Aupairing

I've aupaired in Naples, Abruzzo, Paris and Corsica and each time it wasn't that great.

That was partly my fault. I was clueless to knowing what I should have been asking before I accepted the job and consequently I ended up sharing a bed with the other aupair in one case and a bedroom with a little 3-year-old in another. See, I told you I was clueless.

So that you don't have to make the same mistakes that I did, here's my checklist of what you should be asking if you are planning to aupair in Italy some time soon.

1) Light housework is normally included in your duties. Find out exactly what is meant by this. In theory, you are only meant to be doing housework associated with the children. In practice, it's hardly ever like this.

2) Find out when you are expected to work. During the day, evenings, weekends. Generally speaking, you should be working during the week and have evenings and weekends free, unless arranged in advance.

3) If you need to have a driving license, ask if you also have use of the car in your free time. If not, are you close to public transport networks? I spent a lonely time in Corsica finding out that the luxury villa I was in was at the top of a mountain and at least one hour walk from the tiny hamlet. In Abruzzo, in contrast, we were slap bang in the middle of the village and I made loads of Italian friends.

4) Does the family have broadband or wifi? Ok, this isn't essential but you might want to be able to email friends and family occasionally. If they don't, is there an internet cafe nearby?

5) Check with the aupair agency their policy. What happens if your experience turns out to be less than great? Do they move you? Or do they leave you to get out of your agreement with your family.

Had I actually known what I was doing beforehand, I'm sure I'd have had a fantastic time. What about those of you who have aupaired? Am I the only one to have found myself in bizarre situations? How were your experiences? Families resembling angels? Families from hell? Fee free to comment anonymously in worst case scenarious.

Comments

[Jay]

Ciao Emma

Love this post! Yes, an Au apair adventure can certainly give you more than you expected indeeed!The experience itself is priceless, but armed with the right information, you can save yourself alot of pain too................. I know it well. Information on surface value rarely adds up! Dig deep, and know what you are getting into before you leap! Either way, how do you really equate life experience with the work at hand?! well, learn, live and experience, that's all I can say! Evaluate as you go! Sometimes it works, sometimes, it doesn't!
JayX

[Emma Bird]

Ciao Jay

You've hit it on the head: whether you get a good family or a bad one, it all makes for an unforgettable experience. And if it is really that bad, then you can always change families or leave.

What was your most memorable aupairing moment? And where were you?

Ciao
Emma x