The Au-pair program has gained wide popularity among young people
The Au-pair program is gaining wide popularity among young people in our country today. It is an opportunity to temporarily go abroad and live there for a while, studying the nuances of a foreign language and improving one's own speaking and writing skills.
The organization of the trip is as follows: in the host country, a number of families who need some kind of help, for example, caring for an elderly person or babysitting, declare their willingness to take into their home a young man or woman who will be entrusted with these duties. In the vast majority of cases, living with a foreign family and in a foreign country goes without problems or unpleasantness for our compatriots. They gain valuable communication experience, learn about the country they live in, and get acquainted with the traditions and culture of the local people. At the same time, they are provided with food and shelter while performing light work.
The selection of young people wishing to participate in the program is carried out through the Au-pair agency, whose branches are located both in the host country and in ours. The agency's staff are tasked with selecting young people who are genuinely eager to learn, rather than simply wanting to visit another country to satisfy their own curiosity.
The selection among candidates is made according to strict criteria, taking many factors into account. These include good manners, sociability, absence of bad habits and a criminal record, the ability to live in a foreign family, and good health. A mandatory requirement is a good level of language proficiency in order to be able to communicate freely with members of the host family.
The host family's requirements are also taken into account, such as age limits and preferences regarding education level. There may also be special requests – for example, if a family member has allergies or respiratory diseases, then the guest's perfumes and cosmetics should be kept to a minimum or avoided altogether. This in no way infringes on the rights of our students, and towards the family it will serve as a sign of respect and goodwill.