It comes as no surprise that au pairs come to the USA to learn about American traditions and culture. But au pairs also share their own cultures, traditions, holidays and language with their host families.

Below are some tips to help families take advantage of the opportunity for cultural exchange during the year.

Talk to your au pair before they arrive

Make sure your au pair knows even before they arrive that you are interested in learning as much about their culture as possible. Particularly when au pairs will be sharing their home country’s cuisine, they often want to pack cookbooks, spices and goodies from home so they can share authentic flavors and dishes once in the USA. Au pairs generally share lots of words and songs with their host kids but if your hope is that your children will be immersed in your au pair's native language, make sure you make these wishes known during the matching process.

Cook together

Cooking and sharing a meal together is one of the easiest ways to share culture and is the most popular way families and au pairs bond. Encourage your au pair to share their favorite recipes and be sure to include them in your family meals.

Combine holiday traditions

Incorporating some of your au pair’s traditions into your own holiday celebrations is a way to make them feel special, combat homesickness and enrich your own traditions. It’s also a good idea to acknowledge and celebrate other holidays unique to their home country.

Make time to just talk

When you have an opportunity to ask questions about your au pair’s home country and background, take advantage of it! Everyone is eager to talk about what makes their upbringing unique and you can learn so much just by sharing these small details.

Get to know their family and friends, too

Au pairs love when host families are interested in their families and friends back home, so consider taking advantage of the chance to meet them, either over video chat or even by inviting them to come stay with you for a visit

Keep it fun!

Cultural exchange should be fun, so encourage your au pair to think of creative ways to share their culture with your children. (And be sure to use Cultural Care’s cultural activity, included with every host family and au pair’s Welcome Box.)