Meet Your Global Neighbor: Sponsored by Au Pair in America

Communication

“Little Linguists” Introduce Germany!

Krik-It Clothing for Kids is teaming up with Au Pair in America to present a “Little Linguist” program on Thursday mornings in February, 2012. Our “global neighbor,”Germany, will be introduced to children ages 2-5.  German au pairs living with host families in Wilton and Weston will do mini-interactive language lessons with the children teaching them _{Read more…}

It’s Rough Adapting to Another Culture!

Anyone who’s done it will tell you it’s not easy to adapt to another culture.   Everyone adapts differently but for the most part there are often hurdles that appear insurmountable to some of our au pairs.  Let’s take a look at communication.  One au pair tentatively approached me and began to cry for no apparent reason.  _{Read more…}

Global Sharing: Changing the World One Au Pair at a Time!

Volunteering is a unique and important part of the American culture.  This is the way Americans give back to their community.  We asked au pairs to tell us in an essay about their volunteer experiences in the U.S.  We were so happy to read about positions in hospitals, schools and libraries.  First place went to _{Read more…}

Happy New Year from Around the Globe!

I’ve never had an ear for languages, never did too well in High School French so I’m always amazed when our au pairs pick up English so quickly!!  From time-to-time I ask my au pairs how to say certain things in their language.  Recently, I had a lesson in how to wish a ‘happy new _{Read more…}

The Importance of Cultural Exchange

I love cultural exchange.  I love meeting people from all over the world who are brave enough to take the step to come to a new country filled with new ideas.  Every day presents something new:  a tidbit of information, a discussion of a “big” concept ( our ‘peace’ competition), politics, values, ways of life.  _{Read more…}

Holidays Around the World

Holidays Around the World is the December theme for presentations.  Children from pre-school to middle will learn how traditions vary from one culture to the next.  Not everyone celebrates Christmas!  Santa is St Nick in some countries, and candies are left in shoes for German children.  In a cluster in CT, we shared our cultures _{Read more…}

Are You Culturally Competent?

Crossing cultures to live in the U.S.  or abroad as an au pair, an international student, a businessman/woman ,or as a “trailing spouse” can often be a challenge.  Daily encounters with “unusual” behaviors can be daunting.  And when all of the challenges are faced in a new language, life can really get confusing! Before going _{Read more…}

The Peace Dove by Maxellende Chirol

Maxellende Chirol is from France and is living with her host family in Riverside, CT.  Maxellende’s stunning vision of the peace dove was chosen to be the holiday e-card for Au Pair in America and for the AIFS, London holiday card.  Many thanks to Maxellende  and all the other au pairs who entered the contest,for _{Read more…}

Artist “Peace” Contest

September 21 International Day of Peace was celebrated ’round the world.  In recognition of this day and 9/11, the Global Awareness program of Au Pair in America held a “peace” art contest for au pairs.  How does “peace” look to you?  Paint a picture, write a poem.  Many countries were represented as au pairs across _{Read more…}

Charlotte elementary children learn about Mexico

Fadia, an au pair in Charlotte, NC, presented information about her home country to a group fo 56 K, K-1 and 1st grade students at the Pawtuckett Elementary School.  She engaged the children in learning about Mexico and her culture through song, teaching Spanish words and answering questions. The children really enjoyed her presentation and hugged _{Read more…}

Culture Fair

Fairfield and New Haven County au pairs presented their countries at a Culture Fair held at the Discovery Museum in Bridgeport, CT.  Each country’s booth was exciting and interactive. Children learned about their “global neighbors” while having a great time on a rainy day.

Au Pair in America Celebrates 25 years!

Au Pair in America celebrates its 25th anniversary with Culture Fairs Around the U.S. Join the Fairfield and New Haven County au pairs and community counselors for a culture fair in which au pairs from around the world will highlight their countries and cultures.   Come meet your ‘Global Neighbor!’ Host families, friends, au pairs,and anyone interested _{Read more…}