Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[Sina]

Hi!
I am quite interested in your opinion concerning au-pairs. As you are living in America I think you get more experiences with au-pairs than I do because I am living in Germany- a country where the amount of au- pairs isn't that great as in America.
As I' m up to become aupair I'd like to ask you what do you think about it? Do you support the idea? Maybe you even know a family which has or had an au-pair? Can you tell me their/your experiences?
I am rather keen to get information. Hope you'll answer.
Wishes, Sina

[asterix]

I think if you get a good family then you are going to have a good time. However, the reverse is also true, so it is a matter of luck.
The original idea was that a foreign student would act as a sort of housemaid, nanny, or general help in exchange for accomodation, pocket money etc., as a means to learning the language of the host.

[Sina]

And what do you think of "Educare"? Do you know it? If not, I'll explain it now. Well, Educare is a programme which makes it possible to study and to take care of kids. So you are living in a family taking care of their childern while studying at a university nearby.
Do you like the idea?

[asterix]

I think it sounds like au pair by another name. On the face of it, it is a great idea but human nature might make it less so.