Once your arrive at their home and have made enough small talk, begin to write out a work agreement between you two.

Although I signed a work agreement with the office as an ‘au pair’, the mother of the first family that I stayed with had the idea that I did not get any days off, as well as ridiculous household chores that would only aid someone’s OCD, I imagine.

For example, after dinner I would have to clear the table, wash the dishes, put the rest in the dishwasher, shake off the tablecloth, fold in precisely, scrub the counters, sweep the floor, wash the floor, take the children outside to play, bathe them, and put them to bed.

After using every minute of my day to teach her children English, and do the work of her maid so that the maid could take a month off of work, I was tired.

She then approached me and told me that she would not pay me because I had not fulfilled my duties.

So unless you can fight a screaming mother to get paid, just set an agreement out of exactly what your “light housekeeping duties will be.” Establish that you are there to teach, and what they can expect from you.  

I wondered for days before I embarked what it would be like to live with another family across the Atlantic Ocean?

My head was in the wrong place, families are similar everywhere for the basic point that they all love the same. 

 Siblings fight, boys bite, girls scream and all parents love their vices.

It wasn’t the challenge of a culture difference, it was a wealth difference. In some cases, families are very much the same and humble about their accomplishments.

The first family I was with loved to challenge the other parents at the school into a ‘ let’s spoil our kids’ match.

Both boys has battery powered cars, sharply dressed and a high allowance. In these cases, be prepared for these families to have a superiority complex.

But, if you’re like me then you won’t even really give a damn, because you’re in another country, eating amazing food, and you won’t let them kill your vibe.

They prefer you only speak English with their children, hoping they will pick up on it easier. And although it’s easy to brush off the idea of learning a second language, pick yourself up a phrasebook and practice!

Learning their language is to mainly benefit yourself. Assure yourself that you will understand the children, merchants, and be able to defend yourself when the mother yells at you.

I stayed with 3 families during my time there, and the first family was abusive. The others were gems, caring, loving and amazing.  Read more about that here. 

Unless otherwise stated in your work agreement, you are entitled to your weekends/ days off. Declare it! 

The first family I was with refused to give me time off, which was just a small part of their ugly attributes. But I must admit that it was my fault for not declaring it, although I tried I should have been more demanding.

The real world is filled with assholes taking advantage of each other, but don’t let that stop you from taking the trip. Grow, as a young woman/man and challenge yourself by confronting the real world for what you deserve. 

During any trip, whether it be a ‘work abroad’ one, an all-inclusive vacation or a road trip- you’re going to come to a point where you can’t believe how much money you are spending. 

It’s all about perspective. 

Save enough to cover your needs, but overall you should just enjoy yourself. We are all in debt, might as well be in debt for something you heart aches for. 

Material goods won’t last forever, but the memories you make abroad will be cherished your entire life.