Au Pair Diary - Advise & Updates

So, exciting news! I decided to choose Au Pair Care as my agency, that decision was mostly based on the fact they accepted applicants without a driving license. I'm incredibly happy with my choice and so far there have been no problems. I have also submitted my application and I also attended an interview with my 'local' rep:

Gathering documentation.
My biggest piece of advise to any Au Pair wanting to join a agency/program, is to print off your documents (medical form, police check, references etc) and get working on them right away. My local doctors office (The Glen Medical just to name and shame) to the mickey with how long they took filling out a simple form and baring in mind I was paying for this form, the service was awful and really held up my application (i'm talking months here people) So print everything off and give yourself 24 hours to send everything off to be completed. This will really speed things up, while you are waiting for those to come back you can work on your Au Pair Room (application).

Application form
Something else you want to start working on right away, is your introductory video and pictures. I would advise you put 2 separate days into making the video and taking pictures with children you know/care for (if you don't already have them) Don't leave it until the last moment like me! Then simply fill in your application form, giving as much detail as you can. Concentrate on your host family letter, make it warm, personal and thoughtful - sell yourself! This is the easiest part in the whole application.

 Local interview
Once your application is completed and all of your paperwork have been returned to you, you can submit your application! Exciting! Again, do this straight away once you have everything in your hand - don't wait one more moment. Usually within a few working days, you will recieve a email from yout countries representative asking you where you would like your interview to take place. My interviewer was 150 miles away :| - not so local. But I got there and back in the end. The interview is very simple, they basically answer any questions you have, go through a simple presentation and ask basic interview questions (why you want to be an Au Pair? what would you do if a child hurt themselves?) Then you have a psychometric test - which was very bizarre but nothing to scary, look this up online before the interview, but again there are no right or wrong answers.

Au Pair Diary: Choosing the best agency

Choosing your agency : Going with an agency is the safest and cheapest way to become an Au Pair, you can go through a website like Au Pair World and find a family through a matching profiles and emailing - this is very risky, the family has not been background checked or vetted. Below are a number of Au Pair agencys in the USA and which ones I will be applying with.

Au Pair In America {http://www.aupairinamerica.com} 2013 Programme Fee £399

APIA has the best reputation online, it has a thriving Facebook community (something I look for) my local APIA rep has called at least 3 times in the past year calling on my progress and they do hold information evenings in my local town. The only thing which stopped me from applying with APIA is that they require you to have a driving license to submit your application, however I am determined to pass my driving test before August and apply with APIA. They provide a lot of information and leaflets to potential Au Pairs and their application is very straight forward and simple.I also like the option of the Extraordinaire programme since I do qualify, meaning an extra $55 per week in pay for me.

AuPairCare {www.aupaircare.com} 2013 Programme Fee £399 - £299 for Infant care

APC also has a good reputation and good Facebook community,they also do not require you to have a driving license, but also warn that matching to a family without a license will take much longer. The communication between Au Pairs and staff can be a little complicated and lengthy as well however the application its self is simple and quite fast one you have everything completed you need.

Cultural Care {www.culturalcareaupair.com} 2013 Programme Fee £509

CC over all, does not have the best reputation online by reviews and things I researched online, also you are unable to apply and register right away - I found myself waiting 5 days until I could join a 'meeting' to find out more about CC. Quite frustrating when you want to match right away. Never the less, I found myself applying for this one as well - will keep you posted on how easy the application process is.

Au Pair Diary

So, I have been thinking and trying to be an Au Pair in the states for almost a year now, a few things have been stopping me - fear, doubts, money, lack of driving license, even my parents. However I can't shake this feeling that this is something I have to do. I want to travel the states, to care for a child like my own sibling, to find myself and force myself to face my social anxiety head on and to meet some real friends. I think being an Au Pair in the US will help me to do this. I hope you follow my journey to finding an agency, finding a family and flying to America to stay with my host family for a year (or even longer if it works out!) I will be posting Au Pair tips such as packing videos, preparing for interviews/skype calls, essential / first aid pack posts, child care ideas and of course fashion / haul posts. Stay tuned!

Fashion Favorite {ModCloth.com}

My new favorite online store of the moment, www.modcloth,com, such a great site to browse, get inspiration from, and of course SHOP! They specialize in vintage style apparel, accessories and shoes! They are super reasonable priced, and their international shipping rates are incredible, even free when you spend over a certain amount! Check our my favouite picks below, and I do plan on purchasing these diamonds on payday! Be sure to check out the 'coming soon' section to!

Windy City Dress in Coral{$64.99} & Shimmer Takes All Dress {67.99}

Marzipan Rover Bag {$18.99}

The Best $ales of 2013

1 } Studded Portfolio Clutch (was £32 now £16) - Accessorize
2 } Stardust Stone Ring (was £12 now £6) - Accessorize
3 } Juicy Couture 30ml EDP set (was £35 now £23) Debenhams
4 } Blue Tweed Belted Peplum Top (was £25 now £12) River Island
5 } GEM Crystal Covered Bow Courts (was £55 now £30) Topshop
6 } Gem Bead Cami Top (was £36 now £20) Topshop
7 } Ax Paris Magenta Bandeau Peplum Dress (was £26 now £20) New Look
8 } Mela Monochrome Houndstooth Print Zip Dress (was £25 now £12) New Look
9 } Cream Decorative Floral Mantel Clock (was £35 now £24) Laura Ashley
10 } Champagne Decorative Classic Frame (was £18 now £9) Laura Ashley
11 } Lounging Poolside Chemise (was £58 now £20) Anthropologie
12 } Safia cushion truffle (was £35 now £28 ) House of Fraser
13 }  Vivienne Westwood Naughty Alice EDP 50ml set (was £55 now £27) Perfume Shop