South African Au Pairs
Living abroad as an Au Pair is extremely common in South Africa. Our South African Au Pairs typically decide to join the program before beginning college. Because of their school schedule, most Au Pairs from South Africa prefer to arrive between September and December.
English and Afrikaans are the official languages of South Africa. Afrikaans is very similar to Dutch and the Scandinavian languages. For most of our South African Au Pairs, English is their first language.
Daycares are common in South Africa and most Au Pairs gain their child care experience through working or volunteering in these centers. This is why all of our South African Au Pairs placed in the U.S. had experience with children in the 2-5 year and 5-10 year age groups. Also, over half of our Au Pairs from South Africa had experience with children under the age of two prior to their arrival.
What do Host Parents say about their Au Pairs from South Africa?
Stacy has been a Host Mom with Go Au Pair since 2005. Her most recent Au Pair, Tarryn, is from South Africa. Tarryn has spent nearly two years with Stacy's family as their Au Pair.
How well did your Au Pair assimilate into your home?
"Our Au Pair assimilated very well. Since English is the first language in South Africa, we didn’t have any communication barriers. It also helped with the kids homework because she was able to understand everything. The only thing is that they drive on the other side of the road but we bought her driving lessons and took her out constantly at the beginning and then there were no issues due to that factor."
What cultural differences did you encounter?
"I think there weren’t many cultural differences. As with someone new in your home you need to adjust to their personalities and how they do things but overall it came together very nicely."
Would you ever choose another Au Pair from South Africa?
"I would only consider bringing in Au Pairs from South Africa. My first one from South Africa was terrific, and we are in the process of working to bring her back to our home, and my second one from South Africa stayed for 2 years. If I could keep her longer, I would."