{"id":9501,"date":"2018-09-12T18:42:58","date_gmt":"2018-09-12T22:42:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.aupairusa.org\/au-pairs\/?p=9501"},"modified":"2020-08-18T08:25:28","modified_gmt":"2020-08-18T12:25:28","slug":"using-the-buddy-system-as-an-au-pair","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.aupairusa.org\/au-pairs\/au-pair-advice\/using-the-buddy-system-as-an-au-pair\/","title":{"rendered":"Using the Buddy System as an Au Pair"},"content":{"rendered":"
<\/div>\n
\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Having adventures with friends is a great part of being an au pair.
Image courtesy of Pexels<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

This blog is brought to you by au pair Simone from South Africa! Simone shared some advice for using the buddy system to make friends during your au pair year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is the buddy system?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

InterExchange Au Pair USA knows that the success of a cultural exchange experience lies not only in happiness at work but in happiness at play too. For this reason, many InterExchange Local Coordinators use the \u2018buddy system\u2019 in addition to the monthly cluster meetings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The buddy system is when a Local Coordinator of a cluster connects a new au pair to a current au pair living in the area, making them buddies. This is done in the hopes to facilitate friendships and welcome the new au pair to the USA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Inga and Tayla from South Africa and Adrijana from Croatia.
Image courtesy of Simone<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The au pair already on program will be in contact with the new au pair before their arrival to eliminate the apprehension that could arise from not knowing anyone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Adrijana from Croatia had a great experience with her buddy, sharing,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

My buddy was the first person to introduce me to so many new people and new experiences, so I am very grateful to them.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

What can au pairs do to be a good buddy?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n