Au Pair programs give young people all over the world the opportunity to experience cultural exchange and to learn more about American culture and traditions. Although the Au Pair program is a great learning experience for both Au Pairs and Host Families, at times it can be a little difficult for Au Pairs who have to adjust to a new culture and language.

Adjusting to a different culture is not always an easy process; in fact it is a process that has been studied by many psychologists and social relations experts. Everyone who travels to a foreign land experiences cultural shock in some way. It comes from not knowing what to expect and how to react in some circumstances, but this challenge can be a great opportunity to learn and to develop some new social skills. Some stages in this adjustment process have been categorized and described as the following:

The first stage is called the “honeymoon stage”; it is usually when Au Pairs first arrive to the country. Au Pairs are excited about the differences in cultures and are interested to learn more about them. “The focus is on the sense of success in being in the new culture; curiosity and interest in the novelty of the new surroundings; and an appreciation and anticipation of the opportunities to be found in the new culture.”

Usually after the first stage comes the crises phase, also known as the culture shock stage. “In this stage, the primary focus is on the differences between one’s home culture, the new culture and the conflicts that arise due to these differences.” Some of these conflicts can include not knowing what to expect from people, not being understood the way you intended and noticing that some people are somewhat prejudiced against people from different cultures. “A sense of lack of control of one’s life may lead to depression, isolation, anger, or hostility.” (Michael Winkelman, “Cultural Shock and Adaptation”) This is the hardest phase, but once it is passed, the next phase is the recovery stage.

After having spent some time in the new culture, people begin to resolve some of the conflicts they may have experienced and also begin to regain a sense of appreciation that they might have experienced in the first stage.” In this stage, Au Pairs are usually more adapted to the new culture, know the language a little better and understand what to expect from people and different situations.

The recovery stage is usually followed by the Adaptation Stage. “This stage consists of people developing a realistic understanding of the similarities and differences between their home cultures and the new culture, so that they have clearer ideas about what they like and dislike in each.” The main characteristic of this stage is tolerance. Generally, Au Pairs have molded themselves to fit in the culture, and have a clearer understanding of why things work they way they do.

If you have ever spent some time in a different culture you can relate to some of those stages. It is important to know some people won’t engage in all of the stages and others will go through them in a different order.  However, understanding that this is a normal adjustment process will help families know what to expect when receiving an Au Pair in their home.  

For more information about cultural transition and adaptation, visit the websites:

http://www.counselingcenter.illinois.edu/?page_id=133

http://www.asu.edu/clas/shesc/projects/bajaethnography/shock.htm

Families frequently ask goAUPAIR representatives about traveling with their Au Pair. Are there any stipulations in the contract about traveling with an Au Pair? Can we take our Au Pair with us on our trip? Can Au Pairs work while traveling with our family? Because of the many questions goAUPAIR is asked about travel, we thought it would be beneficial to answer some of our most frequently asked questions about traveling with an Au Pair.

Can my Au Pair travel out of country during his/her first year?

Au Pairs are allowed to travel freely within the U.S. and may travel internationally during their first year of the program. Two forms of personal identification should always be taken to help ensure your travel will go as smooth as possible. As the DS-2019 document is required to re-enter the U.S., Au Pairs should ALWAYS take their DS-2019 and their passport when they travel.

In order to legally and safely travel internationally, Au Pairs will need to send their DS-2019 form into goAUPAIR's corporate office for travel validation prior to leaving the U.S. Travel validation is needed when an Au Pair will cross a port of entry - this includes cruises, U.S. territories, Canada and Mexico in addition to all other international travel. Au Pairs only need to submit their DS-2019 for travel validation once per year.

Remember to allow plenty of time for the DS-2019 to be mailed to goAUPAIR's corporate offices and back to your Au Pair. DS-2019’s should ALWAYS be sent via FedEx to ensure it is not lost in the mail. An additional fee is required for the DS-2019 to be FedEx’d back to the Au Pair and should be included when the DS-2019 is sent.

Are there any restrictions regarding what countries my Au Pair can travel to?

The international travel requirements are different for each nationality and while you as an American citizen may not need a visa to enter a certain country, your Au Pair might. Visit Embassy World to find out if your Au Pair will need a visa. Visa procedures for other countries can take several weeks, so make sure you find out what the requirements are well in advance.

Can my Au Pair travel out of country during his/her extension period?

International travel during an Au Pair's second year (extension period) is extremely limited and not recommended unless the Au Pair returns to his/her home country and applies for another visa at the U.S. Embassy. An exception to this limitation exists for Canada, Mexico and adjacent islands. Travel to Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean (except Cuba) for fewer than thirty days is allowed, even with an expired J-1 visa. This is known as visa revalidation.

Why can't my Au Pair travel in his/her second year, except to Canada, Mexico & the Bahamas?

The U.S. Department of State recently began allowing Au Pairs to stay for a second year. Because this program is relatively new, many people are confused about the regulations surrounding second year travel.

Travel during the second year works as the following - When an Au Pair extends, the DS-2019 is updated in the SEVIS so the dates are accurate; however, the physical copy of the visa is not updated and therefore no longer valid for travel. Because of the United State's strong relationships with Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean countries, the Department of State has authorized travel to those few countries during an Au Pair's second year.

Can an Au Pairs work while traveling with their Host Families? 

For families who plan on taking their Au Pair on vacation with them, it is important to decide in advance if the Au Pair is working during that time or is also on vacation and free to sight-see on his/her own. Many Host Families choose to split the time between working days and vacation days for their Au Pair while on vacation, but it is best to discuss this with your Au Pair when initial plans are made so that there is no confusion during the actual trip.

Please let us know if you have other travel questions that are not answered in this post. We would be happy to address them personally or in another post about Au Pair and Host Family travel.