Most au pairs decide to join the program for a number of reasons: they want to improve their English, they are excited to live in a new country and learn about a new culture, and they enjoy taking care of kids. When Layla graduated college in 2022 with a degree in advertising, she knew she wasn’t quite ready to settle down in her home country of China. Layla had previously been to the U.S. on a summer exchange program in 2018, but never had the opportunity to actually live with an American host family and be fully immersed in American culture. A year later, she was applying to become an au pair with Au Pair USA.
Layla went through the vigorous au pair application process—including an in-person interview, English assessment, and completing the online application. She was thrilled to be accepted and began interviewing with families right away. She knew her host family was “the one” for a number of reasons. “They were very experienced hosting au pairs,” Layla explains, “specifically au pairs from China”. Layla would be their fifth Chinese au pair! Layla also got to speak with the host family’s current au pair at the time, which provided her peace of mind from another au pair about their experience. Layla was soon en route to join her new American family in Boston, Massachusetts.
Bridging Cultural Differences
Cultural differences can certainly come up when you’re an au pair though, even if you’ve been to the U.S. before and watched all the American movies and series your heart desires. There’s nothing quite like living through it!
One cultural difference Layla has experienced during her program year has been the food. American cuisine is understandably different from Chinese cuisine, but fortunately living near some major universities with a plethora of international students, there are many authentic Asian restaurants to choose from when Layla craves a taste of home. Layla also shared that her host family makes it a point to order Chinese food often so she can eat some of her favorite foods at home too.
Another cultural difference Layla shared has been communication styles. According to Layla, in Chinese culture, people don’t usually say things in a very straightforward way. Speaking directly can be considered rude. Layla says, “Sometimes if I want to ask my host family for vacation days or a weekend off, I practice by myself before I ask my host mom about it”. Layla’s experienced host mom has also let her know if she isn’t sure how to say something directly to them, she can message it instead. It’s been a good bridge during the cultural learning curve of communication Layla has experienced.
Becoming Part of the Community
Over the past year, Layla has made tons of friends in the Boston community, from other au pairs, to international students, to local professionals. These relationships have helped her acclimate to her new environment and provided her with support on hard days. As an only child, it was hard to leave her parents for an extended length of time, but Layla makes it a point to video chat with them daily to update them on her American life and let them know she is safe. Layla was fortunate to visit her parents this past July and is currently helping her mom obtain a tourist visa to visit the U.S. before the end of the year as well!
Since Layla’s arrival to her host family’s Boston home in 2023, she has had an incredible experience. In fact, Layla even decided to extend her program participation for an additional year with her current host family!
Her advice to future au pairs?
“If you want to improve your English, don’t worry, you will practice it a lot! But, it’s also important if your host family wants their kids to learn your language, that you teach them as well.” Layla is currently teaching her host kids Mandarin.
Communication is very important. Communicate with your host parents, especially if the kids are not behaving. They will most likely have some advice for you.
And finally, “If you feel homesick, call your parents or friends at home, but don’t forget to make new friends where you’re living.”
We’re so excited for Layla and her host family to experience another amazing year together! If you’re ready to start your au pair journey with Au Pair USA, don’t wait! Apply today and get ready to have the cultural exchange experience of a lifetime!
