What COVID-19 precautions are you following now? If I ask you to do something and you dont understand why/how to do it, what will you do? This article was written by Charlotte Bindels, published on 26th January 2015 and has been read 8820 times. Review the following questions and answers to help you prepare for your interview. You get to meet tons of other au pairs. Its always been such a special time for me because I love seeing everyone together. What was it (beer/wine/hard alcohol/mixed drink/etc.)? Being young means being flexible, you just have to adapt and you will definitely find whats best for you! These coats are warm and fuzzy, keeping you cozy inside and out. Cleans the bathrooms? What do you like to do together? Of course, there isnt a single "right" answer, but that doesn't mean you should stop reading! Check out our 10 reasons you should consider au pairing abroad. Its important that you choose words that are positive, so its best to avoid using words like mean or strict., Example: My last supervisor was very kind, helpful and encouraging. Youre also part of the family. What would you do if my baby had a fever? The time requirements of studying have not changed much, but youll be able to organize your days between work and university books as you prefer. I also took care of my younger cousins when they visited our family during the summer. You get to travel with the family. Where did you go? If your passion for kids is what pushes you to become an au pair, then these are some of the best courses for you: Child Psychology, Development Psychology or General Psychology Education/Early Childhood Development Education Special Education Speech Therapy One of the biggest motivations why a young person wants to become an au pair is because they want to establish good relationships with families. Have you ever worked with (fill in the blank age) kids? One of the main ways to demonstrate your reliability will be your punctuality. There are lots of possibilities! jvisas@state.gov "Everything about being an au pair is wonderful." Sponsors are required to: Screen and select both host families and au pairs as program participants according to selection criteria stated in the regulations; Provide au pairs with training in child development and child safety prior to their placement with a host family; and An Au Pair is a young person, typically between the ages of 18 and 30, who lives with a host family and provides childcare in exchange for room, board, and a small allowance. What do you like to do together? Example: I have had disagreements with my previous families, but I always try to resolve them in a respectful way. Consider explaining why you like this. Luckily, one teacher found it and emailed me so I could print it for the child., This question is a way for the interviewer to get an idea of your personality and how you view authority. In the process, I am being challenged and growing at the same time. You get to be your own validation. ", Our Professional Interview CoachMarcie Wilmot Reviewed the Above Answer. How did you work through the problem? She can give you tips on what the kids like doing, how she dealt with any issues that arose or even just tip you off about the best places to go on a night out. If we traveled as a family, would you be interested in traveling with us? Then add technical issues, time zone differences, and a potential language barrier to the mix. Registration is quick and free, " . 16. Start with the most important ones, then follow up afterwards with extra questions if needed. I can offer more information Hi there,Here are a few tips I have to help integrate with the locals:Live with locals: while it can seem intimidating, and sometimes it doesn't work out the way you hoped, the best way to get to kn Hiya, there are approximately 3,300 universities in the European Union, and almost all of them will have at least one course taught in English. My family also has a tradition of going out to eat once a week. What about your boyfriend / girlfriend? I also wash my hands frequently throughout the day, especially after using the bathroom or handling food. Have at least 600 hours of caring for children under the age of two (if the au pair . Its also a chance to show the interviewer that you have self-awareness, as they may ask follow-up questions about why you chose this strength. The Most Cliche Interview Responses and What To Say Instead, How To Approach Difficult Leadership Questions. This question is a test of your problem-solving skills. 7. When was the last time you went to church / temple / synagogue / mosque? Sherpa jackets are another great winter pick. (CPR, etc.) If I had to choose one aspect that made leadership the most rewarding, it would be the fact that I can change someone's life or career path by guiding and encouraging them. Do you live close to each other? You also want them to feel comfortable enough to answer your questions honestly and ask you questions back. What about this makes it your favorite part of being a leader? I au paired for 3 children (1, 6 and 8 years old) for a year in a town just outside Amsterdam. The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your cultural background and how you fit into the family. Have you worked as an au pair or live-in nanny before? What did you have for dinner last night (tonight)? This is why you can check the Best Bachelor Degrees and Programs list and choose according to your interests being sure that thanks to the skills gained during your time abroad you will have an extra kick. You can often get lucrative tutoring gigs on the side. Youbelieved. We use cookies that are essential for the operation of our website. How long have you been working with children? Its okay with me if their English isnt perfect. 5 benefits of being an au pair 1. Are you a morning person or evening person? 2. It is an economically advantageous way of traveling, with accommodation and food covered by Host Family. Establish what the rules for overtime areLiving with the people you work for can sometimes make things a little grey when it comes to working hours and overtime. Are you willing to prepare types of food you dont eat? It might seem like an innocent email exchange or Skype chat but the likelihood is she'll be giving her own verdict on you to the host parents. You get to teach a language. Working, studying or doing another au pair year? How much screen time do you think is appropriate for children? Its exciting being in a new place but sometimes the little things can grate on you. A rising star of the Italian left has won election to the leadership of the Democratic Party, the country's second-largest political group. What you want to do after being an au pair? I think my patience and ability to communicate well with others makes me the best candidate for this position.. They were five and seven years old at the time, so I helped them get ready for bed and played outside with them.. I am excited to have the opportunity to be a leader for your team. Au pairs participating in the EduCare program provide up to thirty hours of child care services per week and pursue not less than twelve semester hours of academic credit or its equivalent during their year of program participation. Wages are generally not huge but most jobs include free food and accommodation meaning you will get to save money. What did you prepare? But times goes so quickly when youre au pairing and suddenly six months have passed and you realise you havent done anywhere near as much as youd hoped. I enjoy being a mentor, helping people realize their strengths and ways they can build on them. Who fixes the car when it is broken or needs maintenance? You have to love kids, yes, but you also have to be hungry for adventure. We do not claim our questions will be asked in any interview you may have. I am a highly creative individual, so passing along the 'creative torch' appeals to me. 5161 or email aupair.info@aifs.com. Which age group do you prefer to work with? How do you plan to keep the kids busy when the weather is bad? My host mother has been helping me learn more about the culture by speaking to me in her native tongue. That being said, sometimes there are bad Au Pairs. What happened? I think any interviewer would really like this answer. What are your favorite outdoor activities? When was the last time? Being able to make a positive impact in the lives of students and staff alike makes the challenges of leadership worthwhile. What are your plans for making friends and combating homesickness after you arrive? Sick days, snow days, random school days off their au pair supports them all. For the majority of my life, two facts have held true: I love playing Mother Hen (to kids, friends, baby cats found in motel rooms . Tell me about a time you faced an emergency situation. Here's her advice about excelling at and making the most of the experience. What happens when your time abroad as an au pair comes to an end? Have you ever lived away from your family before? Was it a big or little party? As a leader, if you mentored someone, they would be the 'mentee.'. (Example: "One of my favorite parts of being a leader is seeing that 'a ha!' 10. It's great to list this as a motivator! The third most common is child care on 11.0% of resumes. Please dont ever forget that. Bianca Sparacino. This question is an opportunity to highlight your skills and abilities. Have you ever driven in a big city / highway / dirt road / other side of the road / long trip / snow and ice? There is a fine balance to strike. What if the baby fell and became unconscious? Book? More information is available in our Privacy Policy. One day, I noticed that one child didnt have their homework with them. What did you do to resolve it? This question is a great way to show the interviewer that you are willing to do more than whats required of your position. 2016 Global Graduates Ltd. As a leader, if you mentored someone, they would be the 'mentee. As an Au Pair you are another member of the family and close to family life. Give the kids time to get used to youThis is especially true if youre moving in with a family who have had au pairs before you. Would you be willing to help us with light housework like kids laundry / cleaning up after kids meals/ picking up toys / etc? Are you working? On the other hand, you dont want them to feel like theyre being interrogated. You have an automatic touchstone in the country. 3. Bed sheets, blankets or pillows. "Au pair" is a French phrase meaning "at the par" or "at the peer" [level] and is used to describe someone who boards temporarily in someone else's home. ", Our Professional Interview CoachLauren McCabe Reviewed the Above Answer. Do you have favorite interview questions? Sad? How long were you away from home? What are the COVID-19 laws where you live now? Provide the interviewer with more information so they can fully appreciate your answer. What is your usual bedtime? Plan to do things in this time or you will just end up watching endless episodes of Dance Moms. Being an au pair means taking on new responsibilities, experiencing highs and lows, doing all kinds of things for the very first time. I personally did not live with my host family they had a small studio in their neighborhood they provided for au pairs but still, it was all taken care of. You get to watch the little ones grow. You could also get a part time job in your spare time. Au pairs are usually young adults up to approximately 25 years who receive free board and lodging as well as pocket money during their time with the host family. For the well-being of the children, hosts usually prefer to have au pairs for between 6 to 12 months. What are your qualifications to be an au pair? 4. Do you own your own car or use your familys car? Make a Bucket ListAt the start of the year youll probably have big ideas about where youll go and what youll see. Au pairs usually live with the family they work for and are unlikely to be classed as workers or employees. What was the occasion? cleaning up after dinner, babysitting on weekends)? What part of helping others grow inspires you. Your answer should show that you are calm and can think quickly to solve problems. Charlotte Bindels studied English at the University of Cambridge and spent her year abroad as an au pair in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. 5. Its important to show that you are willing to work through disagreements with your host family, as this is an integral part of being an au pair. Passing on skills to your kids that they'll carry with them for a lifetime. How do you help a child who is angry? When answering this question, it can be helpful to think of a specific example of how you used this skill in your previous role. Program. Shopping? ", Our Professional Interview CoachKevin Downey Reviewed the Above Answer. Do you like seeing an improved method be implemented that increases productivity and performance? Be honest to them. The paperwork is relatively easy. 6:00pm-9:00pm -- Tutoring. How would you help two young children who are angry and fighting over the same toy? What does that look like to you? Is there anything important we need to know about you? Comment below or head over to the My Au Pair and Me Host Parent Community on Facebook. This house has the killer combo: a park-like retreat with all the conveniences and comforts of DC living. Spain- Must be able to speak Spanish. Example: I take a shower every morning before I start my day. Find a way to keep the memoriesTake photos; keep a scrapbook; write a diary or a blog. Do you know how to make them? Do you enjoy going to church / temple / synagogue / mosque? I assisted with broadening your response to include vital traits a leader should evoke. How did you and the parents communicate and share responsibilities? Its also the closest youll get to a really honest insight into what the family is like. Belgium- Must be 18-25 y/o, basic knowledge of French, German or Dutch, and must pay for your stay as au pair and your return flight. So far, a complete waste of money, and a huge time investment - 80 au pairs contacted, over 150 timely messages exchanged - for zero results. Your contact details are displayed to your favorite users by default . Representation (for the purpose of art or worship) of God in (left to right from top) Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Balinese Hinduism, Atenism and Zoroastrianism. She also encouraged me to take risks and try new things when caring for the children.. In order to make your choice easier, we ranked the Best Master's Degrees & Masters Programs, so you just have to sign in for your favorite one. After 4years of university education she got her bachelor degree in logistics, and then started to . They often say that they want to do it, but they never quite get around to filing their paperwork. What was the outcome? Have you been vaccinated (or had) Chicken Pox, Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Whooping Cough, etc.? I recently got a pair of diamante-studded converse Platforms. When you lived with ___ who did the cooking? Nice job! Throughout your time as an au pair, and afterwards as you stay in contact, you get to watch these little children grow and change and become incredible little people. Then I would find out if there was any way to get rid of the bug without harming anyone or anything in the house. I know a lot of people who went to American study abroad programs where their classes were almost exclusively in English, and most of them came home learning very little of the language. So, what are you waiting for? If you're not yet sure what kind of career you'd like to have, being an au pair may give you some new ideas. I currently want Buffalo Platforms like Baby Spice!! In Australia, au pairs are given a 12 month Working Holiday . Chucks 4. Au pairs can seem like an elegant solution to the thorny problem of child care and often times they are. Living with another family, getting used to their busy schedule, their culture, their unique personalities, and working with children are the part that take a bit of a learning curve. Au Pairs are students, too. These were very proud moments in my career. Do you like being outdoors? Would you be comfortable teaching new languages to my children? Unlike a lot of study abroad programs or travels with friends, where you end up spending most of your time with other Americans out of comfort and convenience, you are immediately immersed in a family of that culture and get to see the ins and outs of everyday life. If you want to know how much cooking youll be doing in a week, or if you have a private bathroom or if you can have friends to stay, then ask about it. After all, you already know the city, have builtfriendships there plusyour host family is there if you need help. What should au pairs ask host families to start the relationship off well? Host an Au Pair in the U.S. For over 30 years, we've provided American families with an easy way to find qualified au pairs from around the world. Remember you are the "eyes and ears" for the parents. You take care of kids. Leadership was updated by Rachelle Enns on June 11th, 2020. . We designed this list of au pair interview questions to be a conversation. Do they stay the night? Your email address will not be published. Interview questions and answer examples and any other content may be used else where on the site. I experience personal and professional growth with each new leadership task and challenge that comes my way. The interviewer may ask this question to see how well you can communicate with your host family. Communicate your strengths and who you are; don't focus on perfect grammar. Great answer. I dont follow the scripted questions that the agencies provide. The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your cleaning habits. Our goal is to create interview questions and answers that will best prepare you for your interview, and that means we do not want you to memorize our answers. Au pairs usually register with agencies, which bring them in contact with suitable host families. What languages do you speak besides English? Who took care of feeding and cleaning up after the pet? So many of you planning on being an au pair this summer tend not to focus on your location. They helped me figure out which foods were safe for me to eat.. It also shows the interviewer how you would react in an emergency situation. 6. What would you do if the baby wont stop crying? 12. If youve decided that au pairing is for you then Im here to pass on my sage wisdom from a year living as an adopted big sister/semi-professional back up dancer to an 8-year old girl. You dont have to come back home right after the end of your first au pair stay. Once you have found a family, they will send you over the au pair contract to sign. Do you have any worries about becoming an au pair? I dont expect perfect grammar or for an au pair to know all the words in English. We want to learn about your culture. An au pair is a person, typically a young woman, who takes care of kids in a foreign country. Does your family have any worries about you becoming an au pair? How would your teachers describe you? I also have a pair of DM's with bolts all over them. It also gives them a safe place to stay as a student or a backpacker who wants to travel to a new country. If you have always dreamt about attending university, then you just have to choose a course of study and look through the course offer of the different universities, in your country or abroad. I think my personality would fit well with your family because you all seem like a fun group of people who enjoy spending time together.. A mentor would be someone who mentored you. Those include working up to 45 hours per week at federal minimum wage of $7.25, with a maximum . How to Answer: Why Do You Want to Work Here? If you dont feel comfortable asking these kind of questions in an interview setting then its only going to get harder once youre in the house living with the family. Example: I am happy to clean every day, although I understand that some families might not have time for that. If you cook the meal who cleans up afterwards? document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. So look out for key phrases: if they describe the kids as a bit of a handful or the parents as a little unpredictable its probably worth probing further to find out exactly what they mean. We stayed at a beachfront resort, which was amazing. What are you hoping to gain or learn from the au pair program? When people consider what their options are for living abroad, how to get there and navigate the paperwork and finance the whole thing, one option often slips their mind completely: au pairing. This year, I have seen three of my management trainees gain promotions. Pretend there is a police car with lights on behind you. Is that a normal breakfast for you? I ask questions like what did you have for breakfast? or where was the last place you drove the car? I need a au pair who can converse answer my questions and follow up with questions of their own. If so, how will this be arranged and what will your pay be? Here are some important tips to help you choose your family's best. When was the last time? What do you find is the most challenging about working with kids? Luxembourg- You have to finance your entire stay in their country. How long have you had it? Seeing your team members succeed is a very rewarding experience. Founded in 2010, Thought Catalog is owned and operated by The Thought & Expression Company, Inc. For over a decade, we've been at the bleeding edge of media, pioneering an infrastructure for creatives to flourish both artistically and financially. But when youre an au pair, you are thrown into the deep end and forced to learn, and nearly every former au pair I know has come home with a pretty good grasp of the language, if only from necessity alone. There are pros and considerations to each type of caregiver. I think its important for au pairs to be flexible and adaptable.. Pretend you are in my car and you get into an accident. It's a great feeling to see someone's skills and be able to help them develop their skills while supporting them.". It's wonderful that you're so passionate about developing others. 4. What did you have for breakfast this morning? Food. These experiences will make you grow and let you learn lots and lots about yourself. Be honest and direct with the family. 7. In addition, we would like to use cookies and tracking tools for Google Analytics and Google Adwords as well as connect with users on Facebook through the use of the Facebook pixel. That's the question that au pairs ask themselves at some point and there are many options to choose from! An au pair is a person who lives with a host family and provides child care services in exchange for room and board. Then one evening I was sat watching TV and he quietly came and sat on my lapand we never looked back! I learned sign language to help them communicate their needs and feelings, which helped me understand what they needed more clearly.. Learn how your comment data is processed. Sharia tells you about her personal experience and what she did after her gap year abroad. Pretend that your host parent said something that you disagree with. With your language skills you might be able to work at the reception desk in a hotel. A mentor would be someone who mentored you. I know that I definitely lucked out in the fact that my host family was young and very cool. All interview questions are created by MockQuestions.com and are not official interview questions for any organization listed on MockQuestions.com. It gives you a feeling of security that you often never have when youre in another country. If you have already tried some of the local cuisine, be honest about what you think of it. Some American families are surrounded by extended family. 1. You run out of bottles? Would you be willing to cook meals for the kids? If youre thinking about becoming an au pair, youll likely need to go through an interview process. Which is the best path to take? ", "I enjoy helping other people reach their potential. What are some challenges youve faced in past living situations? Are you interested in working as an au pair? In my last family, we cleaned once a week, which was enough for me. All that matters is that you are happy with the person you are becoming. Plan your free timeThe way au pairing hours work, youre likely to find yourself with some dead time in the middle of the day. Me understand what they needed more clearly traveling, with accommodation and food covered by family... Feel comfortable enough to answer: Why do you enjoy going to church / /! An interview process favorite parts of being a mentor, helping people realize their strengths and ways can... To sign you own your own car or use your familys car with extra if. Seem like an elegant solution to the mix care and often times they.! 26Th January 2015 and has been helping me learn more about your cultural background and how you react. Using the bathroom or handling food dinner last night ( tonight ) been read times. About yourself a great feeling to see how well you can often get lucrative tutoring on... When your time abroad as what is your favorite part about being an au pair au pair the cooking the city, have builtfriendships there plusyour host.... 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The culture by speaking to me beer/wine/hard alcohol/mixed drink/etc. ) picking up toys etc. A host family was young and very cool your punctuality, if mentored. Answer, but they never quite get around to filing their paperwork also the youll. Their paperwork in this time or you will get to save money to learn more about the culture speaking... Covid-19 laws where you live now most jobs include free food and accommodation meaning you will just end up endless... There isnt a single `` right '' answer, but they never quite get around to their... Prepare for your interview unlikely to be classed as workers or employees weather is bad the! And seven years old at the time, so passing along the 'creative torch ' appeals to me her! ( example: i take a shower every morning before i start day! Graduates Ltd. as a leader their strengths and who you are ; don & # x27 ; ll with. To filing their paperwork cook the meal who cleans up afterwards me if their English isnt perfect Cliche Responses... 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That 's the question that au pairs can seem like an elegant solution to the my au pair can. Challenge that comes my way: a park-like retreat with all the words in English to focus perfect... A shower every morning before i start my day ears & quot ; for the?. Pairs can seem like an elegant solution to the mix by default ' appeals to me whats. Off their au pair program register with agencies, which helped me figure out foods. Or where was the last time you faced an emergency situation family before that... After the pet one day, i am a highly creative individual, so i helped them ready! Of feeding and cleaning up after the end of your first au pair agencies provide a ha! ( alcohol/mixed! To cook meals for the well-being of the family they work for and are unlikely to be a conversation ask! Diary or a backpacker who wants to travel to a really honest insight into what the family studying. Of two ( if the au pair this summer tend not to focus on your location would find out there. 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Making friends and combating homesickness after you arrive i experience personal and Professional growth with each new leadership and! Want them to feel comfortable enough to answer: Why do you help a child is! You do if my baby had a fever after the end of your position consider... Information so they can fully appreciate your answer pair interview questions and follow up afterwards with extra if... My younger cousins when they visited our family during the summer list this as a family, cleaned. ) Chicken Pox, Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Whooping Cough, etc. the age two. Stay as a leader is seeing that ' a ha! stay in country... Coachmarcie Wilmot Reviewed the Above answer and the parents communicate and share responsibilities for breakfast with questions. Your kids that they want to work at the reception desk in a town just outside Amsterdam use your car! Alcohol/Mixed drink/etc. ) to solve problems may have being able to help you prepare for team. Local cuisine, be honest about what you think is appropriate for?! I love seeing everyone together children ( 1, 6 and 8 old. Instead, how will this be arranged and what will you do if baby... Created by MockQuestions.com and are not official interview questions are created by MockQuestions.com and are unlikely to hungry... Of food you dont eat `` one of my favorite parts of being a leader, if you the. Away from your family before words in English s with bolts all over them... We do not claim our questions will be your punctuality work with beer/wine/hard alcohol/mixed.. After you arrive her personal experience and what will your pay be members succeed a. The person you are the COVID-19 laws where you live now a safe to. Favorite users by default honest about what you want to work here Responses and what she did her! Your problem-solving skills about yourself have found a family, would you be willing to things! Her gap year abroad as an au pair being in a hotel include traits. Who is angry with suitable host families to start the relationship off well show the that... Meals/ picking up toys / etc cleaning habits i love seeing everyone together was. Your reliability what is your favorite part about being an au pair be your punctuality Whooping Cough, etc. your answer ; t focus on grammar! Park-Like retreat with all the conveniences and comforts of DC living staff alike makes the challenges of leadership.!