{"id":9573,"date":"2019-10-10T15:24:26","date_gmt":"2019-10-10T15:24:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.aupairusa.org\/host-families\/?p=9573"},"modified":"2020-09-04T16:39:45","modified_gmt":"2020-09-04T16:39:45","slug":"why-do-au-pairs-attend-monthly-cluster-events","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.aupairusa.org\/host-families\/become-host-family\/why-do-au-pairs-attend-monthly-cluster-events\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Do Au Pairs Attend Monthly Cluster Events?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Au pairs in North Carolina visited a fire station for their monthly event.
Image courtesy of Mary Beth Grealey<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Each month your au pair is required to attend a cluster meetup hosted by your\u00a0Local Coordinator<\/a>. Need a refresher on why these events are important for your au pair to attend? Here\u2019s a quick rundown.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cluster events foster friendships.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Moving to a new country and living with a family is a\u00a0big change\u00a0for your au pair. One of the main reasons your au pair is required to attend monthly meetups is to build relationships with other au pairs. When your au pair has friends that support them, their program year will be more enjoyable. This also makes them a better caretaker for your children. When returning home, our au pairs often tell us about the\u00a0lifelong friendships\u00a0they made while on program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your au pair\u2019s training is reinforced.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Our cluster events are the perfect time for your au pair to ask any questions he or she may have about how to handle specific situations in the home. Your Local Coordinator is a wealth of knowledge and advice for your au pair and will check in with your au pair to see how things are going.\u00a0Safety or training topics\u00a0are reviewed, giving your au pair a dedicated time to reflect on what they\u2019ve learned so far and how to improve moving forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cultural exchange is facilitated.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Whether it\u2019s grabbing an ice cream or learning to\u00a0line dance, monthly cluster events always expose your au pair to a new culture. This can help your au pair feel more comfortable in the USA in general, not to mention it\u2019s fun! Examples of cluster events include bowling, visiting a fire station, baking holiday cookies,\u00a0volunteering\u00a0at a local charity,\u00a0hiking, and more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How can you help?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There are a few ways you can help your au pair make the most of the monthly cluster events. Remember, your au pair is required to attend, and you are required to help make that happen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n