Turkey

July 26, 2019 by

AU PAIR CULTURE QUESTS

TURKEY

Southeastern Europe and Southwestern Asia
Capital: Ankara
Languages: Turkish (official), Kurdish, Dimli (or Zaza), Azeri, Kabardian

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Kids Culture Corner: Turkey
CIA World Factbook

The following information is generalized and compiled from questions posed to the agents and interviewers in Turkey. 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 time outs.
Physical discipline is not common in Turkish cities, but occurs in rural areas.
Applicants obtain childcare experience through formal schooling and babysitting.
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 Turkey.
Applicants from Turkey are motivated by opportunities to improve their English and travel.
The job potential of an au pair improves upon her return to Turkey.
Applicants sometimes have difficulty affording the program fees.
Young people in Turkey 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 or socially acceptable.
Turkish people describe themselves as family-oriented, active, and energetic.

English Skills

English is the most common foreign language option offered.
In public schools, classes focus on written skills. In private schools, English education begins at the primary level and will have classes taught by a native English speaker.

Driving Skills

Applicants must graduate high school before being eligible for a driving license in Turkey.
The minimum driving age is age 18. Most applicants obtain their driving license at age 18.
A driving license is not difficult to obtain, but it is expensive.
The steps involved in obtaining a driving license in Turkey include:
- Health exam
- Driving course-10 weeks
- Theoretical exam
- Practical test
- Fees
The International driving permit is available.
Applicants typically take formal driving lessons and practice driving using their parents’ car.
Most cars have manual transmissions.

Education

Approximately 20% of young women continue their studies at university.
Those who do not attend university study certificate programs, start working, or get married and start a family.
The academic year in Turkey starts in September and ends in June.
The educational opportunities of the Au Pair in America program are very important to Turkish applicants.

Health

The most common inoculations are polio, cholera, tetanus, typhoid, and tuberculin.
Most young women are inoculated and tested for TB (tuberculosis).
Turkey does not have a free health service.
Most young women do not visit the dentist on a regular basis.
“Eating disorders” are not common.

Diet

Most young people in Turkey eat meat, with the exception of pork.
Vegetarianism is not common.
A typical Turkish diet includes meat, nuts, fruit, vegetables, breads, and dairy products.

Religion

The most common religion in Turkey is Muslim.
Most young people in Turkey do not practice their religion regularly.

Telephone & Internet

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

“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

“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

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Ukraine

July 26, 2019 by

AU PAIR CULTURE QUESTS

UKRAINE

Eastern Europe
Capital: Kyiv
Languages: Ukrainian (official), Russian, Other

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Kids Culture Corner: Ukraine
CIA World Factbook

The following information is generalized and compiled from questions posed to the agents and interviewers in Ukraine. 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 examples of good behavior.
Physical discipline is not common in the Ukraine, but it happens.
Applicants obtain childcare experience through formal schooling, babysitting, and working in summer camps or in kindergartens.
Usually both parents share the childcare 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 in the U.S. is becoming common in the Ukraine. It has been an option in other countries for several years.
Applicants from Ukraine are motivated by a desire to improve their English and to experiencing living in America.
An au pair’s job potential is improved upon her return to Ukraine. Her experience will help to maintain good international relationships in the future.
Applicants generally do not have difficulty finding the program fees.
Young people in Ukraine have the freedom of their family to socialize and date.
Curfews are common until age 18.
Young women are accustomed to sharing in household chores.
It is not common to sunbathe in the nude.
Ukrainians have a different perception of everyday dress than Americans. Young ladies are often dressed in t-shirts with slogans that they do not understand. Their style of dress is not always modest, which may be different to the American sporty style.
Ukrainians are cheerful, enthusiastic, and optimistic.

English Skills

English is now compulsory in schools.
Classes focus on oral skills at a young age, then the intensity increases in high school.
English is a compulsory subject in most schools.
British English is mainly taught, therefore grammar is a huge part of learning English.
Children usually start learning from the age of 7 and have 12 years of schooling. If it is their second language, they will have to study English from the age of 11 until graduation.

Driving Skills

The driver’s license in is available at age 18, and is not commonly held by applicants.
To obtain a license in the Ukraine, candidates study for a month for the practical test and a month for the theoretical part. For 2 weeks they study for the road test.
There are two types of Driving Licenses in the Ukraine, and both of them are international. The more expensive one has more privileges associated with it, such as renting a car.
The International driving permit is available.
Generally the driving school provides a car in which to practice.
Most cars have a manual transmission.

Education

Higher Education is very common in Ukraine. Approximately 70% of young women continue their studies at University.
The academic year starts in September and ends in June.
The educational opportunities of the program are very important because they have heard a lot about American Colleges.

Health

The most common inoculations are Hepatitis B, Tuberculosis, Diphtheria, Tetanus, Whooping cough, Polio, Measles, German Measles, and Mumps.
Most young women are inoculated and tested for TB (Tuberculosis).
Health services are free in the Ukraine.
Most young women visit the dentist on a regular basis, but it is expensive.
Ukrainian women are generally slender by nature. They do not generally have any problems with eating disorders.

Diet

Most young people in Ukraine eat meat.
Vegetarianism is not common.
A typical Ukrainian diet includes milk products, soups, fruits and vegetables.

Religion

The most common religion in Ukraine is Christian Orthodox.
Most young people in Ukraine do not 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 Ukrainian homes have a telephone.
Family members will not be able to take a message from a potential Host Family.
Access to the Internet is readily available.

“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

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United Kingdom

July 26, 2019 by

AU PAIR CULTURE QUESTS

UNITED KINGDOM

Western Europe
Capitals: England – London; Scotland – Edinburgh; Wales – Cardiff; Northern Ireland – Belfast
Languages: English
Predominant Religion(s): Christianity (Church of England, Roman Catholic) – most other religions are represented

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USEFUL LINKS

Flag of the United Kingdom

Kids Culture Corner: United Kingdom
CIA World Factbook

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

It is normal for British people to help take care of the younger children in their family and babysit or child-mind for family friends.
Preparing meals from scratch for children is very common.
British families believe in the value of positive motivation. Emphasis is placed on good manners and formality.

Family

Two or more children per family is a common occurrence, and relatives often live nearby.
In many families it is common to visit other family members over holidays or weekends.
Often a family will support a preferred football team, and they will all enjoy this together.

English Skills

English is the main language in the UK, but Welsh, Scottish and Irish, whilst uncommon, are still spoken in some areas.

Driving Skills

The minimum driving age in the UK is 17. Most applicants obtain their driving license at this age.
The process of obtaining the license is at least 4-6 months long. This depends on how much time they have to practice. First they have to complete and pass a written theory exam before they can do the practical driving exam.
British drivers can experience a wide variety of weather conditions, including rain, snow and ice as well as sunshine.

Education

Full time education is compulsory from 5-16 and can be private (paid for) or public (state funded). 80% of British students stay in school until 18 to study for their A Levels (or equivalent).
Studying at a university in English, Wales and Northern Ireland has become more expensive due to the introduction of tuition fees. Scotland does not charge tuition fees to Scottish students.
Various additional courses (e.g. dancing, ballet, arts & crafts, sports, swimming, horse-riding) are often added to the extra school curriculum or studied as an after-school activity.

Health

The UK healthcare system is based on the National Health Service, which is available and free to all British citizens. Prescription costs can vary.
Regular medical check-ups are provided by schools at every stage of education.
It is common to visit the dentist on a regular basis. This can also be covered under the National Health Service, although there is a charge for this, which is less than if the work was carried out privately.

COMMON CHARACTERISTICS:

British people often describe themselves as reserved, but in fact they are quite funny and have a witty sense of humor!
The UK is a very multi-cultural society and subsequently Brits are open minded to all beliefs and traditions.
It’s true that people from the UK love talking about the weather, preferably whilst drinking tea!

FUN FACTS:

In the UK, if you reach your 100th birthday, you get a personalized card from Her Majesty the Queen!
The estimated population of the UK is over 64 million; 84% of this population live in England.
The UK is slightly smaller than the U.S. State of Oregon. It is just under half the size of France and 30 times smaller than Australia.

“Do it! The time I spent as an au pair helped shape the person I’ve become. It develops independence and will make your life so much richer because of the different cultures and nationalities you’ve experienced.”– Sara, au pair from the United Kingdom

“It was the most amazing experience of my life. I met a bunch of amazing people who I still keep in contact with now. I traveled to 24 different states whilst I was there and experienced loads of new things!” – Hayley, au pair from the United Kingdom

“It is a once in a lifetime experience. It’s an opportunity to make lifelong friends and family, explore the treasures of the USA and make memories that will last forever. I would do it again in a heartbeat!”– Jennifer, au pair from the United Kingdom

“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

Australia

July 25, 2019 by

AU PAIR CULTURE QUESTS

AUSTRALIA

Between the Indian Ocean and
South Pacific Ocean
Capital: Canberra
Languages: English
Predominant Religion(s): Christianity

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USEFUL LINKS

Flag of Australia

Kids Culture Corner: Australia
CIA World Factbook

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

Australians obtain child care experience through formal schooling, babysitting, tutoring, working at summer camps, coaching sports, teaching Sunday School, involvement with guide or scout groups and working in child care centers.
The mother is still typically the main caregiver, but more and more families are now opting for a more even role between parents. Approximately 65% of mothers work full time or part time.
Common discipline techniques include time out and loss of privileges, e.g. no television for a week, sitting in a certain spot for a few minutes.

Family

It is common for people to marry or be in a civil relationship.
The most common family group is two adults and two children.
Due to escalating house prices, many young Australians live at home until they are 30. The average Australian home is a three- or four-bedroom, free-standing home.

English Skills

English is the main language of Australia

Driving Skills

Australians drive on the lefthand side of the road, so au pairs will need practice in the U.S.
The minimum age to gain a learning permit is 16 or 17 depending on the state the au pair lives in. Most applicants gain their license between 17 and 19.
Before passing a test, learners must have a permit for 12 months and complete 120 hours of supervised practice, including 10 hours of nighttime driving.

Education

The academic year in Australia starts in February and ends in November.
In general, children are required to attend school from age 5 until age 16 or 17, depending on which state they live in.
Most Australian children play a sport at school, and many are involved with guides, scouts, dancing, music, and theater.

Health

Australia has a free health service for all Australians known as Medicare, and some people will also have private insurance.
The states manage hospitals and attached outpatient services, while the Commonwealth funds the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (subsidizing the costs of medicines) and general practice.
It is common to visit the dentist every six months.

COMMON CHARACTERISTICS:

Australians are quite direct and will freely discuss a range of subjects.
Most Australians grow up believing that everyone should have equal rights and be treated the same. Australia was the second country in the world to allow women the vote.
About 26% of the population was born overseas and 40% have a parent born overseas, so there is a lot of diversity. Many Australians feel that Australia has a culture and identity based on friendship, honesty, sports, and multiculturalism.

FUN FACTS:

The largest Greek population in the world other than in Athens is in Melbourne, Australia.
Australia was settled by convicts (criminals) sent over from the UK. The first police force was made up of the 12 most well-behaved convicts.
The black box, wine cask, bionic ear, ultrasound and pacemakers were all invented in Australia.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity that you will never regret. It’s difficult at first being away from your family and friends, but the experience overall is invaluable.” – Janelle, au pair from Australia

“Go with an open mind, be willing to try new things, be adventurous – take every opportunity.” – Karli, au pair from Australia

“Go for it, it was the best year of my life hands down!”– Sarah, au pair from Australia

“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