andean potatoes.

Religion

The most common religions in Ecuador are Catholicism and Protestantism.
Most young people in Ecuador do not practice their religion regularly.

Telephone & Internet

Most applicants 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.

“By inviting a person from another country to join our family, live with us, and learn about our culture, we actually learn so much about ourselves, how our own culture and way of life appear through the lens of someone new.”

Belle, host parent Massachusetts

“The flexibility the program affords us is outstanding. With other child care options, I always felt I was accommodating their schedule instead of my own.”

Jill, host parent New Jersey

El Salvador

July 29, 2019 by

AU PAIR CULTURE QUESTS

EL SALVADOR

Central America
Capital: San Salvador
Languages: Spanish, Nahua

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CIA World Factbook

The following information is generalized and compiled from questions posed to the agents and interviewers in El Salvador. 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

Au Pairs in General

English Skills

Driving Skills

Education

Health

Child Care Skills

Common discipline techniques include open communication, teaching respect and parents setting a good example.
Physical discipline is forbidden in El Salvador because of Child Protection Laws.
Applicants obtain childcare experience through formal schooling, family members, community service, tutoring children, and helping neighbors.
Usually the mother is responsible for these childcare responsibilities, but things have changed and now the father is actively involved too.
It is common for both parents to work and be away from home during the day.

Au Pairs in General

The idea of being an au pair is becoming common in El Salvador.
Applicants from El Salvador are motivated by the opportunity to travel, study at an American University, gain experience and become more fulfilled as a person.
An au pair’s job potential is improved upon her return to El Salvador.
Applicants sometimes have difficulty finding the program fees.
Young people in El Salvador have the freedom of their family to socialize and date.
Curfews are common.
Young women are accustomed to sharing in household chores.
Nudity is a controversial topic. Salvadorians are very conservative.
Salvadorians are hardworking, entrepreneurial and honest.

English Skills

English is compulsory in beginning in first grade and continues through high school.
Classes focus on both oral and written skills.

Driving Skills

The driver’s license in is available at age 16 and is not difficult to obtain.
To obtain a license in El Salvador, candidates take driving lessons at an accredited academy and complete a practical and theoretical test.
The International driving permit is available.
Generally the parents provide a car in which to practice.
Most cars have manual transmission.

Education

Approximately 35% of young women continue their studies at University.
Others pursue practical courses or find jobs.
The academic year starts in January and ends in October.
The educational opportunities of the program are important to applicants from El Salvador in order to have better opportunities and find a good job.

Health

The most common inoculations are Flu, Rotavirus and Dengue.
Most young women are inoculated and tested for TB (Tuberculosis).
El Salvador has a free health service, the Instituto Salvadoreño del Seguro Social (I.S.S.S).
Most young women visit the dentist on a regular basis.
“Eating disorders” are not common, but do occur.

Diet

Most young people in El Salvador eat meat.
Vegetarianism is not common.
A typical Salvadorian diet includes beans, cheese, rice, eggs and tortillas.

Religion

The most common religions in El Salvador are Catholic and Christianity.
Most young people in El Salvador practice their religion regularly.
A young person would rarely choose to practice a religion that is different than her family’s religion.

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 from a potential Host Family.

“By inviting a person from another country to join our family, live with us, and learn about our culture, we actually learn so much about ourselves, how our own culture and way of life appear through the lens of someone new.”

Belle, host parent Massachusetts

“The flexibility the program affords us is outstanding. With other child care options, I always felt I was accommodating their schedule instead of my own.”

Jill, host parent New Jersey

Estonia

July 29, 2019 by

AU PAIR CULTURE QUESTS

ESTONIA

Eastern Europe
Capital: Tallinn
Languages: Estonian (official), Russian (regional)
Predominant Religion(s): Christianity

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USEFUL LINKS

Flag of Estonia

CIA World Factbook

The following information is generalized and compiled from questions posed to the agents and interviewers in Estonia. 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

Family

English Skills

Driving Skills

Education

Health

Child Care Skills

Most Estonians gain their childcare experience by looking after younger family members or babysitting for family friends or neighbors.
Some applicants volunteer or take on an internship in a kindergarten.
Many take a free “childcare provider” course and once finished, are allowed to work as “extra help” in kindergartens or in private childcare centers.

Family

Young people in Estonia are quite independent. It is common to live away from home when studying or working.
Families are small in general (1-2 children), with both parents working.
Estonians are used to helping with household chores and consider this normal.

English Skills

Most students take English classes and levels of fluency are generally high.
As English levels are quite high in Estonia, applicants do not have to take a pre-assessment English test when applying for the program. Interviewers assess English levels over the phone or during first meetings and then conduct the majority of the interview in English.
They are used to watching movies and TV in English with Estonian subtitles.

Driving Skills

Obtaining a driving license in Estonia is a lengthy and expensive process.
Applicants take theoretical classes and driving lessons (40 hours minimum) with an instructor. They are then allowed to take the official state driving tests, which are theoretical and practical.
Applicants have to take an eye test prior to taking their driving tests and they need a certificate from their doctor which states that they are fit to drive.

Education

Compulsory education finishes at 9^th grade (age 15/16) and students can continue with high school, go on to a technical college, take up an apprenticeship or seek employment. High school finishes at 12^th grade (age 18/19) and students can then go on to study at university.
Parents put a lot of focus on their children’s education from a young age and parents like their children to have varied hobbies and interests.
The option of being an au pair is now common in Estonia. They like the idea of discovering new cultures and improving their English skills. Work & travel programs, volunteering and travelling abroad are also common options for a gap year.

Health

Estonia has a national health service, which is free and all-inclusive up until the age of 18. After age 18, is then provided through work or the unemployment agency.
Regular medical checkups are provided by schools at every stage of education.
Estonians usually have a family GP who has access to their full medical history.

COMMON CHARACTERISTICS:

Independent, mature, dependable, trustworthy.
Estonians are very attentive, and they are good at communicating.
Patriotic (after decades of Russian occupation, they are proud to be Estonian!)

FUN FACTS:

Estonians love technology and are very knowledgeable when it comes to technology. Wireless Internet is available almost everywhere and Skype was invented in Estonia.
Estonia is one of the Baltic countries together with Latvia and Lithuania. However, the Estonian language is not related to Latvian and Lithuanian but it is actually more related to Finnish.
Estonia only has an area of 45,227 sq km. Texas is more than 15 times larger!

USEFUL PHRASES:

How are you? Kuidas läheb?
Fine, thanks. Suurepäraselt, tänan.
My name is… Minu nimi on…
Nice to meet you! Meeldib sinuga tutvuda!
Thank you. Tänan.

“A life changing experience!” – Katrin, au pair from Estonia

“This experience made me more aware of the local community.” – Kersti, au pair from Estonia

“I had an amazing time living with the family, making some great friends for life, improving my English and traveling around the USA.”– Jane, au pair from Estonia

“You can not beat the flexibility of the Au Pair program. My au pairs have been so great that my friends want to steal them and take them home!”

Catherine , host parent
Connecticut

Finland

July 29, 2019 by

AU PAIR CULTURE QUESTS

FINLAND

Northern Europe
Capital: Helsinki
Language(s): Finnish, Swedish, Sami (regional)
Predominant Religion(s): Christianity (predominantly Lutheran)

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USEFUL LINKS

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Kids Culture Corner: Finland
CIA World Factbook

The following information is generalized and compiled from questions posed to the agents and interviewers in Finland. 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

Family

English Skills

Driving Skills

Education

Health

Child Care Skills

Applicants usually obtain childcare experience through formal schooling, tutoring and babysitting younger siblings or relatives.
Many young people are experienced in leading groups, for example sport teams, clubs and camps.
Applicants are usually motivated by opportunities to improve their English, travel and because they love children.

Family

A typical Finnish family is a nuclear family where both parents are equal.
It is common for both parents to work and be away from home during the day – municipal day care centers allow mothers to work full time.
Young people in Finland have a lot of freedom from their family to socialize and date.

English Skills

English is not compulsory, though most study English from age 9 to graduation. Teaching focuses on written skills and grammar.
Finnish people usually have very good English skills but they might be a bit shy and unsure about talking in English at first.
TV shows and movies are shown in their original languages in Finland, therefore Finnish people tend to learn a lot of English through TV and movies.

Driving Skills

Most applicants obtain their driving license at age 18. A driving license is not difficult to obtain, but it is very expensive.
Finnish people usually attend driving school which includes theory and driving lessons.
Parent-taught driver education is also possible and cheaper, but requires separate licenses and alterations to the car.

Education

In Finland children start school at age 7 and follow 9 years of basic education. At 16 they may choose to continue their secondary education in either an academic track or a vocational track. The academic year starts in September and ends in May.
Education in Finland is free with no tuition fees and with fully subsidized meals served to full-time students until secondary school.
Tertiary education is divided into university and polytechnic. Universities and polytechnics have entrance exams and not all applicants are accepted.

Health

Finland has a free health care service.
Visiting the dentist on a regular basis is very common as it is free of charge until age 18.
Every municipality has a responsibility to offer healthcare services to their residents and it is usually provided in municipal healthcare centers.

COMMON CHARACTERISTICS:

Finns describe themselves as honest, hardworking, reliable and independent but also shy and quiet when first meeting people.
Finns love sports. Many Finnish children play football, ice-hockey or floorball after school.
Nature is really important to Finnish people. Nature is the place where Finns go to spend time with their friends and families and just to enjoy the views and the silence.

FUN FACTS:

It is a normal to have a sauna in your house, even in apartments. There are about 2.2 million saunas in Finland, 1 for every 2.5 people.
Finland is a country with thousands of lakes (about 188,000 lakes).
In the summer there are days when the sun never sets and Finland is known as “the land of the midnight sun.”

USEFUL PHRASES:

How are you? Mitä kuuluu?
Fine, thanks. Hyvää, kiitos.
My name is… Minun nimeni on…
Nice to meet you. Mukava tavata.
Thank you. Kiitos.

“It’s a life changing experience..go for it!” – Heidi, au pair from Finland

“My year as an au pair was absolutely the best year of my life so far. I loved my host family and I’ve visited them three times since I moved back to Finland. As an au pair you’ll get to be part of your host family.”– Hanna, au pair from Finland

“It is a great experience and opportunity. You get to be independent and learn about another country and culture. American people are really kind and supportive, and you will definitely make new friends if you are open minded.” – Paula, au pair from Finland

“You can not beat the flexibility of the Au Pair program. My au pairs have been so great that my friends want to steal them and take them home!”

Catherine , host parent
Connecticut

France

July 29, 2019 by

AU PAIR CULTURE QUESTS

FRANCE

Western Europe
Capital: Paris
Language(s): French
Predominant Religion(s): Christianity
(Roman Catholic)

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USEFUL LINKS

Flag of France

Kids Culture Corner: France
CIA World Factbook

The following information is generalized and compiled from questions posed to the agents and interviewers in France. 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

Family

English Skills

Driving Skills

Education

Health

Child Care Skills

French applicants usually gain their childcare experience through babysitting, caring for younger family members and working in daycare centers and holiday camps.
France has an excellent childcare system and the state funds 80% of the care.
Children can be placed in a crèche from 2.5 months to 3 years and can then attend a pre-school from 3-6.

Family

Families usually consist of 2 children, and the average age a woman gives birth for the first time is 29/30.
Families love to eat together and meal times are very important.

English Skills

French are taught English from Primary School and onwards. The way English is taught is mainly focused on writing and grammar.
Young people spend lots of time online watching TV shows and movies in English.
The opportunity to improve their language skills during the Au Pair in America program is one of the reasons French applicants join the program.

Driving Skills

As soon as you turn 16 in France, you can start driving with your parents or another adult as long as you have taken the Highway Code exam first.
You can start taking proper lessons and take your driving test at 18, but the process in France is long and very strict. It’s also expensive.
You are only offered a test date when your instructor thinks you are ready to take the test.

Education

School attendance is required by law until the age of 16, and approximately 71% of students pass their high school diploma.
There are many options available after high school – university, private colleges or specialized training courses.
The baccalaureate (also known as bac) is the end of high school diploma which students sit in order to enter university. It is generally taken at age 18 if the pupil has not repeated a class during secondary school.

Health

France has one of the best national health care systems in the world.
Everyone is covered by health insurance and people can also take out additional insurance if required.
France is considered quite a healthy country, and the French diet is often studied due to its healthiness.

COMMON CHARACTERISTICS:

Applicants from France are motivated by the opportunity to enhance their career and improve their English.
The French are known for being friendly, polite, proud and healthy.
The French love their language and culture and are very proud of their heritage.

FUN FACTS:

France is the most visited country in the world with approximately 75 million tourists each year.
France produces over 400 types of cheese.
In France, it’s illegal to name a pig “Napoleon”.

USEFUL PHRASES:

How are you? Ça va?
Fine, thanks: Oui, ça va, merci.
My name is…: Je m’appelle….
Nice to meet you: Enchanté/é
Thank you: Merci

“Go! It’s a great opportunity to learn about yourself and to have a different view on the world.” – Charlene, au pair from France

“Being an au pair was the greatest experience ever. Now I have two families and so many friends from all over the world.” – Fanny, au pair from France

“I would say it is the best experience of my entire life, we grow up so much during the year. Unfortunately the year goes by very quickly!” – Aurore, au pair from France

“The most important thing is that, like my host mum said…, I am part of the team. I share their daily routine and I am lucky to be with my host family.”

Verena, au pair
Germany