The au pair journey in the U.S. is a unique and enriching cultural exchange experience, bringing immense personal growth and unforgettable memories. However, as the saying goes, "Life moves pretty fast". One moment you're arriving, and the next, your au pair program is nearing its end, leaving you to wonder: what comes next?
Recognizing the importance of preparing for this transition, Au Pair Weekend (APW) hosted a valuable session titled "AU PAIR EXIT: Life After the Program". Featuring insights from hosts Sharon (APW Program Development Coordinator), Emily (APW City Director, Instructor and professional photographer), and Regan (APW Program Development and Marketing Coordinator), the session provided au pairs with tools and guidance for planning their next steps. It was emphasized that it's never too soon to start thinking about your au pair exit, even if you've just arrived.
So, how can you effectively plan your transition and leverage your au pair experience for future success? Let's explore the key takeaways from the APW session.
Your time as an au pair can present challenges such as feeling homesickness, navigating cultural differences, or possibly going through a rematch process. Taking time to reflect on these difficulties and how you overcame them is a powerful exercise in self-discovery.
Think about one significant challenge you faced and how you got through it. What did you learn about yourself in the process? One au pair shared how setting a specific date to re-evaluate her homesickness helped her realize her strength and ability to persevere.
Overcoming such hurdles highlights the strengths you've developed during your au pair program. Words like endurance, perseverance, resilience, determination, and adaptability are not only key to understanding your own growth but are also incredibly valuable to mention on your resume and in cover letters for future career or academic pursuits.
What happens when your au pair year concludes? Your path forward is wide open:
It's helpful to explore these options now. Consider taking a short course, perhaps one that fulfills your J-1 visa education requirement, to see if further education interests you. If travel is a possibility, visiting another country could help you decide if you'd like to spend more time there. You could even consider going home briefly before your program ends to assess if extending your program is the right choice.
To explore Au Pair Weekend courses that can help you meet visa requirements or simply pursue interests, visit our Courses page.
If travel is part of your plan after the au pair program, here's a great travel hack shared during the session: Google Flights. It's an excellent tool for finding affordable flight options, whether you're traveling domestically within the U.S. or internationally. You can search for the cheapest flights to a specific city or use the "anywhere" feature if you're flexible on your destination. While you don't have to book through Google Flights, it's ideal for planning.
Make the most of your remaining time in the U.S. by creating a bucket list of things you want to do or see before you leave.
And importantly, document your experiences and preserve your memories from your au pair year:
Your au pair experience has equipped you with invaluable skills highly transferable to almost any career or academic path. Think about how to showcase your:
Here are some essential tools and tips for leveraging this experience:
For those interested in improving their English language skills for future academic or career goals, Au Pair Weekend offers Intermediate and Advanced English courses. While these courses can be listed on your resume, please note that they do not provide a specific language level certification required by some universities. You can explore our online courses and in-person classes on our website.
Saying goodbye at the end of your au pair program can be emotional, but it's important to leave on a high note. Consider throwing a party with friends and your host family to make the goodbyes a positive experience. Emphasize staying in touch – through social media, email, or even planning future visits. Maintaining these connections can be incredibly rewarding.
It's also completely normal to experience reverse culture shock when you return to your home country. You might feel homesickness for the U.S. or miss the life you built here. Coping strategies include:
Au Pair Weekend (APW) is here to support au pairs throughout their journey and beyond. We offer various courses designed specifically for au pairs, including online and in-person options. You can take APW courses even if you don't need them for J-1 visa credits.
Sign up for our APW newsletter to receive information about future sessions like "Au Pair Exit," upcoming courses, and other helpful resources.
As a thank you for reading, use discount code "AFTER25" when registering for any future Au Pair Weekend course! (This code expires June 7, 2025).
If you have any questions about our courses, the au pair program, or planning your au pair exit, you can always email us at info@opairclasses.org.
Your au pair year is a transformative experience filled with growth and new skills. By reflecting on your journey, planning your next steps, and utilizing the tools discussed, you can confidently transition to your next adventure, ready to leverage the incredible skills and memories you've gained! Visit aupairclasses.org to learn more about how we can support you.