AU PAIR CULTURE QUESTS
PERU
Western South America
Capital: Lima
Languages: Spanish (main), Quechua, Aymara
Predominant Religion(s): Christianity
(Catholic)
Flag of Peru 
The following information is generalized and compiled from questions posed to the agents and interviewers in Peru. 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
- In Peruvian families it is common for mothers to take care of their children, but also they receive help from the father or other family members such as older siblings or grandparents.
- Most families prefer home cooking and make meals from scratch for their children. Common dishes include rice, meat and potatoes or soup. Children are encouraged to eat a lot of fresh fruit and root vegetables.
- Peruvian families believe in the value of positive motivation.
Family
- Peruvians usually have at least 2 or 3 children.
- Families in Peru, no matter what their status, show a high degree of unity, purpose, and integration through generations. It is very common for them to meet once a week and they will always meet up for a special occasion.
- The roles of the different family members and sexes tend to follow rather traditional patterns.
English Skills
- At the beginning of 2015, a mandatory English Program was created by the Peruvian government, where public schools are required to teach English from the first year.
- Most young people have at least a basic understanding of English, and English is important when applying for jobs in Peru.
- The opportunity to improve their language skills during the Au Pair in America program is one of the reasons Peruvian applicants join the program.
Driving Skills
- The minimum driving age in Peru is 18. Most applicants obtain their driving license at this age.
- You have to take approximately 20-40 hours of practical lessons before you can take your test. This usually takes 6-8 weeks.
- To get your license, you need to have completed high school, hold a medical certificate of psychological aptitude, have passed the examination of traffic rules and of course you need to pass the driving test.
Education
- Education in Peru is under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Education, and according to the Constitution, Preschool, Elementary and Secondary Education is mandatory.
- Public institutions are free. Approximately 65% of Peruvians complete secondary education.
- Public schools are free and public universities guarantee the right to free education for students with satisfactory academic performance.
Health
- The health system in Peru has two sectors, one public and one private. Within the public sector, there are two types of national insurance, called SIS and EsSalud.
- In addition, MINSA (Ministry of Health) mandates certain public hospitals that offer healthcare services, regardless of insurance coverage.
- Periodically, the government and some private entities create campaigns, where information about health is offered to citizens.
COMMON CHARACTERISTICS:
- Peruvian people describe themselves as optimistic, creative and persevering.
- Peruvians are characterized by being hard workers.
- Peruvians maintain a very strong sense of national identity – they love to celebrate their Independence Day on July 28th!
FUN FACTS:
- Peru has 84 “microclimates” of the 114 that exist in the world and also has more than 75% of ecosystems, making it one of the most bio-diverse countries on the planet.
- Peru is one of the richest countries in terms of natural resources – it is one of the world’s top producers of gold, silver, copper, lead, iron and zinc and also has reserves of oil and natural gas.
- Lake Titicaca in Southern Peru is the world’s highest navigable lake and South America’s largest lake. Machu Picchu is one of the most important archaeological sites in the world.
USEFUL PHRASES:
- How are you? ¿Como estas?
- Fine, thanks. Bien, gracias.
- My name is… Mi nombre es…
- Nice to meet you! ¡Encantado de conocerte!
- Thank you. Gracias.
“To be an au pair is a beautiful experience that will always be in my memories.” – Carmen, au pair from Peru
“It’s the best experience ever in life. You learn a lot, gain confidence and independence. You will make great friends.” –Mirna, au pair from Peru
“Being an au pair was the most rewarding experience of my life. I made many friends, traveled to different places, and shared different experiences which will last forever in my heart.” –Janira, au pair from Peru
“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
