The Aupair Experience: Interview with Lydia

Originally Published on 11th February 2019

99Aupairs believe in the saying that says, “Experience is the best teacher.” This is why we keep on collecting stories and experiences from different Aupairs in Australia. We want to share their experiences with you, so you too can learn from them.

Lydia, a 19 years old Aupair from Germany we interviewed about her journey to Melbourne, Australia. She’s a vibrant young woman who loves what she does and is so happy to be with one of the best and kindest host family in the country. We’re grateful that she was more than willing to answer our questions about her adventures and experiences after completing her Aupair stay.

Her answers to our questions will surely help you in your Aupair journey as well.

What motivates someone to become an Aupair?

In the interview, Lydia mentions her main motivation for being an Aupair is the cultural exchange and the opportunity to earn money. She also said that living with a family in another country gives her security instead of living alone by herself. She always wanted to come to Australia – being an Aupair made that dream possible.

Should a first-time Aupair be scared and concerned?

When she first arrived in Australia and met her host family, Lydia didn’t feel scared or worried at all. She said she felt nervous at first but the host family was very nice so she instantly felt comfortable, later on, she did, however, miss her twin sister dearly, who was an Aupair for another family, just two suburbs away. This was the first time they spent time apart.

What was the reaction of the family?

It’s perfectly normal for any parents to worry about their children. In Lydia’s case, her parents did react shockingly and were worried and scared for her. She understood why her parent’s reacted that way knowing that their daughter will travel to another country by herself. But Lydia’s friends were okay with it because they already knew what Aupairing is and some of them already experienced being an Aupair as well.

How much does it cost to go to Australia?

The three most important expenses for Aupairs (depending on where you are coming from) are the airplane ticket, visa, and bank account deposit. Lydia paid around 1000 euros on her flight, 300 euros on her visa, and deposited 3,500 euros ($5,000 AUD) into her bank account. She also got insurance which was around 200 euros covering the whole year. Doing your research pays off.

What were your expectations before you came to Australia?

Although Lydia knew that being an Aupair is no holiday, she was however also expecting that she’s going to have a lot of fun being an Aupair. She expected that in her spare time, she will be able to explore the country and was hoping that everything will work out fine. The weather wasn’t exactly what she expected as she thought it’s going to be warm in Australia. But it turned out, the warm weather only lasted for about two weeks because she arrived in March (Melbourne autumn).

Is Facebook the first go-to when looking for a host family?

Facebook was the first and only online platform that Lydia used to look for a host family since there were no great alternatives she came across. She was able to contact about 15 families through Facebook but most of them lived in smaller towns. Since Lydia wanted a much bigger place like Melbourne or Sydney, she continued to look for a family and finally found one that’s perfect for her preference.

How were your first two weeks of being an Aupair?

The family that hosted Lydia already hosted several Aupairs so it wasn’t difficult for her to get along with the family because they already knew what she needs. It also helped that she’s been to different countries so when she came to Australia as an Aupair, she didn’t have a hard time adjusting.

Was it easy to bond with the host family?

Lydia’s host-family already had an experience with Aupairs so they understand that some Aupairs prefer to explore new places on their own. This is why even though they invited Lydia to go somewhere, she was still free to go and discover places by herself.

How easy was it to connect to other Aupairs?

Facebook made it easier for Lydia to meet with other Aupairs around the area. But she also came with a friend and her twin sister, so they were quick to adjust, as they were Aupairs as well. She shared with us how happy she was to find more Aupairs like her that are nice and fun to be with.

Do you consider yourself a different person now that you’re an Aupair?

Lydia was quick to answer us and said how she was able to learn how to cook now that she’s an Aupair. She’s vegetarian so she had to prepare a different meal for her host family which helped her discover her hidden cooking skills.

What will you take back home?

Lydia noticed that the people in Australia seem to always having fun and are sociable. She said they do not act their age which was pretty impressive. The vibrant and fun vibes that the people in Australia have are something Lydia will take with her back to her country.

Will being an Aupair benefit you in the future?

Having been an Aupair has taught Lydia to become an independent and responsible woman. She said the traits she learned are going to be a big help in her future carrier.

What advice can you give for another Aupair?

If you’re thinking about being an Aupair, Lydia advises that you stop overthinking or worrying about everything because it doesn’t help. You have to have a positive attitude by thinking that everything is going to be alright. Always be open to anything – whether it is learning new things or meeting new people.

What is your next big thing after being an Aupair?

Getting back to school will be Lydia’s next priority. Her parents also advised her to study as soon as possible and to not wait until she was old. We are amazed by how determined Lydia is in achieving her goals in life. [Editor note: Lydia is about to graduate from a University in Denmark and had just completed a much sought-after internship at EY in Germany].

Did your host family give you a list of tasks?

Lydia’s host-family, in fact, gave her an Aupair book that shows what her daily routines are, what types of food the children enjoy, a map that shows where the closest bus stations are, and a lot of other helpful tips. The Aupair book helped Lydia do her job more efficiently and meet the needs of her host family.

If you’re encouraged by Lydia’s enthusiasm and you want to hear more from other Aupairs join us here 99Aupairs_AupairsOnly facebook group.

If you’re currently thinking about becoming an Aupair but you don’t know where to start, don’t hesitate to contact us via support@99Aupairs.com or simply register here.