Lots to think about.

Since deciding to become and Au Pair, I have only really thought about Australia. Although having not been there, I have had family and friends who have, and to me it sounds perfect with the Hot weather, chilled back attitude and they speak English. I have always found it hard to learn another language, so thought Australia would be an obvious pace to go where I don't have to worry about that!

After messaging about 3 families who are looking for someone next year (think its a bit soon) I got one message back! This was very exciting as I thought I would have to wait a long time, or message a lot more. There message said how much they loved my profile and feel I could fit right into their family.

This felt so good! But could I actually fit into their family? They have 3 children, who look lovely, live on a farm, they offer a nice bedroom, and use of a car. They are not asking for an unreasonable amount of hours, and pay seems good. My only worry is that they are 20 minute drive to the nearest big town. Where I live now is quite built up, with lots to do and a big population. Going from that, to a farm in the middle of know where would be a big change, and probably quite boring! I have messaged them back asking if there is much for me to do locally in my free time, and if it would be easy/hard to make friends. We'll see what hey say..

I then got thinking, maybe a lot of families in Australia will be from remote areas? And thought I should forget my worries about a language barrier and broaden my search to a few places I had been in Europe, and a bit closer to home. 

This, almost instantly resulted in two more families messaging me. One from Venice, where I have recently visited and loved, and one from Germany, where I have also visited a few years ago. Although I loved Venice, I didn't particularly Love the family. The children were too young mainly. One child being just two years old, and with all the water in Venice, I would be petrified of taking the child anywhere!

The family from Germany seem perfect. Where they live seems nice, they have separate space for the Au Pair, and three lovely little girls, who are 7, 9 and 11, and are all girly and want to be princess's when they grow up, just like me, aha!

I just need to think if Germany is where I want to live for up to a year...

Where do I start?

For a few months now, I have been thinking about becoming an Au pair once I have graduate from Uni next year. An Au Pair is basically a Nanny, you go and live with a family, and look after their children. Sounds easy..

I have a lot of questions though! Where in the world do I go? How do I find a family? How much will I get paid? Will I like it? ..Time to research!

I have found a few websites that I have been looking at to help me answer some questions!

Firstly.. Get Australia! This is the website I first found about becoming an Au Pair. I was signed up to the camp america news letter, and they emailed me about it. They have lots of other jobs you can do in Australia, but I clicked on 'Teaching and Childcare jobs' and Au pair was an option! The website also says how much is the average pay is for jobs, and can help with flights, visa's and finding a job!
http://www.getaustralia.com/

I then clicked on a link from that website, that took me to a specific Nanny Australia website. This is from the same people, but give you more specific information on Nanny jobs.
http://www.nannyaustralia.com/

I then thought, does it have to be Australia? It's a long way from home if I didn't like it! I then found the website 'Au Pair world' and started looking at that. This is for pretty much any where in the world you could wish to go from France, America or Guatemala (where ever that is) You can create a profile, that families can look at, and you can search for them. This website, you are more on your own, finding flights and visas if needed, but it is possible to choose a family, not get given one like other websites!
http://www.aupair-world.net/

So I have created a profile on Au Pair world, with pictures and text of the experience I have had with children..messaged a few families I liked the look of..and now just waiting with my fingers crossed!