life lessons

Life Lessons in Cultural Exchange – Soft Benefits by TexasHM

by Texas HM August 25, 2018
3905740362_7b8a332cbe_o

There are often discussions of the additional soft costs of hosting – some of which are “harder” and can be quantified like car insurance, little higher water/food bills or an additional Disney ticket but some of which can’t like the emotional investment/bonds made or time spent investing in your APs experience by providing a shoulder to […]

7 comments Read the full article →

Explaining a Rematch to Host Children

by cv harquail October 22, 2010
2988602407_8610908f60_o.jpg

“It’s not you, it’s me.” if there is one time we want an au pair to appear somewhat self-focused, it’s when he or she is explaining to host kids that they are going into rematch. When an au pair says goodbye to host children, the AP should offer an explanation that puts responsibility solely on […]

18 comments Read the full article →

How to Handle Costs for a Ski Vacation: Who should pay for what?

by cv harquail February 5, 2010
201002050906.jpg

When a host family takes their au pair with them to work during part of the vacation, what should they provide for her during her off-duty time? Especially, what should you provide on a ski vacation, where costs are relatively high and your au pair can’t afford to pay for her own skiing? A European […]

36 comments Read the full article →