Parents sometimes find it helpful to view applications from au pairs that have already been placed with active host families in the U.S. Although each candidate is different, these applications will provide a general representation of our au pair pool. Each au pair application includes the following information: photo collage, letter to the host family, family background, childcare experience, driving history, au pair references and a health certificate. If you see an au pair you like, notify your Placement Manager and she can use her application as a point of reference when searching for your family’s perfect match. To view au pairs who are currently in the matching process and who may be available for placement, please visit our Available Au Pairs page.
Anne-Katrin, 19, from Germany
Anne-Katrin is from the Black Forest region in the South of Germany. Her family
consists of her, her mom and dad and older brother Markus. Anne-Katrin has embarked
on two previous exchange experiences – a mission trip to an orphanage in Ghana (three
weeks) and a student exchange in the U.S. (three weeks). So, she has some practice
adapting to different cultures.
Anne-Katrin has cared for children in a number of different settings including an orphanage, babysitting in the home, a children’s camp and her local church. Her interests include basketball, swimming, volleyball, music, piano, handicrafts, cooking and travel. She is fluent in four languages: German, English, Spanish and French.
“During my time in the orphanage in Ghana, (West Africa), I learned a lot about the African culture and how to live with just a little. The children there impressed me a lot. Despite their poverty they are really, happy, warm-hearted and content. I also loved my time in the USA which is why I want to go again.”
Varitha, 23, from Thailand
Varitha comes from Bangkok, Thailand where she
lives with her older brother and mom and dad. She is not only an English major but
also a cheerleader at university and brings the same enthusiasm to her role as an
au pair! Varitha’s childcare experience includes babysitting for an infant, working
in a daycare center and tutoring and teaching English to elementary students.
She has been driving since March 2005 and is a strong swimmer. Varitha loves music, biking, movies, reading, photography and making new friends. She believes in creating a warm, comfortable environment in which children feel nourished and safe. Her references describe Varitha as calm, responsible, loveable and kind.
“I first became interested in childcare when my mom looked after my cousin because his mother had to work away from home. I used to help my mom take care of him and found it was something that I really enjoyed. I come from a big, close family, and I have a lot of younger nieces, nephews and cousins from 5 months to 4 years old who I often take care of and have lots of fun with.”
Emilia, 20, from Sweden
Emilia is the oldest of three girls. She comes from the countryside of southwest
Sweden and has a lot of babysitting experience with school-aged children. Helping
with homework, cooking meals, playing games, and getting them ready for bed were
her primary responsibilities. She has also worked as tourist guide during the summer
holidays and this experience honed her leadership and people skills. Emilia is also
trained in first aid and CPR.
She loves to be outdoors and active. Her interests include volleyball, sailing and waterskiing. Emilia loves to be creative and enjoys photography, drawing, sewing, writing, and making her own jewelry. She spent a year abroad in Germany and, for that reason, felt even more confident about her exchange year in the U.S.
“I think it’s important to stimulate kids’ minds. How you do that depends on where you live and what the children like to do, but some ideas are to go to the beach, cook and bake together, do sports and activities in the park. Children need a lot of love and honesty! It’s also important that children understand there are boundaries to respect (that we decide together) such as how to clean up after themselves and show respect to other human beings.”