From dream to reality: My journey as an au pair in the United States.

Sometimes we feel we want to try a new life, a new experience, and start again in a new place. I grew up thinking about what to do to achieve my dream of speaking English fluently, but it seemed impossible once to study English it was expensive and to go on an exchange program more expensive yet. 

My oldest brother started an English course in another city, and he told me about the teacher. “He is a great man, you should meet him,” he told me. I went there to get to know him and yes, he was a great person (he passed away). He introduced me to the au pair program and said: you are a strong candidate for this program, you should go. At that moment, I thought: “My mum will need to sell our car …”. I was wrong. The au pair program was accessible for me. And I was very excited to start my process.

My first step was to get my passport and visa.

My English was terrible, but I was confident, I was going to the United States to learn (I could say I want to improve my English, but I don't want to lie lol… I was going to learn). All the process to start and finish my application took around 5 months that includes my family interview and my visa interview too.

Find your Motivation

Everyone has their motivation to change, some of us about job opportunities, others about personal issues (family, ex-boyfriend), and some others because they want to live an adventure. I had a dream: of speaking English, and at that time I was heartbroken by someone that I loved. Well, this was my motivation. I ran after my dreams and even with my heart broken, I started my life. I was twenty years old when I departed for the US, and I have no regrets about my decision. But I have to tell you, if you are a person who likes to go out for a drink, don't go before turning 21, otherwise you will not have permission to enjoy a bar, nightclub or any kind of drink.

Advice for Au Pairs

What I would like to bring to you, future au pair candidate, is that whatever makes you motivated to go behind your dream is valuable. Trust yourself, invest in yourself, and don't let anyone tell you can't do it, because you can. I had a lot of obstacles to make my dream come true, but I persevered through each one of them. It's amazing how you discover who you are for real when you have to face your challenges. I won't lie, it was not easy, since I started the process, earned money, and chose the family, but it is worth it.

Follow your dreams

In the end, my journey as au pair wasn't only about learning English, it was about discovering myself and how strong I am to accomplish my dreams. Each challenge I overcome is a powerful reminder that with determination and self-belief, everything is impossible. So for all future au pair candidates, trust yourselves, follow your dreams, and never underestimate the power of your determination. The journey may be, tough, but the result makes every obstacle faced worth it.